Forest of Dean & Ross on Wye Pubs. A critical guide by Jon Hurley: Interestingly split level pub buzzing at night time with its two bars doing great business. When we called there was a house auction in full flow. With folk nodding, twitching and scratching their bids, the des.res. went for a lot of money. Estate agenting is just another use to which the village inn is nowadays increasingly put. “Trouble is,” the friendly Brummie landlord said, “the lucky purchasers wanted to celebrate with Champagne but I don’t stock it.” Why don’t pubs stock the odd bottle of Champagne? We are, after the French, the biggest drinkers of bubbly in the world. The Crown is a pleasantly run and very useful little pub with a varied quick menu, a comfortable lounge with prints and soft seats. There is an electric fire and zesty pop music spills in from the “Public” where youngsters played pool while their elders discussed the price of lambs. This satisfactory, democratic combination of clients and cheerful mine hosts makes this a useful find.