The Rose & Crown — Restaurant in La Flèche

On the way to Le Mans for an overnight stay and a meeting the following morning when we came across the sweet and seemingly sleepy town of Le Lude. As often happens when we travel to the Loire Valley, it was a pleasant surprise. A little research delivered a load of great reviews about the Rose & Crown in the centre of town and so popped in, it turned out to be a highlight of our trip. The Carpaccio was fantastic as was the steak tartare, (the Mega Burger is sensational we were told, if you’ve the appetite), all with very decent and enjoyable local Loire Valley wine, French ales from Cadette and English cider. I ordered an extra cheesecake to take out, it was that good as was the Crème Brûlée. The staff were also very enjoyable… Manageress Lulu, chef Molly and bartender Lilly, all very friendly and professional. Carl the owner, also. Great background music selection too, from the Stones to Florence & The Machine. Less sleepy than we thought as it turned out… And a great night out... Can’t recommend it enough. I’d have given it six stars had it not been for Carl being a Norwich City fan, me being from Ipswich and a season ticket holder at Portman Road. If you’re in that part of the Loire Valley though, pop in, The Rose & Crown is worth every...

Was really excited to find somewhere that served british fish and chips on a Friday night. They close at 11pm so we arrived at 9pm....you know a reasonable time to dinner on a Friday night...walk in, ask to sit, woman behind the bar was really rude, says we can't eat because its too late in the evening (I think she probably just wanted an early night) and she said that we wouldn't find anywhere to eat at this time of night, like we had rocked up at midnight on a Monday! If you don't serve food past a certain time...PUT IT ON YOUR WEBSITE!...

12 of us gathered at the Rose & Crown to hear Holly Marks sing. My first visit since the new owners had taken over. Lovely wine, excellent prawn tempura and the best fish and chips this side of the channel. Such excellent crispy batter. My only small criticism (hence four stars not five) was the lack of ice. Our jugs of water were tepid rather than cold, no ice in the wine cooler, and none in the G & T’s either. Apart from that an excellent meal and Holly Marks is a super entertainer. (Find her...