The Royal Oak — Restaurant in Sydney

MISSY THE CAT RETURNS

Yet another good solid honest neighbourhood pub that's well worth visiting when passing by. As with so many pubs today, The Royal Oak does tend to fall between two stools: is it a pub, or is it a restaurant? I maintain that it is virtually impossible to be a stand-out as both things at the same time. The shiny, clean, open, contemporary setting that today's restaurateurs love usually makes for a pretty ordinary pub. In the present example, the restaurant vibe tends to crowd out the soulful heritage pub in which it's located. That said, the helpful, friendly staff, a decent beer selection, the outdoor tables and the heritage neighbourhood still make this one worth your visit.

Missy The Cat Star Ratings:

5 - a place of rare genius that merits repeated return visits

4 - a strong effort with no major shortcomings

3 - a solid, worthy effort with perhaps one important thing to fix

2 - several important things wrong, but at least one important thing right

1 - can't be given a zero, doesn't deserve a dollar (as of...

Decided to head to the Royal Oak for drinks and a bite to eat with our friends and their 2 kids. We literally walked in to the bar where they were seated said hello, when a man in a shirt “ possible manager” came over, no excuse me or any manners but basically and rudely ushered out of the bar and made us sit in the restaurant, because we had children. We then ordered our food earlier than we wanted due to being made to sit in the restaurant which had no atmosphere, my husband choose the Ravioli which cost $31.50 and all he got was 6 pieces which looked like they had been heated up in the microwave and which he said were tasteless . The kids choose their meals but requested some gravy on the side, 2 tomato sauce dispensers with gravy came out and to our shock when coming to pay the bill we were charged $5 for a thimble of gravy. Super disappointing, won’t be...

The staff are so very rude - they literally don't want to be there (as I was actually told by our young 'bartender' during our function!). He kept checking his phone and texting, never smiled or used any manners of any sort.

Everyone was commenting on how rude he was and the older female staff who cleared glasses, literally knocked people out of her way.

To make matters worse, I was very insulted and embarrassed by being told I couldn't have another drink when I went to buy a drink for my friend - she could have one and she literally had the same amount I did. Over 4 hours I had 4 drinks and a LOT of water in between.

Merry yes indeed - drunk/RSA'd - not a chance!

We were having fun catching up with people we hadn't seen in many many years - he literally ruined my evening being just so damn miserable. . I would...