Royal Oak — Restaurant in England

Having booked to watch the rugby, we found the table allocated had very restricted views towards all screens. There was a perfect empty table nearby which had a reservation for someone else at 4.15pm. (This was 1.15pm). As the rugby would be finished at four we asked at the bar if we could sit there. We were told yes as long as we were off the table by 4.15pm. At 3.31pm we were approached and told there was a reservation for this table and we would need to vacate. We said we would be gone before 4.15pm. We were told we must be off by 4.00pm as it would take 15 minutes to clear the table!!!(four glasses, one plate and a wipe. Really?). We agreed as the rugby would finish at 4.00pm. At 3.59pm we were approached again and told the party with the reservation had arrived. (15 minutes early). We said as soon as the final whistle blew we would leave. The game was in its final minute. We were made to feel so unwelcome. It’s like they would have preferred the table to be empty for the 2 hours 45 minutes we sat there. We had three or four rounds of drinks in that time and a little bit of food. We did vacate the table as the final whistle went at exactly 4.00pm and they had the table cleared in seconds before we walked the few steps to the door. We were not trying to be awkward. We had every intention of leaving at 4.00pm without be hassled twice and made to feel terrible in front of other customers. We could have had a lovely afternoon and the next party a lovely evening yet at least three members of staff decided we shouldn’t be there. (The manager who told them to do it (overheard lady in blue shirt tell staff when I was on my way back from the toilet) and two other ladies. One final thing, the young lad who was clearing our table on a regular basis was lovely and polite. He deserves a mention. Everyone else should learn that you shouldn’t be hassling customers using a reserved table until closer to the time. Maybe a fifteen minute warning and not a forty five minute one would have been more appropriate. Took the shine from what would have been a lovely...

Nice pub, good food, great service; but!

My first time in Marlborough yesterday and had a great pint and evening meal in The Royal Oak. Staff were very quick to serve and very polite, even adjusting my meal options with no fuss & a smile (& no extra charge which always is a plus!)

My only criticism & it is major but one the manager can remedy very easily; it concerns the extreme rudeness of a group of customers whom I assume would be regulars as they took up 'their' places along the bar.

The narrowness of the walkway alongside the bar was blocked by a group of approx 8 mature males whom had no consideration for other customers. I had too repeatedly say 'excuse me' to get past, even resorting after little response to gently leaning into some of them.

Now, I am not a slight or weak person but I do not relish conflict, so after in excess of 10 times asking to pass through (either to the bar or back to my table) I did exclaim louder than normal my exasperation at having to ask yet again & got a summary mouthful from one of the party along the lines (expletive deleted) of you only had to ask.......!

The manager behind the bar must be aware of this issue and needs to address it quickly; you only have to see how it is remedied on other establishments in other locations (ie in all Wetherspoons outlets I have visited, all very busy but the bar area is always kept clear and moving.

I do not normally write reviews but even now the following day, this encounter has stuck with me.

Thank you...

We stopped in here on a whim today for a late lunch. The staff and owner could not have been more welcoming. We had a wonderful time. The beer garden in the back is gorgeous, and the food was outstanding. Three of us had the hunters chicken toastie, which was fantastic. The chicken platter was also delicious, as was the chicken katsu burger. All the chicken tasted fresh and was very well prepared.

The best part of our visit was the owner! There was a sign up by a table outside warning customers to be cautious of bees. My daughters were very interested and wanted to find the bee hive. When the owner saw us looking, he came over and talked to us about the miner bees (which don't sting and only come a few weeks a year).

Then, later, when he overheard my daughter comment that the pub had so many interesting things to look at, he spent quite a bit of time giving us a tour and showing us all the history of the pub. It was fascinating to hear the history of this beautiful building, and we really appreciated his taking the time to show us! We hope to come...