Historic Kingswood pub reopens with new look

A pub that has been closed for more than a year is getting a new lease of life.

The newly-renovated Rose & Crown on Two Mile Hill is already proving popular with locals, who have flocked through its doors since they first reopened earlier this month, giving those first customers the red carpet treatment.

The historic pub has been taken on by Christopher Williams, the former manager of The White Horse in Hambrook, and Ben Dossett. The pair say they really want it to be a Bristol pub, not just a pub in Bristol.

The newly-opened premises has a bar stocked with local brews and tipples, a new snug with fireplace and an outdoor garden. The plan is to open the kitchen in the autumn.

The front of the Rose & Crown looking spruced up – photo: Caitlin Quinn

Speaking about the pub, Christopher says: ”When we came to view the property it was so sad to see the level of disrepair that big breweries and landlords let befall such magnificent buildings. It was also very sad to see how many people came to view with the intention of developing the site into houses and flats.”

The new landlord continues: “There’s a massive focus on local and sustainable products. I think it’s really important that we play a part in the circular economy of Bristol rather than creating wealth for larger corporations that doesn’t benefit the local economy. With that in mind, we pay all of our staff above the living wage too and are very proud to be able to say we do so.”

The Rose & Crown is finally open after being close for more than a year – photo: Caitlin Quinn

The team are pleased with how things have gone so far. “The most enjoyable thing about the experience is being able to welcome people in and get all the amazing feedback that we have been having. It makes it all worthwhile,” says Christopher.

Asked whether food will be back, he adds: “The kitchen should be opening at the end of September as long as we don’t have any other setbacks. But we’ll keep people updated as we go along.

“The reaction from locals has been great so far, some are disappointed they can’t get a free curry with a pint for £3 but it’s not the same venue it was. We’re seeing a wonderful mix of locals using us who would otherwise have to trek all the way to Church Road for something a little nicer. It helps that we’re family-friendly, dog-friendly and fully inclusive.”

The owners of the newly-renovated pub say its family-friendly and inclusive – photo: Caitlin Quinn

That certainly holds true for the people enjoying the garden in the sun. Kevin and Michelle Elston, who live in Kingswood, were both thrilled to see the pub reopen.

Kevin says: “The old place was a bit spit and sawdust, but this place is much nicer- we’ve not been here for years and we’re very impressed”.

He continues “It’s nice for children, there’s nothing bad to say about the place – and they’ve got the outside area”

https://www.facebook.com/Roseandcrownbristol/photos/a.130408179606296/141907055123075/

Tim Jeffree from Wiper and True says the brewery team is delighted to be working with the Rose & Crown’s new landlords.

“It’s great to add another venue in east Bristol, somewhere we haven’t had a massive presence in the past but we’re keen to have more business going forward,” Tim told Bristol24/7.

On Facebook, Tom said: “It’s a real honour to know people are asking for our beer. We’re really proud of everything we make so hearing that punters love it just as much is brilliant.

“After being shut for a while, it’s nice to see the pub open again and serving the community – even better that we get to be a part of it”

There are plenty of local beers at the Rose & Crown – photo: Caitlin Quinn

Caitlin Quinn is reporting on Kingswood, deaf and disabled communities as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media

Main photo: Caitlin Quinn

Read more: A-Z Bristol pub crawl: The Annexe, Bishopston

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: