Rose and Crown, Trowbridge. (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Rose and Crown, Trowbridge.

4:00pm Thursday 5th April 2012 in Eating Out Reviews By Alison Phillips

“Well,” said my lunch companion, looking round delightedly, “This has certainly changed since I used to come in here when I was at college!”

Which is the whole point of the extensive revamp the Rose and Crown has had. Both from inside and out, you would hardly recognise the pub, which sits on the railway bridge at one of the main entrances to the town.

Its new, chic, brown and cream exterior is matched by a lovely light interior, with huge mirrors, prints with old views of Trowbridge, wood floors and a light and airy feel.

The business aims to offer something for everyone, from business people who want somewhere to take a client to coffee to those seeking a good night out, a hearty evening meal or, like us, a lunch venue for the girls.

Seated on comfy chairs, we began with a bowl of nachos to share, which came with generous toppings of melted cheese, soured cream, salsa and jalapeno peppers. You could also convert this into a main dish by adding strips of chicken, and on another visit I would go for this, for as a starter it was quite substantial.

Deciding we were not hungry enough for steak, which looked the best item on quite a short menu, we turned instead to the homemade pizzas, and ended up ordering a mushroom variety, with several different types of fungi, and a meat feast, which came loaded with bacon, beef, chicken and pepperoni slices.

A bowl of handcut chunky chips completed the meal, and we were pleased to see real mayonnaise, in a small bowl, arrive, rather than the sachets of dressing you often get. Our pizzas were clearly hand crafted and very filling – only opt for the 12 inch variety if you are sharing, or have a teenage appetite!

There was not quite enough left to doggy bag, although I’m sure our smiling waitress would have been only too happy to produce one. It’s that sort of place, where you feel as if nothing you could ask would be too much trouble. The prices were very reasonable, our final bill for food and soft drinks coming to £21.85.

Rose and Crown, Stallard Street, Trowbridge, BA14 9AA, 01225 938936.

* Open Monday-Sunday, 10am-midnight

* Menu has main meals, light bites and lunchtime options, priced from £3.95-£11.95

* Comedy and open mic nights monthly <//p>

* Disabled welcome, but there is a step into part of bar area