BROMYARD'S pubs have had a bit of a turbulent time over the last year, with various openings and closures.
I'm a big fan of a good pub, and as a Bromyard local the Tipsy Toad has become my go-to pub in the town since its opening in 2024.
But with the news that the nearby Rose and Lion has reopened after a fairly brief closure, I was keen to pop in and see what it has to offer.
The pub in the town's New Road reopened its doors on Friday December 12, with Greg Williams and Jayne Davies taking the helm.
With many years in the trade, the couple have previously run the Stockton Cross in Kimbolton and the Market Tavern in Tenbury Wells.
Ahead of the reopening Mr Williams said it was great to have a tenancy with more security and free rein after working as managers at previous pubs, with the pair planning a wet-led pub with snacks, cobs and pork pies.
Walking inside, the pub is quite light and airy and has plenty of space available. I was pleased to see a lighted woodburner going, which always adds to the pubby atmosphere, and there are still plenty of character features on show throughout the bar area, including exposed stone, panelling and beams.
The wooden furnishings are in keeping with a traditional pub, which was also great to see.
The pub itself belongs to Wye Valley Brewery, which also owns the Barrels, the Vaga Tavern and the Britannia in Hereford, the Chequers in Leominster , the Pelican in Gloucester and the Morgan in Malvern, so it is no surprise that there were Wye Valley beers on the pump.
It's always nice to be able to order local beer in a local pub, so something that was made just a couple of miles down the road in Stoke Lacy is perfect, in my book.
Between three of us, we ordered a pint of Pyoneer, a Butty Bach, and a HPA, all of which were well-kept and as enjoyable as ever! Our round of drinks came to £12.60, with each pint costing an average of £4.20.
We chose to sit a little away from the bar, in an alcove where there is an area set up for bands to play, which is a nice addition to the pub.
The pub is dog friendly, with a few four-legged friends joining their owners for a pint, and over the time that we were there got pretty busy.
I think my one criticism would be that our seating, a repurposed church pew, was a bit on the hard side and could have benefitted from a cushion. Otherwise we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this newly reopened pub, and I'm very much looking forward to being able to sit out in the beer garden when summer returns.
The Rose and Lion is open from 3pm to 11pm Monday to Friday, midday to 11pm on Saturday and midday to 10pm on Sunday.
Editor's note: this article has been edited to correct the list of Wye Valley Brewery pubs, which incorrectly included the Plough Inn at Stoke Lacy
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