9:47am on Monday, September 15th, 2008
 

(three weeks!) the team at the Old Rose and Crown Hotel were able to give us a fantastic wedding reception offering friendly advice, a tasty, mixed buffet and the opportunity for us crazy musicians to entertain ourselves with our live music. For most of the evening we were able to make use of the two rooms, each with a lovely view over the beautiful gardens. This meant that the little ones could colour and play peacefully while we grown ups got on with the serious business of eating, drinking and dancing! If we had been more organised, and not chosen a Wednesday, we could have arranged to use the bowling green, tennis courts and golf course for some fun during the late afternoon and early evening. These are all available through the Lickey Hills Country Park. (Check out the info.) As it was, the kids thoroughly enjoyed feeding the ducks and some of our more energetic guests sampled the walks.

At such good rates for the rooms, we were able to book close friends and family into the hotel for the night, which allowed us to carry on the celebrations the following morning as we all enjoyed a lovely relaxed breakfast. I was particularly impressed with this as staff were not only looking after our bleary eyed rather dozy bunch, but busily preparing for a conference due to start at 10.30 a.m.

My only reasons for not suggesting a five star rating were that the decor looks a little dated and tired, the choice of beer is limited and the live music has to be finished by 11.30 p.m. This was not a problem for us as many guests had to be in work the following morning, but it may prove more of an issue at weekends.

I would certainly recommend this venue if you are looking for relaxed, friendly service, good food, a beautiful setting and an affordable price.