LOCATIONLocated at the gateway to the Swan Valley in Guildford, 20 minutes drive east of the Perth CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA If you’re planning a trip to Perth’s picturesque Swan Valley, make sure you take some time to visit the leafy little suburb of Guilford. Located at the gateway to the Valley, it’s a place steeped in history with quaint little cafes, shops and a fabulous hotel known at the Rose and Crown. Built in 1841 the hotel originally served as a welcome resting place for travellers while also playing host to the travelling judge for court hearings. Today the Rose and Crown still stands tall in all of its historical beauty and has become known as one of Perth’s must-see destinations. The Georgian-style two-storey building has been meticulously restored to its original glory and now serves as a hotel offering fine food and accommodation complete with ghosts who are said to roam the main building!
The hotel’s renowned 1841 Bar and Restaurant is where you’ll find sensational food and service, while the Posh Convict Lounge and Bar offers intimate dining ideal for special occasions. With classic decor and two open fires, 1841 is just the spot for cosy dining – though if the sun is shining you’ll want to make the most of the beautifully manicured garden. Take a seat in the comfortable wicker chairs and choose from menu delights such as tiger prawn arancini, sweet potato gnocchi with pickled rabbit, Coffin Bay oysters and juicy tender steaks. Most of the dishes are available in small and large serves, giving the diner plenty of choice when it comes to selecting entrees and mains. Dishes like wild mushroom risotto and seafood chowder are music to my ears – I can never seem to have enough. With all this wonderful food, intriguing history and spectacular surroundings, it’s no wonder certain ghostly guests have never left!
Karen Bilsby
DETAILSThe Rose & Crown is not merely a hotel but an establishment which pays respect to its past while embracing the future. Wonderful Georgian style architecture is prevalent and has been lovingly restored to its former glory. This is complemented by the recent refurbishment of the main building. Christened the Posh Convict Lounge and Bar, the fit-out is classy and modern. A great place to lounge and nibble on tapas. If its tradition that you're after, the 1841 Restaurant is your best bet. The dining room exudes charm and grace of yesteryear and offers an ambient dining experience. Feel like dining outside? Then discover the extensive grounds of the Rose & Crown. The vast half acre site is immaculately maintained featuring various bar and dining areas amongst established garden beds with many of the plants and trees dating back to the 1840's, including the first ever rose bush to be grow in WA. The overall splendour of the Rose & Crown makes this unique establishment a pleasurable experience and an important piece of Western Australian history.
HISTORYThe Rose & Crown was originally a general store constructed in 1840 by Thomas Jecks. In 1841 it was then extended to a two storey inn, with accommodation on the top floor and two large bar rooms on the ground floor and was known as the Rose and Crown Inn. The inn was regularly used as a public meeting place, housing meetings for the agricultural society, the Town Trust and court hearings. Down below reveals the Cellar Bar, featuring the original water well built by the convicts and was used by the Hotel to brew its own ales. The history is further embedded with remnants of an underground tunnel linking the Hotel with the banks of the Swan River. It is also rumoured that notorious bushranger Moondyne Joe used the Rose & Crown as a hideout from the law adding to the colourful history of the Hotel. Today it stands as one of the few privately owned historic establishments in WA and is a majestic example of Australian architecture and hospitality.
FUNCTIONSThe vastness of the Rose & Crown presents a variety of choices when booking for your next social or corporate function. Featuring areas such as the intimate Cellar Bar, to the historic Chapel Hall or the stylish surroundings of the Posh Convict Lounge and anything in between, the Rose & Crown will be more than happy to accommodate for your next special event. Please contact Functions Manager Matija on 9347 8100 for further information.