Rose & Crown is green beacon

Sell More Save More rural pub the Rose & Crown has been pipped to a top green award - by a shopping centre!

But the pub, in Selling, near Faverhsam in Kent, was highly commended in the Sustainable Tourism category at Tourism South East's Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2008 in recognition of the many steps it has taken towards green trading.

"We were disappointed - but to get beaten to it by a shopping centre in Basingstoke isn't bad," comments licensee Tim Robinson.

Judges at the awards, which recognise companies in the South East, commended the pub for its "total commitment" to sustainability principles and the Robinsons were also highly praised for their dedication to service and quality.

The quality commitment at the Rose & Crown is continuing this month as the pub becomes the latest in Sell More, Save More to redecorate this year.

Much of the interior is being refreshed with a new lick of paint this week as the pub gets a refresh ahead of the festive season.

"Christmas is a great time to do this as more people are going to be coming in and we want to be looking good," says Tim.

"I'm not spending a massive amount but we are looking to give the pub a "rural look with a modern twist, and I think the customers are going to like it."

A new menu introduced six weeks ago and developed partly with the support of 3663, is being well received with customers, particularly dishes ranging from rabbit stew to fish to a 'green fish dish'.

Time says he's also had some great support from 3663 on marketing this month - as well as some great tips from the Royal Marines Museum in Southseam, one of the winners at the Tourism South East business awards.