The Royal Oak

Featured reviews

• K

  Kieran H

  ·2 months ago

  “Our experience at the Royal Oak was mixed. Our party of 2 had to wait 15 minutes for our booked 5:00pm table, but the server behind the bar was very attentive and comped our first order of drinks which was a nice gesture. It was a shame that the Sunday roast option of pork was unavailable but the beef option was a very nice second choice. The cookie ice-cream dessert was very good too. Towards the end of the meal (about 7pm), we could hear the service staff talking within earshot and could them hear swearing which, when there were still children present, didn't feel conducive of the family-friendly pub atmosphere. On the whole, the meal was nice but nice is about the limit.”

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• S

  Sarah Read

  ·3 months ago

  “Having read The Cotswold Gentleman’s review, we booked a table for Sunday lunch in advance and were looking forward to our visit. On arrival, as a party of two, we were shown to a table positioned in what felt like a thoroughfare – at the bottom of the steps between the bar and restaurant. Several other tables in the restaurant were clearly unoccupied, but when we asked if we could sit elsewhere, we were told those tables were unavailable and that we could sit outside “if we wanted to”. As the weather was pleasant, we chose to sit outside. However, once seated there, there was no table service, meaning we had to manage our own ordering and attention throughout the meal. To be clear, the food was excellent. Both our starters and mains were very enjoyable, and we have no complaints whatsoever about the quality of the food. What made the experience disappointing was the service. During our visit of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, the supposedly unavailable tables inside remained empty and were never occupied. This left us questioning why a customer who had booked in advance could not be accommodated at one of them. Good customer service is often about the small decisions that shape a guest’s first impression. A simple gesture of allowing us to sit at one of the vacant tables would have made all the difference. Instead, we left feeling like our custom was not particularly valued. It’s disappointing because the food deserved better service. Unfortunately, despite enjoying the meal itself, the overall experience means we are unlikely to return, despite being local.”

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• D

  DV

  ·4 months ago

  “Busy, only had drinks, arrived when lunch service had just finished, so can't comment on food, but others meals left me envious to see i missed out. Atmosphere was nice, views from windows lively, setting lovely too on a cool wet early eve.”

• B

  Becca Smith

  ·5 months ago

  “We went for a couple of drinks in the sun on a Saturday afternoon and it was a lovely atmosphere. Really lovely grounds, and staff are friendly. Lovely pub, highly recommend!”

• B

  Binee M

  ·5 months ago

  “Really admired the views while lunching at this place, even saw a steam engine train pass by. Food was really good and we really had a great time at this place.”

• D

  David Webb

  ·5 months ago

  “Turned up on the recommendation of our B&B hosts - and what an excellent recommendation it was! Really enjoyable food; a great setting with formidable views over the Cotswold countryside, and attentive service too. Locals a bit boozy and sweary but weirdly it added to the overall jolly vibe. We thoroughly enjoyed what we think is now referred to as a dining experience.”

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• S

  S M

  ·6 months ago

  “Lovely pub with fantastic views of the countryside to accompany the delicious food on offer. Great beer garden & childrens climbing frame for warmer days. Plenty of parking available. Worth a detour.”

• M

  Marcus Eperjesi

  ·7 months ago

  “A lovely gastropub experience. Food was fantastic, let down by some inattentive service. Might have been an off night but we'll worth a visit for the food any time!”

• S

  Scott S

  ·10 months ago

  “A great venue that we have visited many many times. Super friendly and attentive staff, decent selection of beers, ales, spirits and wines and a great menu with a specials board. Loads of parking, great views across the hills and kids play park. What more could you want. Love this place.”

• T

  Tim Ball

  ·1 year ago

  “Came across this pub by chance. What a find! The pub is situated at the edge of Gretton village with an exceptional view of the Cotswold countryside. The food was beyond the usual pub grub but not without the option of the classic pub dishes. Superb whitebait and the mushroom ravioli were delicious, as I’m sure all the menu would equally be. Note: best booking ahead to get the upper area to sit by the window and enjoy the view. Service was very attentive. Faultless experience!”

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