Wandering through the town of Ross-On-Wye, and looking for a spot for lunch and a cold pint, I came across The Man of Ross. Don’t let the slightly tired interior fool you; the kitchen is turning out some seriously delicious food. The pub has everything – history, views, cask marque real ale, cider, and proper pub plates.
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Best Pubs in Ross-on-Wye
The Man of Ross was a proper surprise. Whilst it won’t win any beauty contests, it’s more ‘well-loved local’ than polished gastropub – but the food? An absolute revelation.
At the time of writing this, the pub is open every day, but food is served Thursday to Sunday.
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Man of Ross Menu
These are the kind of dishes that warm your belly and make you briefly consider moving to the Wye Valley full-time. I even heard that their Sunday lunch is legendary, and I would definitely travel back to try this.
The Homemade Fishfinger Sandwich – £10.50
Reader, I meddled. I dared to ask for my bread to be toasted.
Now, you know and I know: when you order a fishfinger sandwich, the hot crispy fish inevitably works its way into the soft bread and before you’ve taken your first bite, the whole thing collapses like a wet tissue. Not on my watch.
The team looked deeply confused – the kind of confusion usually reserved for 18th-century riddles or tax forms – but they toasted it anyway. And it was glorious. The crunch held, the fish stayed in its lane, and the homemade tartar sauce was tangy, creamy perfection. Throw in fresh lettuce, tomato, and a portion of chips that absolutely demanded to be dunked, and you’ve got yourself a lunch that would make even John Kyrle smile down from the heavens. (More on him later!)
The Man of Ross Stacking Burger – £14.95
Now this… this is no ordinary burger.
This is a burger made exclusively for the pub by the local butcher, and you can taste the difference. Stacked high in a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, onions, gherkins, onion rings and BBQ sauce, it’s the main event.
Mike – forever the extra one – added cheese and bacon for £1.50 each, because self-restraint is overrated. It came with chips (always welcome) and was tall enough to make us consider approaching it with mountaineering gear.
He’s not ashamed to admit that he ate every single bite!
Is the Man of Ross Dog Friendly?
If your four-legged friend likes pubs as much as you do, The Man of Ross is a winner. It’s genuinely dog-friendly, with water bowls, and other patrons who don’t just tolerate dogs – they coo at them. Big up to the lovely lady who was hand-feeding Ivan sausages.
History of the Man of Ross
Named after local legend John Kyrle, affectionately known as The Man of Ross, the pub pays homage to someone who was doing community spirit before Instagram made it trendy. Kyrle wasn’t just a wealthy gent who lived in Ross; he was the kind of person who looked around at his town and thought, “You know what? Let’s make this nicer for everyone.”
A 17th-century philanthropist with a serious flair for civic pride, he poured his money into improving the town – planting trees, supporting the poor, funding public works, and creating spaces for people to come together. While everyone else was worrying about wigs and waistcoats, Kyrle was busy shaping Ross into the picturesque place people now flock to for riverside walks and artisan coffee.
His house stood just a short stroll from where the pub now sits, and many of his contributions still ripple through the town’s streets, green spaces and viewpoints today. His legacy lingers everywhere – and The Man of Ross pub proudly carries his name as a nod to the original good egg of the Wye Valley.
Things to Do in Ross-on-Wye
Ross-on-Wye is one of those towns that’s small but surprisingly packed with charm. Once you’ve eaten yourself into a soft food coma, Ross has plenty to explore:
- Wander through the independent shops and galleries – perfect if you forgot a birthday and need a last-minute gift.
- Visit the historic Market House. A historic building right in the town centre, initially built in the 17th century as a hub for local trade. It’s an iconic example of a traditional English market hall. Today, it often hosts local markets, exhibitions, and occasional community events, making it a lively spot that blends history with modern life.
- Explore the funny little local myth that the town is part of Ross Wales (it’s not… but honestly, you’d be forgiven for wondering). Even wandering around town, I spotted a couple of shops with Welsh words sprinkled across their signs. It does make you double-take and question whether you’ve accidentally crossed the border without noticing.
- Enjoy outdoor events, walks, and riverside trails. Everything is available year-round, so whether it’s spring blossom, summer sunshine, autumn colours, or winter mists curling over the river, Ross-on-Wye is always ready to charm.
Man of Ross Pub Address
Wye Street, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7BS
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Booking the Man of Ross Inn
You can walk in, but if you want to book or for more information from a team member, call 01989 763111.
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Stay the Night
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date and are usually displayed per room rather than per person. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all budgets.
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