The Royal Oak North Gorley — Restaurant in New Forest

(EDIT Since posting, I have been more honest and detailed with my description of what happened on Friday night so potential customers can see the most accurate reflection. I have not fabricated anything, or changed my review- only given more of an explanation, which is only fair.

I updated my review before the owner even initially responded, so it was completely off my own back. As you can see, the owner does not like this. Desperate attempt to avoid accountability and a very bizarre way to deal with customers…. If anything, their response completely proves my point!

It should not need to be said but part of owning a business is accepting responsibility…. Reading back on the other negative reviews, the owners have not once genuinely apologised or even accepted fault! Take that how you will 😬😬)

After checking on the website that this pub served food until 8.30pm, we arrived and ordered drinks around 7.30pm. The pub itself was by no means busy and there were plenty of places for us to sit. When seeing no menus on tables and going up to ask- only then we were told they were not taking any more food orders and the kitchen was closed.

Normally this would not bother me but I explained to the staff that we were camping, were unable to drive to a shop as we had drank, and there were no other restaurants within walking distance, so we did really need to eat here as we planned or we would not be able to eat that night.… but it was very much a ‘tough luck’ situation.

There was not one ounce of empathy or accountability for the situation we found ourselves in due to their badly managed kitchen.

I practically had to beg the staff for little bowl of chips or a roll- STILL they said no! Oh… but they told me I could buy a packet of crisps from behind the bar! Unfortunately we had to decline this grand gesture of customer service as we had a packet of crisps back at the tent.

I am left wondering what would have happened if we had a reservation that night at 7.30pm. If they still would not be able to accommodate us for food then it clearly was not us at fault for not making a reservation. However, if having a reservation meant we would have been served food despite the kitchen being “shut”… then putting a bowl of chips on for us at that time was obviously possible, but they just chose not to.

So on that note, thank you to the entire team for making us feel like something the...

Update, visited March 2025

Still Our Favourite – Even Better Than Before!

We recently returned to the area for a week visit and couldn’t wait to stop by our old favourite pub - we returned probably 4 nights during our visit. After hearing it had a refit, we were a little nervous—sometimes changes can take away the charm—but we’re happy to say it’s even better than before!

The new look is fresh and stylish while still keeping that cozy, welcoming feel we always loved. It was great to see that Will was still at the helm with a fantastic and improved team, offering the same friendly service that made this place feel like home. The food was just as delicious as we remembered—fresh, well-cooked, and full of flavour.

And of course, no visit would be complete without a greeting from Guinness, the pub dog, who is as friendly and loveable as ever!

It’s always special coming back to a place that holds good memories, and this pub didn’t disappoint. If anything, it’s only improved with time.

Special shout out to Bar Manager for serving up some awesome cocktails!

Can’t wait to return on our next visit!

Excellent food and service. We live in the area and this is our favourite pub in the area. They have improved their menu this year since reopening and the chef has a great selection of chooses. Friendly and pleasant staff. Would highly reccommend and booking is advised as alwasy very busy when we...

Having eaten at the Royal Oak on a number of occasions and enjoyed fantastic food and service I am disappointed to find myself writing this review. Booked in for Sunday roast today and terribly disappointed by the quality and quantity provided. Don’t want to go into forensic details at this stage but my suspicions were raised by the fact that the meals began arriving within 30 seconds of us ordering ? Actually had to have both of them sent back to the kitchen straight away to be warmed up properly. When the plates were returned to us I honestly thought the chicken breast was one of the roast potatoes ! As I said, this was all very strange when taking account of our previous experiences and I hope we can give the pub another go and a chance of ‘redemption’, especially in view of the cost incurred ! Would have gladly given my thoughts had I been asked by someone if everything was ok….. but I suspect the ‘room had been read’ and there was no desire to do...