This is one of my favourite pubs in Balmain, standing like a sentinel on the corner of College and Curtis, it exudes old world charm.
It's missed by many because it isn't on the main Darling Street drag. This is a good thing. Whilst those other pubs take care of the general riff raff, the Royal Oak has a more subdued, and classy clientele. The locals and peeps in the know, who can skip the pretension of those other places.
When I lived in Drummoyne this was a regular for the Trivia Night where the guy used, a chalkboard of all things, to tally up the scores. We also loved this place because it has Murray's Whale Ale on tap.
The main area, right after you walk in the pub, has loads of seating, and towards the back of this area is the real gem of the pub, the open fireplace and super-comfy weathered lounge chairs. On a cold dreary day full of wind and rain, I can often imagine myself sitting in front of that fire, twirling a brandy balloon and reminiscing about my days at sea. Let's not dull that by the reality of a friend and I grabbing some Zumbarons from Zumbo up on Darling Street and wandering down here in the rain to consume them at the pub with a bourbon in front of the fire.
The Royal Oak has a strong nautical theme. The walls are adorned with sailing imagery of all kinds; boats in bottles; a ships wheel; they even have sea creatures hanging from the rafters in the dining section; not to mention the whale ale on tap. I'm pretty sure they used to have a mast in the main bar, but I can't remember if I saw it there last time.
All in all I really love the coziness of this place, and the fact that you feel warm and welcome when you sit down.
One of these days I will bring a big group and try out the full dining experience. read more