DESPITE appearing from the outside as if it were a characterless carvery, the Rose and Crown in Southdown Road, Harpenden, redeems itself with a warm and friendly interior.

The tables in the main bar area are set generously apart and not squashed together to boost the number of covers like in so many pubs. At the time of my visit, just after 1.30pm on a Friday afternoon, well-heeled locals were busy tucking into appetizing-looking food, discussing planning issues and quaffing lunchtime beverages with evident satisfaction.

The strains of Miles Davis were just audible above the informed conversations, which, while not exactly lending it the air of a Bohemian hangout, nevertheless enhanced my enjoyment of the place. Past the main bar is a bright and airy conservatory which housed the main eating area and from what I can gather, the pub is famed for its cuisine.

While I had to content myself with a cheese salad baguette from the rather limited lunch menu, I managed a quick glimpse of the evening menu which certainly looked promising roast poussin in particular whet my appetite.

Several papers were available at the bar but people seemed more interested in each other a trait which is becoming all too rare it seems.

I was also pleased to find a roomy car park, a definite rarity these days, and the service was immediate and friendly though thankfully not obsequious.

A pleasant sloping garden was also on view accessible through the conservatory.

With so much on offer, it's not hard to recommend The Rose and Crown. Situated slightly off the beaten track it's not hard to see why there is such an emphasis on good food and were I to go back, I'll definitely be trying that poussin.

AB