Gone is the old Hobgoblin, given the boot and replaced by the results of an up market refurbishment and a brand new name, The Rose Pub and Kitchen. Having stood strong against change, existing for years as a fairly ropey local, the pub that attracted some fame for a couple of Shia Lebeouf altercations has left New Cross. Its home has been taken over by a swanky new pub that will certainly attract a clientele ready to spend money. You can always rue the passing of a rough and ready pub like the Hobgoblin but how many people who do so, ever really drank there? The real problem is that what it has been replaced with is a slightly generic, uninspiring outfit that strips a plot of personality from the street it’s on.
We visit on a Saturday night and find it filling up nicely at 7.30pm. By the time we leave at 11pm the place is heaving to the point it’s almost drowning out the music. Set over different floors, there is a spacious ground floor bar along with an outside area and a second floor lounge. Those that know the neighbourhood might find that the Rose is all a little New Cross House; yes, it’s all there, but something is missing.
Food is a mix of classics like fish and chips, steak and burgers and there is also a selection of pizzas, which come fresh from the wood-burning oven. Behind the bar there is a healthy range of beers although be clear that this is not another ‘craft beer’ pub. There is a range of Meantime on draught as well as a couple of ales on rotation.
New Cross doesn’t have a slew of welcoming pubs in its midst so we should be thankful for the Rose Pub and Kitchen despite its lack of adventure. There is certain potential here and we still wouldn’t hesitate to stop in for the odd beer or Sunday roast.
