Quick Facts About The Royal Oak
Strengths:
1. Traditional British pub atmosphere: The Royal Oak offers a typical British pub experience with darts, pool, and a jukebox. This appeals to those seeking a traditional pub ambiance.
2. Reasonably priced: The prices at The Royal Oak are reportedly very reasonable, with a pint of Carlsberg and a bag of pork scratchings costing £5.60. This affordability adds value for customers.
3. Friendly staff and locals: The pub is known for its friendly staff who provide good service. The presence of friendly locals also contributes to a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Charm and character: Many reviewers appreciate the charm and authentic English hue of The Royal Oak. The unusual layout and the fact that it is a grade 2 listed pub add to its distinctive appeal.
5. Wide range of drinks: The pub offers a good selection of real ales, including popular ones like Black Sheep. This variety appeals to beer enthusiasts.
Weaknesses:
1. Lack of updates: A common criticism is that The Royal Oak hasn't changed much over the past 20 years. Some customers feel that the pub could benefit from a freshen up or renovation to make it more visually appealing and modern.
2. Poor parking conditions: The car park at The Royal Oak is described as unlit and containing pot holes. This can be a deterrent for potential customers, especially those with mobility issues.
3. Loud patrons: While the majority of customers appreciate the friendly atmosphere, there are occasional complaints about excessively loud and sweary older men. This can be off-putting for some patrons, particularly those seeking a quieter or more family-friendly environment.
4. Limited food options: Although it is mentioned that the pub offers bar snacks, it is unclear if they serve full meals. This lack of food options may discourage customers who are looking for a place to have a meal along with their drinks.
5. Accessibility issues: The pub is noted to have difficulties with disabled access. This can be problematic for individuals with mobility challenges who may face difficulties navigating the premises.
In summary, The Royal Oak has several strengths, including its traditional British pub atmosphere, reasonable prices, friendly staff and locals, charm and character, and wide range of drinks. However, it also has weaknesses such as a lack of updates, poor parking conditions, occasional loud patrons, limited food options, and accessibility issues.
Best TL Reviews
The Royal Oak hasn't really changed much over 20 years! I've been in here not often during this time. I's a typical British pub, with darts, pool and a jukebox, ticking a lot of things you might want in a pub. Not sure if they do food but they have bar snacks and with with the Carlsberg I had, was very reasonably priced, especially these days!! I think I paid £5.60 for a pint and a bag of pork scratchings.
It is a little tired and could do with a freshen up, the car park hasn't changed, at the top of a steep drive and pot holes abound, also unlit.
Friendly staff and locals, apparently gets very busy with teens and 20's on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights or when the footy is on!
I gave 3 stars not because it's a bad pub, but it's also not a great pub...Average ????
3-9-21 First time here as new to area..what a lovely little community pub with charm...
Definitely going back soon..
I'm back Wed 8/9/21....
Nice pub friendly atmosphere and good beer
Old-fashioned pub with an unusual layout and a huge garden. A very nice pint, well kept. Dog friendly. A few very, very sweary loud old men (friendly, just sweary) but that's par for the course round these parts. Bar staff very friendly, good service. One of the better pubs in Tilehurst, although the benchmark is admittedly very low.
Good drinks, friendly bar staff, don't fall down the stairs going to the ladies'! Interesting grade 2 listed pub :)
I've been visiting this pub occasionally for over 15 years. It's always been a consistently good visit. A wonderful choice of beers and an excellent pint of Guinness. Great atmosphere with a distinctive Authentic English hue. Everyone who passes through the door brings happiness by entering, some through leaving.
Good local pub with two floor bar space, usually well kept real ale, not tried any food though. Disabled access will be difficult. Some space in the garden, great on the summer.
This place is under new management. They have a good selection of real ales, they had black sheep on my last visit. It gets quite busy even on a Monday night. The very steep driveway up could do with some lighting and the beer could be 1c slightly warmer......it's a little too cold for a real ale. Overall would definitely recommend.
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