Our Story
Our story
Who are Amelia and Mal?
Amelia and Malachai Moore’s journey began at the Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds, where they first crossed paths in the communal kitchen of the staff accommodation. Amelia had just started as a receptionist at The Fish after completing her university studies, while Malachai had recently relocated to the Cotswolds. Their shared passion for hospitality and culinary excellence quickly brought them together, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
Amelia’s love for hospitality was ignited at The Rose and Crown in Trent, where Heather Kirk inspired her to pursue a career in the field. Her gap year working full-time at the pub solidified her decision, and with Heather’s support, Amelia secured a place at Oxford Brookes to study International Hospitality Management. Throughout her career, Amelia has gained experience in various roles, from bartending during university to working at prestigious venues such as Bermondsey Square Hotel, The Farncombe Estate, and Barnsley House.
In June 2025, Amelia and Malachai welcomed their first child — a wonderful new chapter for them both. True to form, Amelia’s dedication to The Rose & Crown never wavered; she was working right up until the Friday before giving birth and was back responding to emails just two days later. During this time, Assistant Manager Kelsey has taken the reins and is thriving in her leadership role. Having grown up in the village, Kelsey knows The Rose & Crown inside out and has been instrumental in keeping everything running seamlessly. Her warmth, capability, and genuine love for the community shine through in everything she does.
Eat With Us
We're all about
hospitality & passion
Malachai’s culinary journey began at The Sign of the Angel in Lacock, where he developed his foundational culinary skills.
His career flourished as he moved on to Foxhill Manor, enhancing his expertise in fine dining, and then to Slaughters Country Inn, where he led culinary innovation.
At Barnsley House, Malachai implemented sustainable practices, further refining his approach to cooking with quality ingredients and personalized service.
The couple’s most memorable career highlights include Malachai creating a bespoke menu for a private event at Foxhill Manor and implementing a farm-to-table concept at Barnsley House. For Amelia, rapid promotions at Bermondsey Square Hotel and her successful tenure at Barnsley House stand out as significant achievements.
April 2024
We're all about
Living the dream
The opportunity to take over The Rose & Crown in Dorset arose when the pub became available for tenure in January 2024. The couple saw it as the perfect chance to combine their talents and create something truly special. Relocating to Dorset in April 2024 not only brought them closer to Amelia’s family but also allowed them to breathe new life into a much-loved historic pub with deep personal significance.
Their vision for The Rose & Crown is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy classic pub fare with a gourmet twist. Using locally sourced ingredients, they aim to craft exceptional dishes that blend traditional charm with modern culinary excellence.
As part of the transformation, Amelia and Malachai have invested in enhancing both the interiors and the outdoor spaces. Inside, they are carefully refurbishing the pub to highlight its historic features while introducing contemporary touches for comfort and style. Outside, they have completely reimagined the garden — clearing old lavender, turfing the bank, and installing festoon lighting and outdoor speakers to create a vibrant yet relaxed ambiance.
A standout addition is their large asado wood-fired grill and outdoor sink, which have become the heart of their summer events. Throughout summer 2025, they hosted a series of themed barbecue evenings — from Caribbean nights to 1980s throwbacks and even a Wild West celebration complete with a rodeo bull. These events have quickly become a highlight for locals and visitors alike, perfectly capturing The Rose & Crown’s blend of fun, flavour, and community spirit.
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authentic pub experience
Despite the challenges of recruiting a dedicated team and managing renovations, Amelia and Malachai’s experience in hospitality has helped them overcome these hurdles efficiently. Their unique approach to elevating traditional pub fare with gourmet techniques and premium ingredients sets The Rose and Crown apart from other local establishments.
The Rose & Crown is at the heart of the local community in Trent and has become a social gathering place for the local patrons as well as those coming from further afield. For canine lovers, dogs are welcome in the bar area and there is a refuelling station for them outside.
The local community has warmly embraced their plans for this historic and much loved pub’s revitalisation, and Amelia and Malachai are massively excited about the future. They aspire to make The Rose and Crown a beloved gathering place for residents and visitors alike, with seasonal menus, local events, and a commitment to exceptional dining experiences.
Over the first year of trading Amelia and Malachai have worked hard to make The Rose & Crown a true hub of community life — a place where there’s always something happening. From lively quiz and curry nights, paint & sip evenings, and live music sessions, to film nights, family-friendly brunches, and seasonal celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Summer 2025 saw the launch of their Braai Day Fridays: themed outdoor BBQs — while winter brings cosy gatherings, festive feasts, and their New Year’s Eve celebration. Each event captures the warmth, creativity, and fun that define The Rose & Crown experience, bringing together locals and visitors to celebrate great food, good company, and the joy of community.
Get to know us
meet the team
amelia
malachai
KELSEY
OSCAR
BABY MASON
Amelia and Malachai’s greatest adventure began in June 2025, with the arrival of their son, Mason. The weekend he was born proved unforgettable for everyone at The Rose & Crown. On Sunday, 8th June, Amelia was unexpectedly diagnosed with severe preeclampsia, and thanks to a swift C-section, baby Mason arrived safely and in good health. (Our sincere apologies to anyone whose plans we had to change that day — it was quite the unexpected Sunday!)
Ever dedicated, Amelia had been working right up until the Friday before giving birth, and true to her nature, she was back checking in on the pub and answering emails just two days later.
Together, Amelia, Malachai, and little Mason continue to pour their hearts into making The Rose & Crown a true home from home — for their guests, their team, and their growing family.
