The Royal Oak — Restaurant in Oxford

Utterly love this pub for a few reasons:

1. Friendly staff who seem happy. Unlike some high turnover places, I've often seen the same staff again and again, and they do seem happy and genuine. Have never known them waiver in their professionalism or quick service.

2. Good range of beers AND ciders. They always have something new, and it hits the spot in terms of taste. Unlike some craft beer pubs: they cover all angles, including the best range of ciders I've found in Oxford. And a good range of spirits + soft drinks.

3. Their sweet potato fries / food. Sweet potato fries are notoriously easy to overcook, yet they always get them right. Whatever I've tried on the menu is flavoursome and filling.

Two suggestions would be: A) They need a carpark. B) A heated terrace / outdoors would be good - something like the one at The Lighthouse on Park End street.

One more point to mention is that I have a political group that meets there and we've always felt welcome. No sneers from staff or customers and a good sense of Hygge in winter.

Have never worked for them / don't know them personally, but one of the best proper pubs in Oxford (quiet enough for a good craic but busy enough to...

After checking my friend's and my ID's (we are all 18 years old) beer was served to us. However, after one of their guests pointed out to check our ID's again, the barkeeper suddenly decided that an Identity Card of the Federal Republic of Germany as well as the one of Switzerland are not valid in the UK to serve a drink. This was pointed out to us as a "government policy". Although, mentioning the allowance of crossing the border and entering the UK with this form of identity, they insisted we had to leave the location immediately. This is not only a form of not being well informed about rules and regulations in your own country, but also a form of racism, as we were told that our ID's "are not English" which prevented us from being allowed a drink. Hence, the rude and inappropriate manner of having international guests does not even deserve the star that we...

Visited as part of a large group. While the food was generally okay, there were some issues. The mango and avocado salad arrived without any avocado. A bowl of avocado was simply placed on the table later.

Later in the evening, one of our group went to the bar to order a margarita and was met with a loud sigh from someone who appeared to be the manager on duty. As a bar manager myself, I found this unprofessional and disappointing, especially for a premium drink. Additionally, an espresso martini ordered later was served only half full, which felt quite short for the price.

On a positive note, the roast dinners were fantastic, gluten-free options were well catered for, and the waiting staff were polite and accommodating, helping us take group photos and contributing to a lovely atmosphere. The heated smoking area was also...