Tuesday May 22 2012
History Archive
Village History
Rebirth of a Lickey landmark
Posted on October 14 2009 at 1:20:42 0 comments
The Old Rose and Crown hotel is very much open for business, offering much-improved facilities at its enviable setting in the Lickey Hills.
The Old Rose and Crown hotel, sitting majestically on the Lickey Hills is a building of great historical interest – a real local landmark.
It started life more than 300 years ago as a court house, then became a coaching inn, where horses rested before the long climb up what is now Rose Hill.
More recently, it was purchased by the Cadbury family, who, along with many acres of the Lickeys, bequeathed the building to the Birmingham people. The hotel is operated by proprietor Andrew Hodges, an experienced hotelier and local resident.
Andrew and his wife Joanna had a vision when they took over the hotel – which is now coming to fruition.
“The hotel is in a fabulous location and has really loyal customers, but was really very run down when we took over,” says Andrew.
“We have also battled with the problem of people not thinking we are open! But I am delighted to report that a complete refurbishment of the hotel is coming to an end, and we are well and truly open for business.”
The interior design of the hotel has been overseen by Joanna, who has opted for reds, browns and creams throughout the function rooms and 11 guestrooms.
The guestrooms are individually designed, but each has a brand new en-suite shower room, plus flat screen TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. Now that the rooms are of such a high quality, many local people book in friends and relatives to stay at the hotel if they have run out of space at home.
As well as being one of the most popular wedding venues in the area, the hotel now opens for Sunday lunch, and for fish and chip suppers on a Friday evening. Sunday lunch is a very traditional affair, with meat being carved at diners’ tables by the chef, from a silver trolley.
Children are very welcome with kids’ menus available. These occasions mean people can visit the hotel without being a guest at a private function.
Having invested heavily in the refurbishment project, Andrew is now promoting the hotel widely, with weekly advertisements in two regional newspapers, plus a very exciting promotion with radio station BRMB in the pipeline.
The hotel wants to attract more conference business, and being so close to both the M5 and M42 is perfectly placed.
“Our function rooms are so light and airy, and with free wi-fi access are ideal for conferences. Some delegates like to include a round of golf at the adjoining golf course, or undertake outdoor team building exercises. And unlike some larger hotels, we can be totally flexible to the delegates’ needs,” says Andrew.
Customers seem genuinely attached to the hotel. “People who married here years ago now come back for their children’s and grandchildren’s weddings and christenings,” explained function co-ordinator Marie Lees. “Last autumn we had a couple who had married here join us for their Golden Wedding anniversary.”
Christmas is a particularly busy time. The hotel’s party nights have sold out this year, but there is availability for private lunches or dinners, including an express lunch for business diners with one eye on the time!
“We would be delighted to show any local people around, as we are so proud of how the hotel looks,” says Andrew, “so do please come and see us when you are passing.”
Old Rose and Crown Hotel
Rose Hill
Lickey B45 8RT
0121 453 3502
www.oldroseandcrown.com
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