A very clean and traditional mixed with modern environment. Great selection of drinks and the food was amazing. Our server, Sophie, was very friendly and fast. Will definitely return next time I'm in New Malden. read more

A cloudy, rainy & cold Sunday....what could be better than going for a pub lunch? This place is the REAL deal, was so impressed with it particularly as there are a number of highly mediocre pubs in the area closer to the High Street that handle the tourist trade. It's a lovely old place, and the pub is even split between the old time saloon area and the 'workers' pub area. They've retained the traditional Victorian pub decor and not gone in for 'modernization'. There is something for everyone, with some lagers, a great ale selection, and an amazing Sunday lunch menu. In addition to the usual beef, pork , and chicken, this past weekend they offered pheasant (which my friend said was great, and the portion was quite big), a salmon salad, and a vegetable & Stilton pie (I've uploaded the photo -- the pie was huge). My only comment there was that I don't think there was much, if any Stilton cheese in the pie. I was quite happy with that personally, but someone else could have been disappointed. The Veg pie roast cost a mere £9.95 with pie, potatoes, and lots of additional veg. Beer prices were reasonable, pints ranging from £3.30 - £3.90 . This is a great find in the area, worth stepping a bit (and it's only a slight bit) off the beaten path to visit. read more

The Royal Oak - Veg & Stilton pie with side of new potatoes. The extra side veg it is just outside of the frame. I was full! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

The Royal Oak may be tucked away in a side street (but near Borough tube station) but it is well known to beer aficionados. It has a string of awards from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the London Time Out guide and the London Evening Standard newspaper. What attracts most people is the beer: this is a tied pub belonging to the Harvey's Brewery, based in Lewes in Sussex. Their Best Bitter is a consistent award winner itself, but the Royal Oak serves their full range, including Mild (normally hard to find, though I'm not a Mild drinker myself) and Pale Ale (which is lovely). The beers are superbly kept. The interior is very traditional, with neither piped music nor fruit machines to spoil the conversation. Unusually, it has an impressive single bar dividing the two drinking spaces. It's not especially large, though, and can get very busy in the evenings. They serve food, which I'm told is good, although I have not eaten here. NB - note restricted week-end opening times. Although the present building dates from the 1870's, the pub is, I'm told, on the site of the mediaeval Tabard Inn. It's a worthy inheritance. read more

If I could, I'd give The Royal Oak six stars! This is a classic English pub at its finest. The decor / interior is timeless and traditional, but clean, setting the appropriate atmosphere. The staff are very warm and friendly, the selection of beers is good.. but I've saved the best for last. The food is absolutely amazing! I grew up with parents and grandparents from London, I've had MANY home cooked dishes prepared by great cooks; and this is the first time I've EVER been anywhere where I actually though the food was better! The steak and kidney pudding is a thing of beauty both from a visual and taste perspective. The vegetables come on a separate plate on the side. Everything was cooked to perfection and very tasty, the portions are big, the prices VERY reasonable. I cannot recommend it enough! read more

Exceptional little pub with a really great range of beers and ciders, great, good value food, and a nice traditional atmosphere. I think it was CAMRA's London pub of the year in 2003, and, as dmj1962 has noted, it has a string of other awards from CAMRA and others. The range of beer and ciders is large, and incorporates a wide selection of Harvey's offerings, and westons ciders. The food is traditional pub fare, with a penchant for seafood. I had a stilton and vegetable pie for about 7 or 8 pounds which was delicious, and extremely filling. The general atmosphere of the pub is old man/traditional - the best kind of pub in my opinion. There are pictures of famous old local figures like Dickens on the wall. So next time you're in the area, drop in for a few pints - not to be missed! read more

The Royal Oak - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Old school. Hard to find in an otherwise very residential place. Even my Uber driver - a local - was confused. But I'm glad I found it! If you're in the mood for a traditional English Sunday meal, give this place a try. It'll be worth the trek. Oh wait. How did I find it? A London bartender told me about this place. Says his family swears by it. What a find! read more

This is without a doubt one of the best pubs in London, if not all of England. The pub has been beautifully restored, but still has cozy tables and chairs. Service is friendly and genuinely warm. This is a place where locals meet, not just bankers looking for a quick buzz before their commute home. As other reviewers have said, the ales are wonderfully kept, and the food is honest, simple and fresh. read more

Proper pubs are a dying breed in London; scratch that, in Britain full stop. The Royal Oak may represent an endagered species, but it's a good healthy specimen. Comfortable and cosy, replete with all those victorian fittings, oak panelling and smoked glass, and most importantly great beer served by earthy barmaids and honest traditional pub grub (the grub is for sale obviously, I've yet to see a shepherds pie pour a decent pint of mild). My heart definitely says five stars, but for once I'll go with my head and give it 4, but take it as read there's an implicit half a star tucked into that mark. read more

Harvey's. That's it. Well...I suppose the quite solid food menu shouldn't be overlooked, as I've had excellent rabbit casserole here. I'd imagine that other items on offer would compare in quality. Really, this is exactly what one would want in a local. The atmosphere is unpretentious, yet one knows that the quality of food and drink (not to mention the friendliness of the patrons) is top notch. read more

Ahhh!!!!!! The best pub ever!!! I came here because of Yelp and I'm so glad I wasn't led astray. Well, though you would believe it while trekking here. It was in the middle of nowhere... kind of. But as soon as I walked in I knew I found a true gem. Awesome ciders on tap, the bangers and mash were delish! The toilets are decorated with an old-style blue stencil pattern! Super cool compared to what I'm used to in Vancouver. The service was super friendly. Our main server was this Czech gentleman who was ever-so friendly. I will be back here the next time I'm in London. read more

This is definitely a neighborhood pub and worth a stop if you are in the area. It's very close to Borough station as well. They have some outdoor seating if it's a nice enough day. Great beers on tap - I had a cider but they have ales too. It's an old school, or "proper", pub. They have food too and it's delicious. I had their cottage pie and was not disappointed. read more

A new favourite pub to add to the list! Very relaxed, cosy and local pub feel to the place as others have mentioned. It was Saturday night but we managed to get a table and the place wasn't too packed. A selection of Harveys ales on tap which were tasty. The staff were all very pleasant as were the clientele. Not exactly a late-opener on a Saturday, I think they finished serving at 11.30 but there are plenty of other options in the area, or you could just be sensible and go home to get up for a Sunday morning run! I'll definitely be back soon to sample the food menu. There was talk of pheasant, Irish stew, more hearty fare and several fish options. And all for in or around £10-15! Check it out! c* read more

Yes, it's old. Yes, it's a right proper boozer. Yes, it is the only pub in London to serve Sussex ales. No, it's NOT Chaucer's Tabard Inn, nor is it 'like' this medieval establishment (despite being on Tabard Street). No, it's not cool that it's hot and humid inside. No, don't tell me you don't take cards and make me go on a whirlwind tour of Borough looking for a working cash machine. And, no, your ales aren't that good. It's no wonder there aren't more Harvey's pubs in London... read more

I swear I reviewed this pub before. I desperately hope I didn't waffle on about how much I liked it and then didn't click save. Well. This is a cosy atmosphere with lovely people, an old-school neighbourhood pub. No loud music, no faff, no muss, no fuss, just slightly too-bright lights and a place to have a well-deserved quiet drink. Ideally of well-kept ale. Please don't go here and ruin it, it's nice just as it is. read more

This is a really good pub! I suppose the fact that I have been out in this area a few times but only found out about this pub recently either means it qualifies as a hidden gem or that my pathfinding skills are sub par No matter, for found it I have and like it I do. Has 6 or 7 real ales on. It is a Harveys pub so it is principally their beers. They do a mild, which is nice as you don't often get a good pint of mild. There is a front bar, a back bar and an upstairs room to hire out. The pub has a lovely old fashioned look, both inside and out and is definitely worth tracking down, especially as not long ago it added weekend opening to its already impressive qualities. read more

Beautiful old pub with great selection of beer and ales. The food is great value and generous, but don't except your vegetables to be al dente. They are good at steak and ale pies. Bathrooms are lovely. read more

Good Harvey's ale - welcoming staff - decent food - decent wine for those that want it . . . The beers are the stars here! If you're eating I warn you, space is limited here - I estimate somewhere between 8 and 10 tables max - so either get here early or late - not on the dot on 1pm on a Sunday . . . . . Meat dishes are a speciality here - perfect roasties and pies and the like. Disabled access is problematic as the pub layout conforms to a classic Victorian pattern. That said, staff are very accomodating and will do what they can to ensure everyone's comfort. Loos are OK - this is a busy pub. Overall I like it for what it is, a friendly local serving great beer and food in a tucked away location close to Central London - who could ask for more? read more

Royal Oak has friendly staff and wonderful interior. The beer was good as well. I tried an Armada Ale. I wanted to go there, since I have been to the lovely little town of Lewes, there the brewery Harveys is located. It was not so many people that day (Wednesday) so me and a friend could sit down. I will certainly go there again. I can certainly say that this is my local. One of the best pubs in London. I'm so satisfied with this pub that I will give it 5 stars. read more

:) FOOD: Sunday roast! Roast beef with sides of veggies, n potatoes. not sure how roasts are supposed to be but it's kinda chewy, but w the whole shabang it's def comforting... yurm.. SERVICE: accommodating ATMOSPHERE: quaint lil pub.. funny how the bar is a round thing in the middle w two entrances to get on either side of it haha read more

Perfect pub, and a very popular one. I usually tuck myself in the snug back room with its fantastic bar, but the lovely bright and airy front can draw me in on sunny days.The rotating beers policy means you even notice the season without going outdoors! The recent 'Bonfire Boy' (5.8) was one of the best for ages, but it's December now, which can only mean... Christmas Ale is coming (8.1)! Check on the brewery's website http://www.harveys.org.uk/seasonaldraughtbrews My local, so five stars it is... read more

Larissa G.'s Review is wrong in so many parts -but not all. Maybe a shared experience and comparing notes directly would help :-) The pub does accept cards, and a number of people settled tabs the evening I was there (last Sunday, and it closes at 21.00, though quite relaxed about drinking up, with the kitchen closing at 19.30). There are a good number of places in London serving Sussex beers - though not so many serving Harvey's ales. The Harp Chandos Place WC2 and the Lemon Tree around the corner in Bedfordbury both usually have Sussex Best. Even better in some eyes is the range of Dark Star (also from Sussex) beers available in the Harp, and occasionally Rother Valley. So for beer choice and diversity you'd need to go to other pubs in London. For quality of the beer, and the Harvey's range as well as price, the Royal Oak is second bar none in town 'cos as she rightly says there ain't no other quite like it. In winter, spring and autumn I would suggest the Royal Oak is as comfortable as it gets (as long as it's not on a busy night) without air-con and other features more usually found perhaps in chains like All Bar One, Wetherspoons, and other bars. That isn't for me, most of the time, and I do prefer a quiter pub, without games machines, musak or music. But a hot foetid bar, whether traditional or not, is not my cup of tea. The Royal Oak last Sunday evening after a hard long day serving around 100 lunches in the Crypt at St George the Martyr, as part of St George in Southwark Festival, was just right. A cooling and cool pint of Pale Ale, a low hum of converstaion, and space to stretch and enjoy the sunset ....... what more could you want? The bar staff were friendly, helpful, and happy to have a chat if you wanted. I didn't eat, though others looked as if they were enjoying their dinners. I've eaten a couple of times before over the years, and haven't been that bowled over. Once the food was tepid, of an early evening, and another time it was just so busy on a Saturday evening that the wait was rather too long. read more

The only Harvey's pub in London, they serve (off- and on) the full range of Lewes' Harveys brewery, normally in tip-top condition. It's a traditional small British pub - something of a rarity these days - with a public bar and a saloon. The food is good, traditional and no-nonsense too. read more

Absolutely crackin' back street boozer. This is as authentic as you'll find in London folks. Royal Oak oozes so much character and charm it can be difficult to pull yourself away from the bar! The Harvey's beers are always on top form, and you'll find seasonal brews coming and going with, well, the seasons. Frank is a lovely Landlord and the staff are always polite and courteous. Also a great mix of friendly regulars and weary travellers. The food mustn't be overlooked either. Hearty and honest pub fare with prices to match. A genuine Real Ale pub experience in London. Must visit! read more

This pub feels authentic in a way that most pubs don't. Upon entering, you find yourself in a small room, with a window to a bartender and a door on each side. The doors lead you to two halves of the pub, each with its own bar and tables. The bartenders stand in the middle, serving all 3 rooms from their bartender island. They have Harveys ales, spanning a whole range of alcoholic content. They also serve Sunday roast, and have an excellent selection of roast meats. This was the best Sunday roast I've had in London, with all the necessary fixins. Also, the dessert (or pudding, as you might like to call it) was out of this world. Very thick, excellent texture, warm. My friend got the apple crumb while I got the treacle tart. Royal Oak, I am coming back to you another Sunday. read more

The place is a proper old pub, very cosy, books on sale, great Ales, really friendly staff, and the food is really nice and HUGE portions....I had the steak & ale pie, sssooo much steak, and the roast potatoes are delicious!!! read more

Lovely little authentic pub from the 1700s.....you feel like you are sitting in someone's living room. Small, local, neighborhoody, and good beer. What's not to love? read more

This is a lovely pub, it's like stepping back in time. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and proper no nonsense food. The fixtures and fittings are all traditional and un gastroed - I wish there were more boozers that had kept the traditional layout, it's so much more cozy. There's also a room upstairs if there's a few of you - we recently managed to book in 12 of us for a lovely Sunday lunch. And some great pints of Harveys....love the Armada.... read more

'twas a lovely Victorian pub around central London - so good that a lot of folk would gather to grab a pint and share the latest rumours one to another. The place is quiet and you can have a nice talk while having the best valued pie around - you'll get a lot for under a tenner and you'll get full! The veggies are absolutely soft and nicely seasoned. The range of pints is also pretty good and I don't think that I'd have the need to go anywhere else in the near future. read more

Luckily stayed across the street from this fine establishment. Good pub food, good beer, friendly peoples and a cozy atmosphere. What more do you want from a pub? read more

Harvey's only London pub, beautiful Victorian architecture, gorgeous beer, great pies, a gem. If the Market Porter is too full, as per, the wander down Borough High Street is well worth it, Harvey's Best as it should be. read more

Great range of beers, spirits and ales. One of the few places that serves a decent Sunday roast which is cooked to perfection. It's by no means cheap - £15, however the portion sizes are plentiful. It does get very busy being on the same street as the flower market so you're probably going to be sharing a table if that bothers you! Not a great pub for the summer (of which we never have one) as the garden is tiny. Good little place though and friendly read more

I was recommended this pub as moved to the area recently. Very dissapointed. Although they have a good selection of ales. The pub has unfriendly bar staff, unpleasant atmosphere and could not drink my pint fast enough to leave. I dont understand the positive reviews on here! fortunately there are far nicer pubs in the area! I wont be going back! read more

Great pub that does the best Sunday roasts south of the river. Some decent ales on draft too. Old-worldy in the sense that there is no music and no ITboxes/fruit machines... a good place to have a chat over a pint (or two) read more

The Royal Oak is a fabulous pub in Borough near to London Bridge and Borough Market. It's a friendly place with no music and no fruit machines - just great for conversation. The pub sells a good selection of Harvey's beers and they are kept really well. Food is served every day I think and the menu goes from sandwiches up to full meals. Some of the specials are great - eg the lamb shank which will fill you up. But I struggled with the rabbit pie - it tasted great, but all those fiddly little bones... I always try to get to this pub when I'm in the area. read more

Waited forever to order drinks and food. Took forever to get them. We heard that the kitchen was busy but the place was not even half full. Fun local atmosphere. Not a place to come hungry. read more

This place is a stones throw from my current residence which means I pretty much am obligated to drop in after work for a beer. The beer selection is pretty good (I've never heard of any of them, dumb American) and tasty to boot. I ordered the Rabbit in Mustard sauce which was on the special board. I think they gave me an entire rabbit along with a small island of mashed potatoes and some veggies (all for 10 pounds). Everything tasted great and I was stuffed afterward. I hope Thumper was a good representation of the quality of food there because I'll be stopping in for a proper supper regularly. read more

Good beer, friendly staff and no loud music. A place to go if you want a few drinks and to talk. Frequented mostly by locals given it's location is hidden from the main tourist trail. Good little pub and a good mix of clientele of all ages. read more