53 Hoe Street,
Walthamstow,
London,
E17 4SA
(020) 8509 3880
The ViewLondon Review
Bohemian Walthamstow! A contradiction in terms? No - it’s alive and well at Ye Olde Rose and Crown on Hoe Street.
The Venue
The handsomely imposing Ye Olde Rose and Crown gives suburban Walthamstow an exciting injection of live theatre and music. Five partners have operated it since 2008; three of them have arts backgrounds. They realised that Walthamstow was changing and, as younger professionals were moving in and eager for live local entertainment, they set about providing for them.
There is an upstairs theatre ideal for studio productions. These have grown in number and roughly 200 performances of about 40 different shows are now held every year. The range is impressive – vibrant new works, classics and many musical productions. A recent version of Sondheim’s Follies received rave reviews.
Live music features in the main bar during the week, where East London bands relish the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Easy listening is the theme with a mix of popular, country and jazz. In addition, a downstairs function room is much-used by local community groups and societies.
The Atmosphere
Physically the Ye Olde Rose and Crown retains memoirs of its past as a Truman Hanbury and Buxton Estate House. There is wooden panelling, snob screens, settles and some etched glass.
One large bar enables efficient serving. This is also aided by the owners who all work at the pub. They have a commitment to good service and friendliness which is immediately evident.
This cosiness suits a clientele which reflects the diverse range of occupations and ages in the local area. Everyone mixes cheerfully and agreeably though. Theatre performances attract others from afar but they fit into the relaxed atmosphere.
The Food
You don’t go to the Ye Olde Rose and Crown for a gourmet experience. Food is a basic choice of soup, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, and one fresh daily special such as cottage pie. There is also a Sunday roast.
The Drink
Real ale is the jewel in the pub’s crown. It has four hand pumps and there were only two in 2008 so they’ve really stepped up their game. Further evidence: Ye Olde Rose and Crown was voted one of CAMRA’s 2010 East London Pubs Of the Year and it has been awarded a Cask Marque for beer quality as well. The ales are usually from small and micro-breweries, encouraging discerning quaffers to visit on a regular basis. Popular tipples include Sharp's Doombar (£3.15 a pint). In addition there's always a real artisan cider on handpump. One of the four lagers is San Miguel (£3.10 a pint).
The Last Word
The current vigour of Ye Olde Rose and Crown, after two years of change, shows how pubs can be transformed by energy and flair. Walthamstow has a theatre to cherish and a pub to enjoy. Get on to a Victoria line train to experience it.
Ye Olde Rose and Crown has been reviewed by 3 users