The Address
Rose Valley Tavern, 111 Unthank Road, Norwich, NR2 2PE, 01603 630930

The Look
The Rose Valley Tavern was once a popular place, with a good cross section of locals using it. It is a pub I used a lot when I lived nearby. So I was surprised to find on my recent visit that it was virtually deserted. When I arrived (around lunchtime – normally a busy time) there was only one customer, and during the hour I spent there only two others arrived. It is devoid of character and atmosphere (though the lady manning the bar was a welcome friendly face, having worked there for years). It appears to have been stripped of all its facilities; only the pool table and one television remain. You can see where a flat screen once hung, due to the unpainted patch which was revealed when it was taken away. There is a lack of tables on one side and loads seem to have been crammed in on the other.

The Rose Valley Tavern is obviously in some sort of transition, I do hope it returns to being the familiar local so many of us remember. I will visit again soon, in anticipation of good changes. To be honest, I don’t think it could get any worse.

The Drinks
There is the expected selection of lagers and spirits, and a few Adnams bitters. There is a good selection of 5 single malts. The choice of wines was limited and disappointing.

The Food
Food is now only being served at the weekends. I am told that the chef uses locally sourced ingredients. During the week you will have to rely on the limited selection of crisps and nuts. When I last visited the Rose Valley Tavern, just a few months ago, I had a lovely meal, which was well priced, it seems a shame that this great food is now served in such a limited way.

The Entertainment
There is a pool table and a large flat screen television. I did notice a large pile of board games on a windowsill.

The Pub Teams
There are two pool teams on Mondays and Thursdays.

The Website
www.rosevalleytavern.com