If it ain't broke, don't fix it. People go to Crown Point at Trowse because they know what to expect. A warm welcome at a traditional village inn. DEREK JAMES reports.

They say Trowse is a great place to live.

Within walking distance of the city it has a lot to offer - a shop, a church, a school, two pubs, a restaurant and a collection of houses, large and small, old and new.

Then there is beautiful Whitingham Country Park with all its attractions and it isn't every Norfolk village that has its own ski club.

Trowse has changed a good deal over the years but the building of the bypass did it a great favour and turned the clock back to quieter days.

Crown Point, a good looking building, once sat between two busy roads but the old main road has closed and the pub now overlooks a green area with some new homes on one side and charming woodland on the other.

To get there from the city drive, cycle or walk straight through the village and, rather than follow the road round to the right, keep going and Crown Point, which offers plenty of parking in front of it, is facing you.

For more than a quarter of a century it has been run by Roger and Carol Higgins, an extraordinary achievement in these days of chop and change.

Over the years they have listened to what to their customers are saying, some want a chat and a drink, others are there for a three course meal, some for a snack.

They know what their customers expect - and they deliver. It's not rocket science but it is hard work.

We recently met up with some friends at the pub for a meal and it was the first time we had been back for a while.

It was reassuring to note that nothing had changed.

While some pubs seem to go for one face lift after another as people come and go - Crown Point stays the same. A success story.

Apart from the two bars and eating areas there is the conservatory and also a patio-style garden where you can enjoy the weather.

Although it isn't that big there is usually a quiet corner to sit in if you want to be on your own.

It is the kind of place where people of all ages and all walks of life rub shoulders with each other. Some pop over from across the green, others travel from far and wide to sample the delights of the Point.

Don't expect pricey 'gastro' pub food with tiny portions, carefully assembled on large white plates.

This is traditional pub food but with some style and regulars love the home-made pies, the fish dishes and the fresh vegetables. I suppose there are a total of about 30 different dishes to choose from.

Three of us had the scampi, delicious, while our other companion had one of the pies and said the meat was tender and tasty.

There is a small but mouthwatering selection of desserts - the ice-cream in a honey pot is naughty but nice.

The bill for the four of us, with drinks and coffee, came to about �75.

Thanks Crown Point for another good night out - a village pub within walking distance of the city which offers good food and good company.

CROWN POINT TAVERN

Kirby Road

Trowse

Norwich

01603 625689

Open: Tues-Sat food served 12am-2pm and 5.30pm-9pm, Sun 11.45am-3.45pm, Mon 12pm-2pm, closed evening

Prices: Mains from �10/12. A set meal on a Sunday, offering a choice of roast plus other options, is from �10.99.

Best to book at weekends to avoid disappointment.

Vegetarian options: Reasonable

Wheelchair access: Yes