Rose & Crown, Allgreave

A real gem of a cosy pub nestled against the hillside deep in the beautiful Peak District. Originally historic old coaching inn, and former toll-house & smithy. Formally owned by Robinsons, it became a free house in 2014 when purchased by Ian & Luda Rottenbury. The cask ale, usually served in a pot, is kept in excellent condition and sourced from local and wider breweries. Examples of local breweries are Peakstones, Wincle, Redwillow, Storm, Mobberley and Cheshire Brewhouse. The pub is open plan split into two areas - a small carpeted area on the left and a larger walker & dog friendly bar area on the right with a wood burner - most welcome after a winter walk. Whilst not a totally quiet pub, the background music is kept very low. There is now a separate restaurant on the left hand side of the pub.

The pub offers stunningly good food from the specials board inc. sandwiches plus a restaurant menu. Ian bakes his own bread which was sampled during a visit by a very damp group of walkers. The tasteful refurbishment is continuing with an outside bar coming soon, Hopes for a mini-beer festival in summer is welcomed.

An excellent base with it's pleasant accommodation to walk in the local area. See their website for details of local walks but the highlights close-by are Shutlingsloe (the Cheshire Matterhorn), Macclesfield Forest, the Roaches, Ludds Church and Three Shires Head (where three shires meet). Accommodation is three doubles and two twin rooms. There is some discretionary camping available in a nearby farmer's field using the pub facilities.

To the rear is an elevated beer garden which is also on the list to be refurbished although even now it's a lovely spot in the summer to look over the green valley.

Ian and Luda have been running licensed premises for many years in the local area and this new venue is now definitely back on the radar. Witnessed by the pub being awarded Winter 2015/16 Pub of the Season which saw a large group of real ale enthusiasts calling in for lunch & beer on a very wintry wet day. We were made most welcome.

Worth seeking out - not possible to get to by public transport but it's a great walk from Langley (accessible by bus) over Shuttlingsloe. Alternatively stay over and really enjoy the craic!