A third place that has stood the test of time
Nestled in the quiet village of Woolstone, surrounded by houses that don’t quite match its own personality, is a building that was alive way before our time. The Cross Keys is a 16th century pub that boasts sturdy colour-washed rubble stone walls, timber-framed casement windows and a traditional thatched roof, as if to prove its age to the newer buildings around it.
Several hanging baskets line the walls of the grade II listed building, flourishing with flowers of different kinds and colours. The stone walls also host a number of lanterns, which lay dormant until they need to illuminate the building in place of the sun.
Towards the back of the pub is where you’ll find the 16th and 21st centuries meet. Undergoing a major renovation in 2018, The Cross Keys was extended to include what was once an old barn. The building flaunts its new bi-fold doors, which open up into a patio with a pergola, sheltering wicker benches and marble-print tables. Past the outdoor seating area, you’ll find a garden of round picnic benches with parasols labeled ‘Aperol Spritz’, accompanied by a wood-panelled bar.
Modern contemporary meets old rustic charm
The rustic charm of The Cross Keys continues inside of its centuries-old walls. Stepping up and through the small wooden door (head ducked, of course), you’re met by low ceilings holding onto exposed wooden beams and uneven flooring that dips and rises, both acting as reminders of the years the pub has served.
Its modern characteristics shine through in each and every small detail. Stained wooden tables, leather chairs, and fabric-covered stools fill the floors across the restaurant and bar. The walls, which vary between the colours of blue, green and yellow, are home to a number of picture frames, many bearing images that pay homage to the history that happened within them. Each table is dressed with tall wine glasses and silver cutlery laid on stark-white napkins. Every room is dimly lit with spotlights, wall lights and lamps, each giving off a candle-like glow.
A place for every occasion
The charm of The Cross Keys can be felt even before stepping into the building, its historic character welcoming you inside. Renowned for its traditional British pub feel, the cosy atmosphere makes you feel at home straight away.
A soft scent of ale, and a smell similar to that of a home-cooked meal, meet you at the front door. The soft chatter of couples, families, friends, echoes through the pub’s walls, as visitors clink their glasses and ‘cheers’ to birthdays, anniversaries, and job offers.
When opening the menu, you’ll find a selection of food that caters to every occasion. From dry aged steak burgers, to traditional pub classics like pie and mash, the restaurant offers an array of hearty dishes.
And, on Sundays, people flock from far and wide to experience its famous Sunday roast. With crispy roast potatoes, tender slow-cooked lamb, and a golden-brown yorkshire pudding, it isn’t hard to imagine why Sunday’s get booked up pretty quickly at The Cross Keys.
The Cross Keys through the seasons
In the hot summer months, when temperatures dare to go above twenty degrees, the locals congregate at the outdoor bar before settling on the wooden benches of the picnic tables in the garden, each now with a cold drink in hand. The newly installed bi-fold doors open to create the ultimate indoor-outdoor dining experience, with the sun beaming in through the opening, accompanied by a cool breeze of fresh air.
As winter approaches and the snow threatens to fall, the pub garden remains quiet. Instead, dog walkers pile into the small nooks of the bar to take refuge from the sharp chill outside, cradling drinks to warm the soul while slowly sinking into the leather chairs. The tables in the restaurant are full with people seated, hungrily awaiting a piping hot meal. In the background, the fireplace crackles, warming the building and its visitors as it has done for hundreds of years before.
A trusted venue with a rich history
Tucked away in the centre of the village, The Cross Keys has long been my go-to for traditional pub food and Sunday lunches. As the oldest pub in the area, the venue is the heart and soul of the community, and I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise to hear that it’s won a number of notable awards, many honouring its outstanding hospitality, food, and overall experience.
But, The Cross Keys is more than just a place to eat and drink. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather to relax after a long day, catch up with friends over a pint, and celebrate some of life’s biggest milestones. With its unique charm and character, the pub has become something of a landmark. It’s a place where stories are shared, memories are created, and history continues to live on.
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