The Royal Oak — Restaurant in England

I give the Royal Oak in Great Wishford (Wishford Magna) in Wiltshire, my highest possible recommendation as it is quite simply everything that is great and lovely about a traditional English pub and also has two open fires, a large restaurant with an excellent chef and a wonderful landlady, who runs the pub with her daughters.

It was the inviting appearance of the pub, in its stunning setting, that made us want to go in, but my rating is is catapulted from Geat to EXCELLENT because of the rich, warm welcome we received from the Landlady Inês as we walked in. I felt warmth from this amazing lady before she even spoke, and when she did, her strength of character, warm motherly charm and kindness shone like a star and I resolved there and then to return the next day for a meal with friends.

Six of us enjoyed a splendid meal the next evening from the extraordinary “pub grub” menu where every dish has a unique twist to elevate it above normal expectations. We also indulged deeply into the huge selection of gins on offer to make it a real night to remember.

It is is not unusual to want to return to a great pub, but it is a rare and wonderful thing to feel such a connection with another human being who you’ve only just met, but I was unable to leave without asking Inêz for a hug. I’ll never forget meeting this incredible woman and will certainly return to the pub when next in Wiltshire.

The Royal Oak regularly offer’s live music and Sunday roasts, and we’re told that curries, made by the African chef are served using a recipe that he will not share...

My disabled father and a friend went to the Royal Oak for lunch on Tuesday 31st July 2012. The service was apauling - they were the only two people in the dining room and when they asked a waitress for a menu her response was 'I'll finish what I'm doing, then I'll get it' - she was laying tables! That was the start and it went downhill from there - they felt forgotten and everything took a long time - despite the fact that they were not busy. They asked the waitress to explain the specials as they are disabled and didn't feel like walking to the board - she complained but eventually did as they requested.

As they left the pub, the barman pushed past them, almost knocking them over in his attempt to leave quickly - THEY ARE DISABLED but THEY ARE PEOPLE and more importantly customers.

The food was excellent but my Father will not return there to be treated so badly. I haven't been there and have no...

If the heating in this pub ever failed I am sure that very few people, if any would notice because the warmth/friendliness exuded here by the staff/management would surely compensate for any shortfall. The visit came by a recommendation from the owner of a nearby B&B that I was staying in overnight, and I am very pleased I made the 7' drive up the road for what was a very enjoyable hour or so. Fascinated by one particular offering on the menu, and knowing that I would probably not get the chance to sample it again anywhere else, I knew I had to go for it - freshly made, and very enjoyable - Senegambian Sea Bass Yasseh, on a bed of Basmati rice. So when the congestion on the A303 becomes too much to bear, this place should not be considered too far out of the way as a diversionary route - trust me! I will certainly be returning...