Royal Oak — Restaurant in England

I was the person who was refused service yesterday afternoon so, thank you @ Simon Davies for adding your voice. I too live in Cumbria, only 25 minutes from Ambleside, and have been a frequent visitor to the Royal Oak for 40 years.

Yesterday I was one of a small group of customers who, after queuing for 10-15 minutes, watched as a couple of locals went straight to the bar: after a couple of furtive words with a member of staff they were served immediately. I asked the bar staff why and was given some drivel about them not being able to serve the people a long way from the bar, although people up against the bar were amongst those patiently waiting. The other bar person (I assume the manager) then told me that I would not be served. I asked why but no reason was given. There was more waffle about the two locals having pre-paid for their beers and so were being served first: not justifiable in my opinion and raised the question of why cash was being handed over the bar. I said "thank you" and left without further comment. I'm sure the bar staff were very proud of themselves.

I was extremely polite throughout. I was not confrontational or aggressive. I simply asked a question.

The staff here are indifferent at best and serving locals first is clearly the way they operate. I understand the importance of looking after those that put money across the bar throughout the year, but that doesn't justify treating the non-regulars with contempt.

There are many other pubs in Ambleside that still value passing trade as well as their locals. Out of interest, I went from the Royal Oak to the Unicorn which was also very busy, but where I received friendly and...

Royal Oak is a lovely little pub, and the staff are fantastic, but I’m afraid the Vegetarian Goulash I ordered was abysmal.

When I saw their speciality was Goulash, and that they did a vegetarian version I was sold and I was really looking forward to getting stuck in.

It arrived pretty quickly, and I have to admit that visually it wasn’t very appealing - but I know that looks aren’t everything and it’s all about the taste - except there wasn’t any.

Firstly, it was so hot it burned my mouth. So I took to blowing on each spoonful to cool it down, but there was literally no flavour or substance to their “Goulash”. It was just a few large chunks of vegetables, and what I assumed was a dumpling, in a vat of tomato sauce. There was no garlic bread either. I finished it because I was hungry, but I felt really dissatisfied - and still hungry. So much so that afterwards I ended up in the supermarket next door buying crisps and biscuits.

Before I turned vegetarian I had eaten Goulash in Hungary, and various Hungarian restaurants in the UK - so I know what Goulash tastes like. What I had at the Royal Oak was nothing like Goulash.

I’m sorry to leave such a negative review but I do feel that vegetarians often get overlooked, are served substandard dishes, and are then expected to be grateful for it.

In all seriousness I would much rather establishments omitted vegetarian options from their menu, so I can then go find a restaurant that recognises vegetarian customers also...

Miserable chef would not supply any more garlic so our meal was spoiled and I suggest you avoid this place. To say that she and kitchen appeared unhygienic and unclean is an under estimate and I hate to think what score on the door hygiene rating the place has. Will be reporting to environmental health. Other staff equally grumpy but she took the biscuit! RESPONSE to reply from owner : You are a liar. I was not in the kitchen and certainly not helping myself. You know this. I simply knocked and the door and was greeted by a surly untidy person who told me "That is what comes with the meal - we don't give anymore". So I was, as I said, refused and also shocked by the attitude and appearance of this member of staff. Other staff seemed equally unhappy and when I bought drinks I tried to get a dialogue but on both times was rebutted. Oh and the group behind me being rowdy and breaking a glass were not even challenged. In short you have all of your priorities wrong. A little more garlic would have seen us order more food and drinks before we left. But we watched the rugby and then left. We will not return. I am sure you are relieved about that. I regret it would give me pleasure should this review prevent others from being treated like this and having more similar treatment continued in your...