Royal Oak Pub & Guesthouse — Restaurant in London

Ok, I made a special trip here, because it used to be my local, just to support this pub. My oh my, how things have changed post lockdown. Little things matter. I ordered a bottle of porter, as I was to learn later a sample bottle, which implies the pub got it for free, and it was delivered to my table by the chap behind the bar. Anyway, everything was as you would expect -- the energetic manager I used to admire was not in -- or maybe has left -- so service was a bit sleepy, but to be fair service anywhere is a bit awkward in these Covid times. The problem came when I ordered a second drink, a pint of ale. The lady that took my order said it is not really done to run a tab in the afternoon, which was okay with me so I said I would pay it. Which I did, and the amount was over £11, so I asked for my receipt. And on my receipt were three beers: a bottle of Budweiser £3.80, the pint of whatever ale I ordered £3.50, and a bottle of Corona £4.00. Naturally, I called the lady over to ask for an explanation. Okay so far, mistakes get made: she explained that the bottle of porter was a sample, and so she just used the Corona button on the till to ring it up. So I noted that the Budweiser was the bottle of porter in that case, because I had only had two beers and that was what the chap had charged me -- 3.80 not 4.00. So what she did then really irritated me -- she gave me a refund for the 3.80 not the 4.00 Actually, I was just going to leave my unfinished pint and the pub never to return. It's only 20p, but if the Royal Oak is routinely cheating each unknowing customer off for 20p on each order, it does stack up. So instead I went over to the chap who had charged me 3.80, and pointed out that the lady had charged me 20p more for the bottle of porter. He seemed a bit taken back that I would make an issue out of such a small amount, and asked me "so you want 20p?" Now maybe I am wrong about what was going through his mind when I asked for my 20p back. But, yeah, if 20p was important enough to the Royal Oak to nick it out of my change, it's important enough for me to ask for it back. And give it back he did. One thing is sure, I went to my old local to support them, and it's changed, so I won't...

Great pub inside and outside; very helpful staff; and the "Er-hacktulee-i-er-just-moved-to-Hi-hams-apark-vya-Awesomestow, YA..." will love this E4 pub...feels like it's targetting the middle-class thirty/forty- somethings who've traded Stoke Newington flat for E4 house and first baby.

The locals and fellow diners are a good bunch, friendlier than in the noughties. Decent beers; arty Tottenham Outrage mural outside... a very likable building inside and out and worth a visit if you're walking in the Forest.

Sunday lunch we ate was: good.

Not great but better than average. Decent portions but chewy roast meat with half-hearted veg disguised under a good gravy; speedy service we received was unusual and suggested the pub is very popular with locals on a Sunday, so the food is all cooked prior to you walking in and placing orders.

Table we reserved was small for group of six but cosy - the booth-like seating makes the acoustics excellent... I suppose it's the Royal Oak's atmosphere that makes it worth paying £20 a main dish for but not the food itself.

Decor and atmosphere - 5/5 Staff and service - 5/5 Food - 3/5 Value - 3/5 Kids and dog suitability - 5/5

Overall: Great pub worth visiting for a meal with friends/family/dogs and it might be even better with its non-Sunday lunch menu. Recommended...

I’ve been going to the oak for over 8 years now and it’s always been such a good atmosphere food has been good and polite staff. My recent experience at the pub since covid has hit has gone completely down hill. The atmosphere seems very stiff like they’re trying to be something they’re not.

As for the staff they have an odd one or two behind the bar that are lovely. But myself and friends had food brought up and when we asked which one was which due to each pizza being different we was greeted with the response of “I don’t know who’s is who’s I didn’t take your order” than put the food on the table and walked off…. We had to go get our own cutlery, and sauces. Unable to find salt we asked for some and it was so moist in the packet it come out in clumps.

We than asked for a take away box and the lady sighed and said “we’ll if I have one” stormed off to get one without even asking how many was required. When she come back we asked for one more again another response with attitude this time she said “if there is I’ll bring it to you” walked off rolling her eyes again and sighing.

Not quiet sure what’s happened with the oak but I will be avoiding going their from now on due to several disappointing visits and going to another local. Family members have mentioned similar experiences as well as...