News & Stories from the Rose & Crown

Getting Christmas Ready: Our Team Day with The Old Red Lion

Written by:

Ian Holt is the owner of The Old Red Lion in Horseheath and The Rose & Crown in Ashdon, two beloved countryside pubs known for their warm atmospheres and excellent service. With a passion for hospitality, Ian has transformed both establishments into popular destinations for locals and visitors, offering quality food, fine ales, and a true sense of community. His commitment to preserving the charm and heritage of traditional British pubs is evident in every detail of the guest experience.

Published on:

30 September 2026

Filed in:

News

Long before the first Christmas booking arrives, a lot happens behind the kitchen door. This week we brought both of our teams together at the Rose & Crown – our own crew and our friends from The Old Red Lion in Horseheath – to fine-tune this year’s Christmas dishes and get them ready for a big photoshoot.

Overhead view of a Christmas table: turkey dinner, croquette starter, white wine, the Christmas menu and a small tree

The Rose & Crown Christmas menu on a clipboard, laid on a wooden table with wine glasses and little Christmas trees

Who was there

Fran & Liam – chefs at the Rose & Crown
Stefan & Aamon – chefs at The Old Red Lion
Luciana – manager at The Old Red Lion
Lilia – our new front of house at the Rose & Crown
Sam – our photographer for the day
Ian & Tracy – landlords of the Rose & Crown

Breakfast first

No big day starts on an empty stomach, so everyone was treated to a proper English breakfast – with bacon and sausages from Priors Hall Farm, and fresh bread and mushrooms from the Ashdon Farm Shop here in the village. A proper local start to the day.

Getting the dishes just right

Then it was down to business. Working through the Christmas menu dish by dish, the chefs finessed each plate while Sam photographed every course – from the Lincolnshire Poacher twice baked soufflé and smoked haddock croquettes to our butter roasted Essex Grove Smith turkey with all the trimmings, treacle cured sirloin of Herefordshire beef, roasted lemon sole, and a rich chocolate & Seville orange cheesecake to finish.

Close-up of a knife cutting into sliced Christmas turkey with roast potatoes, carrots and gravy

Overhead close-up of Lincolnshire Poacher twice baked soufflé topped with crispy leeks and walnuts, with pickled walnut ketchup

Treacle cured sirloin of Herefordshire beef with potato and horseradish rosti, cavolo nero, squash and nutmeg purée and bone marrow jus

Roasted lemon sole with sautéed new potatoes, samphire and braised baby fennel, finished with white wine sauce

Smoked haddock & spring onion croquettes with lemon mayo, pickled radish, chicory and crispy garnish

Rich chocolate & Seville orange cheesecake with blood orange fluid gel, toasted marshmallow and orange tuile

A real team effort from both pubs, ready for the busiest – and best – time of the year.

A warm welcome to Lilia

Lilia has joined us as front of house at the Rose & Crown, so if you’re in over the coming weeks, do say hello.

Book your Christmas table

Our Christmas menu is served from 2nd to 27th December (Sundays feature our normal menu): 2 courses £38.95 · 3 courses £44. A 50% deposit is required when booking. See the full Christmas menu or book a table – or call us on 01799 610949.