The Rose Inn

The Gen

New owners means change is afoot on this little corner of Queens Road. The Rose Inn is a small pub with big plans to become an exciting new live music venue in Norwich. The small stage is already playing host to open mic nights, new musicians and established bands. However, this is not what draws me to The Rose on a dreary February evening. I am not cool enough / too greedy for that scene; I’m all about the burgers!

The Atmosphere

We slipped in late on a Tuesday afternoon. Straight from work the bar was quiet so we sofa’d ourselves and watched as a steady stream of humanity came through the doors. It was quiet and cosy, a great place to meet with friends and catch up on the week. An interesting selection of real ales certainly helps lubricate the wheels of awkward social interaction until the food shows up. At one end of the long bar room is an elevated platform with mic stand and amps. I’m no expert but I think the music people will go there.

The Main Event

The Rose Inn is home to Music Row Burger Co, a fun musical themed burger menu that fits perfectly with the tone of the venue. The chef herself said the menu is simple and not pretending to be anything they’re not, but I feel this modest tone sells short a quirky and curious selection that is executed with confidence and a tongue in cheek style. Each burger (there are over a dozen options) is named and styled for a different US rock and roll or country musician. To give you a taste, the Marvin Gaye burger is lamb and mint, Stevie wonder is venison and blue cheese, Dolly Parton is (presumably large) chicken breast with brie and beetroot. I don’t know how the names were selected (is Mama Cass known particularly for her fondness of streaky bacon and barbecue sauce?) but the menu put a smile on my face, and when the food arrived it was nicely done. Our choice? I went for the BB King burger, 8oz of chicken breast rubbed with Cajun spice and smothered in melted Stilton. Hot! But boy was it good, the strong blue cheese offering a welcoming respite from the Cajun heat. We also order an Etta James burger which came with a huge wedge of grilled halloumi and a large flat Portobello mushroom. I tried to ask my companion what she thought of it but she just made satisfied noises in the midst of her food coma. I think that means it was good? My only criticism of this would be – why make a burger called an Etta James and not make it with feta? Surely the Fetta James? No? Oh bugger off then. They both came with a buttery soft brioche bun and skinny fries served in white and red striped paper that screamed retro Americana.

Pud

Dessert is as musically inspired as the mains – a selection of five different ice cream sundaes named for everybody’s favourite 1970’s American singing and dancing family musical group that turned out to in no way have weird and confusing private lives. No, not the Osmonds. Or the Carpenters. Yes, it’s the Jacksons! More ridiculous but charming styling on the menu means you can order a sundae named for any of the core Jackson 5 members (“No ice cream for you Janet! Tito, take that long spoon off your sister, I know what she’s up to…”). My choice? Of course I had the Randy Sundae, I’m a child. (tee hee hee. Randy). Randy was gooey chocolate fudge brownie pieces covered in vanilla ice cream, butterscotch sauce and almond flakes. He was joined by his more outlandish brother Jermaine who sported an unusual offering of mint choc chip ice cream with fiery wasabi peas and some more laid back honey coated chilli nuts.

Overall

Eyes may roll at the thought of another burger menu but I have to admit, the ridiculous and wonderful theming, the variety on offer and the very reasonable price makes this an outing worth a second glance. It’s a simple menu dressed up beautifully and it will compliment nicely The Rose Inn’s musical aspirations. Keep rocking and keep those burgers coming.

Venue – 6.5

Fodder – 7.5

Value – 8.5

Overall – 7.5