Royal Oak

We ate here on a Saturday evening around 8pm. We wondered if we should make a booking but when we got there the pub was very empty. Just 2 other tables. The section on the right hand side felt bare and cold like a canteen. That being said, the staff were lovely, friendly and courteous and the food was really good.

We arranged to meet a friend here for Sunday dinner, as it was a convenient midway point for us. I'd done a search for rated places to eat in Wiltshire, and The Royal Oak came up as the second best. We arrived at 6 pm, so it was pretty quiet. A server came to our table to take our drinks order; we'd expected to have to go to the bar. A few more people arrived to eat, but it certainly wasn't crowded by any means. While waiting for us, our friend had been looking at the menu on the pubs website, and was really looking forward to the fish & chips. Unfortunately, when we were handed the menus, it was a set Sunday 'lunch' menu (served 12 pm - 8 pm), and fish & chips weren't an option! However, my friend and my husband ordered the slow cooked roast beef while I ordered the slow cooked roast belly pork. Both came with roast potatoes, a parsnip and carrot, with a separate bowl of seasonal vegetables to share and a jug of gravy. The food came pretty quickly (or maybe we were just so busy chatting, we didn't notice!). For dessert, we ordered one of each; sticky toffee pudding, white chocolate & raspberry creme brulee and cheesecake (I can't remember the flavour). All were much lighter than expected and finished our meals off nicely. Tea & coffees to round things off. The staff were all very efficient, polite, and friendly. The price for our meals and drinks was very reasonable. The pub had a nice feel to it, and the views from the beer garden at the rear were beautiful. You can clearly see the chalk White Horse on the hill. On a summer's day/evening, it would be a really lovely spot to sit at, and there's plenty of space for children to run around and play. It's also worth noting that this is a dog friendly pub.

Very friendly staff, happy to help out with the two toddlers we had in tow. The little ones managed to enjoy the garden play area plus the view of the llamas in the next field. Didn't have my first choice on the menu so opted for pizza instead which was really nice, overall, a good proper local, wouldn't mind returning at some point.

What can I say but amazing in every way, lovely surroundings with fantastic food with excellent options. The beef and pork beautifully cooked and presented along with a great selection of vegetables. Great as a couple or with the whole family, reasonably priced and again a selection for your budget. Only one niggle but I guess it preference there is a old saying ' I love you like uncooked food loves salt'.