Rose & Crown returns to Lewes

After months of rumors, owners of the Hotel Rodney recently confirmed their newest tenant will be an updated version of the Rose & Crown pub, with plans for an April opening in the now-vacant restaurant space on Market Street.

A long-time local favorite, the original Rose & Crown operated for more than 20 years, offering British pub fare in the center of Second Street until 2005.

With the Rose & Crown a not-so-distant memory for many, when the most recent restaurant to occupy the hotel addition did not renew its lease in December, Hotel Rodney Owner Jim O’Hare said he began looking into opening another full-service restaurant, and the old favorite seemed to fit the bill.

“We know that a lot folks were sad to see the original Rose & Crown close,” he said.  “With so many great restaurants here in town, it is hard to find an original niche.  So we are bringing back an old favorite.”

Currently, the hotel lobby and addition are under renovations to create the new restaurant space and increase the size of the bar, O’Hare said. The updated Rose & Crown will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner through the summer months and offer British pub fare, not unlike the original pub's.

The restaurant portion of the Hotel Rodney has been home to several eateries over the course of the 24-room hotel’s history, including The Buttery, which is now on the corner of Savannah Road and Second Street, and most recently, Besemé .

Bringing back more than just the name, owners of the future Rose & Crown said they hope to offer the same pub games and fare, from favorites such as bangers and mash and fish and chips, to lighter, updated dishes such as entrée salads, homemade soups, grilled sandwiches and a variety of burgers.

Hiring is not anticipated to begin until closer to the anticipated April opening, but at least one member of management from the old restaurant is already on board.

For more information, contact the Hotel Rodney at 1-302-645-6466.