To make it clear first, we called in on travelling through the area. We didn't stay there so there is no issue with the rooms or service in that area. However, my partner and I were disappointed about the bar service. The pub was empty as we were the first in at lunchtime. We bought drinks and chose to sit in the restaurant at a NON-reserved table for a drink and a 15- 20 minute stay. As we were NOT eating, the bar person came up to the table and asked us to move to the seat by the door which was less than comfortable. We felt very put out that we were told that the UNRESERVED table 'suddenly' had a booking, and we had to move, not in a rude fashion, but abrupt, but it made us feel very put out and uncomfortable, and both my partner and I thought it a bit unreasonable to move us. Four people turned up, and surprise, surprise they wanted to sit and eat (clearly NO booking), and they put the group in the very table we were sitting at where there was supposed to be a reservation. This was WITHIN 5 minutes of us being moved, so they told us a fib because we weren't eating that day and decided that, as we weren't going to spend more money, that as passing by 'drinkers' we weren't 'eligable' for a half decent seat. We both found it quite rude to be moved just so that it would remain vacant for would-be diners. If they didn't want casual drinkers, they should reserve the tables for 'DINERS ONLY, please', or words to that effect.

I have been there on many occasions over the years, and sat where we chose, unless of course it was filling up and would not taken up a valuable table just to drink. The prevous owners seemed more friendly than the current owners/managers. I have no issue with the lay out, or the cleanliness, and presentation of the whole pub floor was excellent, and on prevoius visits, the food has also been very good and there were no problems about the service. On this occasion ONLY, we felt that the customer service was less than paletable and in this case, the bar person's choice of words were poor as we were TOLD to move, rather than politley asked, so the service we received, was far from ecouraging to make us return. We feel strongly enough about this to make this comment, and would suggest that should anyone be seated where they 'shouldn't' (as deemed by their reply to a previous communication), any request to move from a NON- reserved table in an empty pub, should expect a more polite method of doing business. Perhaps this is the Landlords perrogative? As it happened we walked out and chose eat elsewhere in the end, as our appetites were marred by the way we were treated. The beer was fine, and I have no complaint about the overall presentation of the premises, it's very nice, but I am sure that MOST customers will have a better experience than we did. Apart from a previous review here that, along with our experience, seemed to hit the mark, so guys I politely suggest that if some is sitting where you would rather them not, please be careful how you ask them to move, as being somewhat abrupt, won't do your trade any favours!

John.

One night only but the Royal Oak would be ideal for a longer stay. Designer rooms worked well and a great bath; excellent food (the best scallops I've had for ages) and great beer.

After moving back into the area my wife and I decided to have lunch at the royal oak, upon entering the pub my wife and I were barely through the door when we were bombarded by hellos and how are you from the friendly locals, when all of a sudden there was an "excuse me, excuse me! EXCUSE ME!" Prams aren't allowed in the bar", couldn't the land lord have waited until we were over the threshold before ordering us to remove the pram from the bar area? We ordered lunch, a cheese ploughmans a crab sandwich and cheesy chips. my ploughmans looked basic and lots of the same to bulk it out,(cheddar,cheddar and more cheddar) the pickle was 'loose' on the plate, this made my crispy baguette soggy. The final straw was the belly button fluff on the lettuce 'salad'.
My wifes crab sandwich had more shell than meat making it a genuine crustacean sandwich, one bite out of each triangle proved this inedible. The cheesy chips were well, cheesy chips.
The pub is nothing like it used to be, everything is white washed and plain, it looks out of place in an old country pub. If you are to have any interaction with this pub I suggest it be with the 'oak files' in the bigbury news and read how the owners complain of loudmouth drunks and unruly children.

Stayed here for four nights in May 2011. Good accommodation. Have four letting bedrooms. Very clean & compact comfortable rooms slightly on the small side. Had evening meal on the first night & food was so good decided to eat there every night. Excellent friendly owners.