A CLASSIC country pub which is well worth a visit – the Rose and Crown in Pucklechurch prides itself as a destination food pub as well as being popular with locals.

The spacious bar and relaxing beer garden adds to its rural charm and the hearty, comforting menu and selection of real ales make the Rose and Crown the perfect stop off after a walk in the country or enduring cycle ride.

Manager Dean Craddock, who took over in January, said: “We are a real country pub.

“Custom is mainly food based at the moment but recently we have been getting more drinkers coming back in thanks to our ales and bitters.

“We serve proper hearty food, are family friendly and have a large play area and some pot belly pigs out the back.”

He added: “We are very local and use locally-sourced and freshly prepared food.

“We also get a lot of cyclists coming in.

“Private parties are catered for, such as christenings, funerals, small weddings and retirement parties.”

The pub’s high standards make it a favourite in the village and Mr Craddock said the entire team would be thrilled to win the Gazette’s Pub of the Year competition.

Use the form in the Gazette to vote for your favourite pub. The deadline is October 1.