Helen Browning's Royal Oak

Overall initial impression was comfortable and smart, but once inside, the flaws are apparent. The main issue is that the rooms are simply too small - most importantly, definitely too small for the price - resulting in just a double bed, which is too small and uncomfortable for two people. When I am staying in a place like this with a more expensive price tag, I certainly do not expect to have to sleep in just a double bed. Even with this small bed, there is not a lot of space left in the room, and it feels squashed when moving around. I am a size 8, and I found the shower too small (e.g. when washing hair, there is no room to move out of the stream of the shower when needed), and the shower head is too high (it appears not to be adjustable). Breakfast - I ordered the Eggs Royale. It was, in the event, inedible - the hollandaise tasted of nothing but vinegar. When the waitress came to collect our plates, I told her, and she did not really react, and there was no offer of a replacement or apology, no-one returned to me. Clearly, the chef does not know how to make hollandaise, and is not tasting his food when he should. In hindsight, I should have refused to have paid for breakfast. Other than that, the food at dinner was pretty bland. I had haddock (not in batter) and no effort had been made to cook it nicely or prepare a sauce for it. My meal was rather dry and tasteless. The STP for dessert had barely any sauce, and was really just dry sponge with ice cream. All rather disappointing. The outside areas looked really messy and scruffy. In terms of the staff we encountered, they were all nice, but the whole experience all felt rather 'bitty', it did not feel seamless. So, the decisive factors for us were the food along with the size of the room and the bed for the price. Overall, most definitely not worth the price tag, and we spent well over £200 for one night + food. We do not go away often at all, so we were looking forward to this, but it was all just such a disappointment.

Farm to plate does not get any better than this. Pork ribs, slaw with roasted mixed veg cooked by Karl and simply superb. Tucked away in little ole Bishopstone there is many a top class costing restaurant that will never see the natural quality of the produce served by these guys👍🏿

Following a mishap cycling a nearby trail I came across this pub/hotel and fortunately for me there was a vacancy for the evening so I booked in to rest up . The stay was one of the best I’ve experienced, the room super cosy , spotlessly clean , warm and well equipped . The bed was incredibly comfortable . Tim , the host came over to check on my health and was an incredibly helpful full of life character, nothing was too much trouble . The pub was equally as special as the accommodation, a typical village pub with a friendly mix of both locals and travellers all being well looked after by Tim and his superb staff . The food was sublime all organic grown and produced on the Farm of the premises . This was undoubtedly a pleasure to stay at from arrival to departure and I would wholeheartedly recommend this as a destination to stay , you will not be disappointed !!!

If you like an old fashioned relaxed pub/restaurant/hotel go no further!! Wish I lived closer to this quirky shabby chic pub in a chocolate box village of thatched cottages. Staff were attentive and the evening meal was innovative and I knew it would be tasty when I saw the chef who was on the meaty side 😎

This was our fifth stay here and it was as wonderful as it always is - we’ve visited in spring, summer, autumn and now winter and it’s so much fun whatever the season! Brilliant people, food, room, wine, beer and walks. Looking forward to visit number six already!

My husband and I first stayed here for two nights after our wedding last December (separate review for that). We both agreed that after the most wonderful two night stay, we had to come back for our first anniversary. The staff are all so incredibly welcoming - truly. They cannot do enough for you. Tim is brilliant - he's very down to earth and makes time to speak to as many guests as he can. I've seen comments about rudeness and to be honest, I think people need to chill out a bit. These days, people get offended by the slightest thing! We thoroughly enjoyed our chats with him. The food is just delicious - really good. The Christmas burger was huge and we both agreed it was the best burger we've had (and I've had a lot of burgers!).. Juicy beef - slightly pink as it should be. Thick, melting brie and cranberry sauce. I've seen comments with regards to prices. You get what you pay for! This is their own organic produce. Everything locally sourced or homemade. I'm not sure what people expect for this kind of quality? Staff were very attentive, same as our previous visit. Nothing was too much trouble. The rooms are beautiful, with super comfy beds. Spotless.. Thoughtful extras in the lounge area. We'll definitely be back. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but please, I implore you: before you leave a negative review for this beautiful pub, ask yourself this question first- did you mention your issues at the time, therefore giving the staff the opportunity to resolve the issue? Nobody can help if they don't know that you're unhappy.