The Royal Oak is a Chef & Brewer pub on a fairly busy side road with a good-sized car park.
The draft beer selection was limited with Young's and London Pride, but the latter tasted fine.
It was Valentine's Night and Having just been refused a table for one at a local Indian because they were fully booked I was surprised it seemed quiet.
I was told the restaurant area was folly booked so I was offered a table in the quiet bar area.
The service was a fairly quick. Staff kept telling clients that there were only 2 staff on and they were fully booked, but I'd estimate the restaurant was less than 1/2 full and the bar only 10% occupied.
I ordered a selection of pies with mash, mushy peas and a jug of gravy for £9.59. The food arrived very quickly considering they were supposed to be very busy. The pies were a varying success, the mushy peas were mushy and the mash tasted odd: it was probably instant and stood around all day. I decided not to risk a pudding.
Probably a reasonable spot for a family or a quiet drink with friends, but if you fancy good food I'd drive past. read more