The Royal Oak — Restaurant in Bolton

We've been going to the "Oak" for as long as I can remember, and have eaten here multiple times. On the very odd occasion, we have been let down by there being limited meat left or on one occasion, nothing left at all, but it is normally very good, well priced, and decent quality. At the end of the day, you get what you pay for, so for the price of the standard carvery is reasonable, and reasonable food is what you get. I felt that I needed to write a review after our last visit here yesterday, not because of the food, but because of two members of staff. When we arrived, and went to the bar to place our order, there was a very, very rude lady in front of us, who basically had no manners whatsoever, and thought it right to talk to the bar staff like rubbish. She was nasty, and as mentioned, very rude, but the lady behind the bar, was so calm, polite and well mannered, and refused to get drawn in and lose her temper. A true credit to this place, and should receive a medal for what she had to put up with. I believe her name is Dee, but I may be wrong. The second member of staff was waiting on the floor, busy clearing and cleaning tables, and didn't stop the whole time we were there. Unfortunately, she was another member of staff that had to be abused by the same rude, nasty lady that the bar staff had to deal with. Again, she was very calm, and remained so during the whole barrage of verbal diarrhea that this lady was emitting. Even when this lady swore at her, she kept her cool and remained professional, again, a true credit to the pub and the team that work there. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get her name. We will continue to come here, and eat the good food, and drink the nice drinks, we just hope that there are no more abusive people in there, but, unfortunately, it is part of the pub game I guess. Well done to the two members of...

As an outstanding member of the community and traveller of the world I can honestly say i have never come across a finer establishment. After a hard day of saving babies from chip pan fires and cats from electricity pylons, I feel a night out at the carvery is well deserved.

Situated on the A6 just off the M61 motorway The Royal Oak it is easily accessible for drivers of all ages from 9 to 119. The views from the car park are stunning. The University of Bolton Stadium sits majestically under under the rolling moors of Winter Hill and Rivington Pike, whilst administrators work there busily checking the accounts.

The staff here are outstanding and are so friendly its as if you have known them all your life. Meeting the young man in charge of the gravy station was a particular highlight. I think his name was Barry.

On to the food. The carvery is a carnivorous joy to behold, and you are spoilt for choice between turkey, gammon or the beutifully marbled beef. You can tell all these animals lived happy lives before being sent to the abatoir and then cooked to sheer perfection. Coupled with the most succulent slabs of meat in the town is a delicious menagerie of seasonal vegetables including potatoes, carrots and peas. (I should add if you are a weirdo who want chips with your carvery this won't place won't be your jam, Good news however as Tescos is a mere 10 min walk over the motorway). Best of all, the menagerie of veggies is bottomless meaning you can get seconds and even thirds for the patron of a hungry nature.

All this cost just £5.99 which is a complete bargain in these days of inflation, unemployment and uncertainty.

Some below have criticised the venue as being stuffy and in need of ventiliation but this just adds to the beutiful, cosy ambience of a historical building which should be grade 1...

Beware! They only do carvaries on Sunday. Small £13 regular £16 and extra large £18. For the extra money you don't get anything other than an extra slice of meat and a bigger plate. No pigs in blankets on offer. A large glass of bog standard Chardonnay is expensive. £7 is a lot when a decent bottle can cost that. The meat was really good. I had the beef and turkey. Like all carvaries everywhere they are cooked without any sort of seasoning, so as standalone food it was a bit bland. The stuffing balls were tasteless balls of dry gloop. I've had better stuffing from Lidl. However the Yorkshire pudding was outstanding. The veg. Creamed leeks were ok, first bite was “mmmm” by three or four forkfuls I was bored with it. The carrot and swede was in chunks, not my preference but was nice. The broccoli and cauliflower weren't memorable. The baby potatoes in butter were. The roast potatoes were almost crispy but very, very dry inside. The parsnips were SWEET. Nice touch to have pickled beetroot, it brought things together. The gravy. I tried the onion gravy which was thick and thick with onions but not exactly thick with taste. The gravy from the gravy station was brilliant. It actually added the much needed seasoning for the meal. All in all, I feel it was an overpriced standard carvery. Nothing different to what the chains offer for a quid...