The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow

Thing's are going in the right direction if a little slowly. All the bric-a-brac that used to be a 'feature' has thankfully been consigned to the bin, or the cellar I believe. This has allowed the new landlords to clean off the 20+ years of dust that had accumulated and to give the place a coat of paint which is still ongoing. The place retains a rather odd smell which I assume is from the remaining furniture and carpets - reminds one of a rather stale museum. I gather that certainly the furniture will be sorted soon.

Gone are the TV screens - bringing an end to the football night madness that used to go on in the place and gone also at the moment is the sound system which means there's no more Kiss FM/MTV forced upon you at intolerable volumes either. I will miss neither.

I do hope this shift in format will bring enough custom to make the place a success because it's much more pleasant for someone who wants to enjoy a drink and a conversation without some of the intrusions and the 'characters' that used to frequent the place. The owners/bar staff seem very friendly and not the usual sullen crowd that seem to flit between this pub and the Bell.

Beer seems ok and not too expensive.

23 May 2008 00:02