Gazette Pub Guide
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The Royal Oak, Witney: The pub dates back to 1609
AS local historian Derek Honey reminds us in his recently published Witney Inns, Pubs, and Breweries, The Royal Oak, which dates back to 1609, may have begun life as a cottage, or a couple of cottages.
The Royal Oak is considered the second most popular pub name in the country. It's thought to have come into being when King Charles II returned to the throne, and it became known that he and his aide had remained hidden in an oak tree for a day when pursued by Roundhead soldiers. To celebrate this, Charles II's birthday was declared Royal Oak Day, and pubs were named Royal Oak in his honour.
More than 500 pubs still bear this name, one of which stands in the middle of High Street, Witney.
Besides being one of the town's oldest buildings, The Royal Oak also rates as the smallest pub, though seating space has been extended considerably since much of its little courtyard was covered a few years ago.
It's here that a former licensee, John Carson, introduced the north country game Bull-in-a-Ring, and started a pub cribbage league during the 1980s, in an attempt to create a country pub atmosphere in the middle of a busy market town.
Now it's a bustling pub, which gains most of its trade from shoppers and locals, who are looking for a reasonably priced lunch, which is served efficiently in attractive surroundings.
Customers are even invited to phone their order through beforehand, and either take it away or enjoy the fact it's ready to eat on the premises the moment they arrive.
It was good to see locally-brewed Hobgoblin on tap, as this smooth, full-bodied ruby ale, with its hint of caramel, is a perfect winter warmer. Tea and coffee, hot chocolate, cappuccino, and other hot drinks are available for those who don't want an alcoholic beverage.
This is where I frequently lunched with a beloved aunt, who died suddenly last year. As a pensioner, she enjoyed the fact that you could get two plates of sausage-and-mash, or two cod-and-chips (pictured), for just £9.45, which is what my friend and I ordered on our visit. Admittedly, the cod weighs in at just four to five ounces, but it comes with a generous pile of chips and peas, and is indeed the right size at lunch time. My friend was impressed to discover that the tray of condiments - which included all the sauces you could wish for - is covered with cling film, allowing you to help yourself to the tartar sauce without contaminating the rest.
Other prices on the menu, however, are not as competitive.
The baked potatoes for example are priced from £6.25 for a plain potato with butter, to £7.95 for a filling of roast beef, ham, or chilli con carne, and £8.50 for a filling of prawns in cocktail sauce. Soup served with croutons and white or brown French bread and butter is £4.45.
A large portion of chips is £3.95, and two sausages, egg, chips, and beans £7.50.
Puddings, which include chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce, apple crumble or spotted dick sticky toffee sponge, cost £3.95.
I admit, it was fun sitting in this busy little pub, tucking into a tasty hot meal, while a team of very efficient staff quickly turned tables round and seated customers who had just arrived.
Meals are only served here until 2pm (2.30pm on Saturday), with cream teas served in the afternoon. In the evening, this pub is frequented by members of local sports clubs and locals.
Obviously, dogs are not allowed in, and wheelchair users would find it rather difficult to manoeuvre in this tightly packed space.
But those seeking a satisfying meal while shopping will discover it's a pub where old-fashioned hospitality abounds in plenty.
7:47am Thursday 10th January 2008
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