Celebrating 43 years at the Rose & Crown in Oxford earlier this year, Andrew and Deborah Hall’s passion for the pub trade hasn’t diminished even in the most challenging of times. Based on North Parade Avenue, one of the city’s most popular shopping streets, the Rose & Crown first began pulling pints back in 1863 with Andrew and Deborah taking over on the 21st February 1983.
Inside a Charming Village Pub
A beautiful, traditional English public house in the truest sense, the picturesque pub is small with seating for just 40 people but oozes warmth and charm. With pubs across the UK and Ireland beset on all sides by a tornado of challenges and desperate for a successful summer, Andrew and Deborah have been proactive by investing in a new glass roof for their courtyard seating area.
“People are definitely drinking and visiting the pub less, especially the younger generations,” says Deborah. “We used to be busy from 5pm until last orders but people seem to head home earlier. Lunchtime drinking is a thing of the past as well, so you have to adapt.”
“Being a small pub with just 40 seats, we have always been a bit restricted in what we could do. The courtyard has always been a great place to eat and drink but the English weather can make it difficult. The new glass roof cover is fully retractable but more importantly fully wind, rain and cold proof so guests can eat and drink outside in confidence and comfort. We’re excited about what it can offer us this spring and summer.”
A Classic Menu with a Modern Outlook
The menu is a small and simple yet sumptuous selection of British pub classics and Deborah has run the kitchen since the couple took over. “When we first took the pub on, we were definitely more wet-led but that has changed, especially over the last 20 years where food has become more important,” she notes.
“Our menu offers a concise selection of home cooked traditional pub grub. It includes a freshly made soup each day, a homemade fish pie and punters just looking for a snack can enjoy a pint or a half of sausages. The Country Range brand is a regular in our pantry, especially the seasonings, bouillons and sauces.”
A proud family endeavour, the couple’s son Adam is also now a key part of business and is crucial in ensuring the pub moves with the times, while retaining its character. “Adam does a fantastic job running the accounting and buying side of things, which is good because eating and drinking habits have changed and he probably understands the younger generation and trends better. For example, we now have a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks, which is becoming increasingly important.”
While thankful of the Labour U-turn on business rates for pubs in January, Deborah feels more was needed and is far from convinced it will be enough for many pubs. “The U-turn was just a sticking plaster. The industry has been on its knees since Covid and for many pubs, the support package announced by the Chancellor in January was just a stay of execution.”
