There’s something fishy about Knutsford….(But It’s a Good Thing!) #Blog
Victoria Hayes
18th June 2024
Calling all seafood lovers! Don’t let the title fool you – there’s nothing fishy about The Rose & Crown, a Taste Cheshire member, except perhaps their incredible talent for preparing sensational dishes from the sea. We recently embarked on a culinary adventure during their “Knutsford-on-Sea” night, and let me tell you, it was a delightful dive into the world of fresh, expertly prepared seafood.
Impeccable Service & Local Love
From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and seated promptly. The service throughout the evening was exceptional. Our dedicated server was attentive and friendly, while other staff members also checked in to ensure our experience was top-notch. What truly impressed us was the genuine passion the staff displayed for Knutsford itself. They readily recommended other local venues, highlighting the town’s vibrant culinary scene. This dedication to showcasing the best of Knutsford creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.
A Safe Space for Seafood Exploration
The menu offered a fantastic range of starters, catering to both seafood enthusiasts and those with a more cautious palate. The staff expertly navigated dietary preferences, offering a variety of “accessible fish” options alongside more adventurous dishes. We opted for the Crab Timbale and the simply grilled Octopus – both beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. For the truly daring, oysters with three different dressings were available, shucked to order.
Crab Timbale, Pink Lady & radicchio salad, green apple ketchup, bread croute
This was so fresh but creamy, a lovely light starter, and the bread remained crunchy despite the large po
rtion of crab
Octopus, simply grilled and served with a chilli, lime & mango salad
Stunning colourful presentation, sweet hot salsa, little kick. perfectly cooked, good portion size.
Tuna Tartare with Asian flavours, sesame, truffle, citrus ponzu dressing, crispy lotus root
Fresh, Tangy, sesame seeds a nice touch, finely cut tuna, showing the obviously excellent chef’s skills
Main Courses that Make a Splash
The main courses were the stars of the show. The Halibut with Champagne & Clam butter was a decadent yet balanced dish, the richness of the sauce perfectly complemented by the salty samphire. The Red Snapper with Sea Greens and Sriracha butter sauce offered a delightful contrast of textures and flavours, with crispy skin and a generous portion of perfectly cooked fish. The portions throughout the evening were impressive – The Rose & Crown certainly doesn’t skimp on quality or quantity.
Halibut with a Champagne & Clam butter, confit pomme anna, roasted onion puree, samphire
Rich sauce but the samphire cut through. fish fell apart as you touched it, lovely presentation large portion, sea salt with pomme anna was a nice touch, clams in shells in the sauce a nice addition highlighting chefs skills. More clams than shell, always a win.
Red Snapper with Sea Greens & braised hispí cabbage, sríracha butter sauce, crispy shallots & herbs
Well seared, lovely crispy skin, sides were not a secondary thought worked well with fish, really good portion side…bit big if anything, but a fine dining level. Rich sauce and plenty of it. there’s no skimping at the Rose and Crown.
Sweet Endings & Magical Evenings
For dessert, we shared a delightful Lemon Curd & Blackberry Eton Mess – a refreshing and light way to end the meal. We couldn’t manage the massive cheeseboard (another testament to their generous portions!), but I’m sure the Lemon Tart would have been equally delicious. The knowledgeable staff expertly guided us through the wine list, ensuring our selections perfectly complemented the food. 
The Verdict: A Must-Try for Seafood Lovers
The Rose & Crown’s “Knutsford-on-Sea” night was a resounding success. The combination of top-notch service, a welcoming atmosphere, and expertly prepared seafood dishes makes this restaurant a must-try for any seafood lover. While the space itself is intimate, the tables are well-spaced, creating a cosy yet comfortable ambiance. As one of our team remarked, it felt like stepping into a magical Harry Potter pub. While The Rose & Crown may not be literally fishy, their culinary magic with seafood is undeniable. Keep an eye out for their upcoming themed nights – you won’t regret it!
Rose and Crown, Knutsford
62 King St, Knutsford, WA16 6DT
We’re totally independent. We take pride in supporting our local suppliers and providing great
service to the people of Knutsford and travelling guests.