We wanted a weekend in the country and were delighted to find sheep in the field across from the pub. The setting is perfect, although the nearby bypass can be noisy at peak times. Duddington village is totally unspolit and filled with stone cottages. The Royal Oak is everything an English pub should be - friendly, popular with locals and welcoming to travellers. We were very impressed with Allen and Julia's hands-on approach, nothing was too much trouble. The food was good - the pub grub gives way to something altogether more special at weekends and the wine list affordable. Our room was pretty with brand new bathroom.
An excellent base from which to explore Stamford and Rutland and a great place to go back to.

Stayed one night in The Royal Oak hotel, its situated of a busy main road but back drops off the beautiful little village of duddington. Arrived to a frosty welcome from the bar staff and regulars and the night slowly got worse.. The rooms are clean below head height and access is through the back alley via the kitchen!!! not very practical with bags or kids, had to wait 2+ hours for a table even though many people came and went after us, staff were very vacant and seemed on a different planet, bar bill had gained 6 extra drinks and food was very, very slow to arrive once it did the stares started and comments to try and hurry us up... such a shame as it could be a lovely little experience if only in the right hands.

2 Golden oldies stayed at the Royal Oak on 30 November 2007.

Accommodation: The bedrooms have recently been refurbished and ours had been renovated in French provincial style with sumptuous soft furnishings and bed coverings. The en-suite was contemporary and very well equipped with a walk in shower.

Food: We were staying on an “event” night with a lot of people in the restaurant. Nevertheless, we had generous helpings of quality, fresh, food.

Staff: The hosts, Alan and Julia are very attentive, friendly and helpful as are all the rest of the staff.

Location: Great, convenient location for those wishing to:

·wander amongst Stamford’s Georgian charms
·go walking in the lovely countryside
·explore Rutland Water and the rest of this lovely county.

All in all a very pleasant stay in this friendly, family run hotel.

We decided to book a last minute night away in Rutland with food and accommodation, our first few choices were fully booked so came across the Royal Oak in Duddington.
On arrival the pub/hotel looks very nice on the outside but is right on a busy main road, which did get quite noisy.
The inside bar and restaurant is modern but very welcoming and looks as if it has been renovated recently with comfy leather sofas, wooden floors etc.
The bedrooms however do not look as they have been, they are reached through the back of the building past the kitchens.
The main bedroom was spacious albeit the furniture a little mismatched and dated, very small TV and limited facilities e.g. no iron and ironing board.
The bathroom was very dated, blue suite and tiles and carpeted, my husband also noticed that the toilet had not been properly cleaned.
We were also only provided with a small hand towel each, after running down to the bar to ask for bath towels and iron etc. it look over 30 minutes and a reminder to get these delivered.
The food at the Royal Oak however was very good, the restaurant was fully booked and obviously popular with locals, service was quick and every course was well presented and tasty.
Breakfast the next morning was average and a little chaotic, even though there were only 3 tables occupied.
Overall I would definitely return for a meal as the pub/restaurant was very good but I wouldn't stay overnight there again.