Restaurant at The Royal Oak in Tower Hamlets

Nice pub but staff are no where near as fun and friendly as they used to be - face like a slapped bum half of them!

Nice boozer. Although we were here midweek for lunch, so it was far from heaving but I bet it's great when it is.

Nice vibe pub in an amazing area. Food and drinks were served on time and was nice. But the service staff looked rather sad, tired or depressed and gave one word answers to questions.

The ox cheek pie and mash and bangers and mash were faultless. A little expensive at £23 and £18 respectively but pretty much perfect plates of food. We had to wait a little while for our drinks but it was a busy christmas market day. Some background music upstairs would have been nice A cracking pub - like being reunited with an old friend. We will be back next month

The food portions were small and it felt overpriced. For roast dinner I expect more than two roast potatoes. The pub has no atmosphere. It's a lovely building but it's crowded with day trippers. Long ago this used to be an awesome pub but it's become rather soulless. Clearly it's owned by someone that doesn't live there and just wants to make money from market customers.

Great roast! Great service! Perfect option for finishing the weekend. Thank you!

Went as a big group - great experience, food, drink and staff

5 out of group of 13 ended up with food poisoning. Don’t go! 4 days later still feel dreadful! 🤢🤮

Such a lovely birthday on a weekday evening with friends for dinner and drinks. Food is so good with great options. Staff were super friendly and accommodating. Love this pub!

Fantastic roast in the private room for a party. Delicious food and excellent service.

Definitely one of the best afternoon roasts in London. I usually get their chicken roast but recently tried the lamb roast and will go back to order the same again (although it’s huge so make sure to share it with 4 people atleast). Afterwards, the sticky toffee pudding is an absolute must! The pub is very well located, right at the end of Columbia Road flower market - visiting the Royal Oak on a Sunday makes for a perfect afternoon outing. Sometimes it is hard to find seating as it’s increasingly popular so best to make a reservation before you get there!

Gosh we love this pub and the roast is so homely, every element extremely tasty and we have been back multiple times. Great that it is dog friendly too and the Bloody Mary is perfectly warming.

The food was OK but the service was TERRIBLE. We had to wait 29 minutes for someone to come and clean the table so we could sit. The waitress that came with an attitude m, spilled water on the table and dropped some of the chips while serving. Then, after we had ordered through the app she came over to say the app wasn’t working, and gave no explanations… Further to this, the cleanliness of the place needs improving…

Lovely pub, very solid sunday roast, and nice selection of beers.

Lovely pub, great food and amazing friendly service from Grace and Tyler, will definitely be back.

Went here for Sunday Roast. Had a reservation since Columbia Road Flower Market was underway outside. Was seated upstairs and had an outstanding meal. Wait staff were very friendly. We left to do other sightseeing and came back for dessert later. Pub had an excellent vibe both upstairs and down. Highly recommend.

We want to send a special mention to Grace today! Grace was extremely accommodating after we’d muddled up our reservation, and we really appreciate the understanding our mistake and their efforts to make sure we still get a table and a lovely roast! Thank you Grace!

London gem. Top selection of starters & lovely beer garden/patio

Food was very nice, good portions. Service was also good, we were served by Teun. We would definitely come back.

Really good place. Very nice food and service. It was good value for money. I had a chicken roast and it was delicious. I would recommend this establishment.

The return of cars and busy road traffic has ruined what was a wonderful atmosphere sadly.

The Indian barmaid was amazing, very kind and generous.

Great place a few films have been made here!

Really enjoyed having a few beers in this historic pub. Sat in courtyard which suited us down to the ground. Thank you. Cannot comment on food Asahi on tap. Thx.

Great service. Food was fantastic and very happy to accommodate on providing food to accommodate dietary requirements. Would recommend.

This lovely pub let my group use their private dining room to make sandwiches to donate to the homeless, free of charge. Aside from which, our group ate afterwards and everyone enjoyed their meal, from the smash burgers to the roast . Fantastic location right on columbia road where the flower market is. Definitely will be returning.

1st time in London from Perth & we came here for Sunday roast. It was amazing & delicious plus great servings. Also my first time eating Yorkshire pudding it was delicious. Hope I can find it here in Perth. Highly recommend coming if your local or just visiting

As I soon as I came in I was greeted with a menu which had a variety of cuisines and dietary options, it felt very inclusive! For the starter I had the Classic Scotch Egg — The presentation was top tier and I can’t stop talking about the crispy outer layer of breadcrumbs (which were also gluten free) and for the main I just had to go for the Spinach and Basil Pesto Gnocchi which literally made me gesture a chef’s kiss! + To add on the service from staff was amazing, all very friendly and up for a chat!

Lovely pub with a classic English feel with lots of history. Lovely team and great food 👌🏿 best Guinnessn east London. One of my all time fav pubs

Went for a meal with my family after my graduation, everything was amazing. The food was incredible, the service amazing and the outside area perfect for some afternoon sun.

The best place for a Sunday roast in London - can't fault it at all. Was impressed with their vegetarian roast & would highly recommend finishing with their sticky date pudding. A good place to meet up with friends for drinks too! I'll definitely be back.

Sunday roast was perfect again thank you

I have been coming to Royal Oak for several years and always love their Sunday roasts. Our service in the dining room was great and the plates were generously portioned and perfectly cooked

What can my 630th review say that hasn't already been shared? I can tell you I used to come here for dinner with my sweetheart when we lived around the corner. We'd head down Ezra street and every step was a painting, its pretty brickwork and cobbles and graffiti. Most weeknights we'd find a table. It was busy in the bar but quiet upstairs in the restaurant. We talked and laughed and enjoyed the food and smiled at each other, we loved each other very much, and we heard everyone talking and laughing and so lively just underneath us. I forget what I ordered now, probably some kind of pie or chicken thing, simple and homely. It was a home from home. We chuckled at how the menu didn't ever seem to change but the food was lovely and we were happy. We had everything we wanted. At least for a while, as much as you can in London, or in life. Tranquility and life and warmth all in one place. Thank you for many happy memories. I miss you.

Sunday Roast was delicious . In a beautiful traditional old pub that’s been restored beautifully . Great service and atmosphere in its vibrant surroundings on Columbia Road . I’ll be visiting again .

Lovely pub, was able to use upstairs to do some work. Had lunch downstairs, don’t sleep on the Fish Finger sandwich, absolutely delicious! Will be back, thanks again.

I had the best dinner party at The Royal Oak with family to celebrate my birthday. The room was decorated beautifully, food, music and atmosphere were just perfect. Can’t thank the staff enough for making it so special ❤️

I used to go to this pub for many years. Unfortunately the recent ownership changed what used to be a lovely pub. The staff is rude, disrespectful and most importantly not inclusive. Food became average and the beer over priced. I suggest you go to lovely Nelson’s, 2 min walk.

We hired the dining room for a birthday celebration and it was brilliant. The staff were friendly, helpful and more than patient with the little ones in the group. The food was wonderful, all orders were correct and their drinks menu was perfect for the occasion. Couldn’t recommend it more!

Love this place so much. The food, the staff, the atmosphere and the music is amazing. We had such a beautiful lunch in the private dining area upstairs to celebrate my mums 60th and it was perfect. Intimate enough for a cosy lunch with lots of space for party vibes and mingling. The food was 10/10. Still thinking about the crab salad!! The staff were so accommodating and we’ll be booking it again for sure. Thanks to you guys for hosting such a memorable day for our mum and family ❤️

I had wanted to visit this famous pub since the 90's. I finally managed it and was very disappointed. Staff were miserable. Atmosphere was as exciting as being stung by a wasp. No disabled toilet.

Lovely little pub, walked in with a few friends and managed to get a garden table (such a little hidden gem) great service, delicious spritz’s

Great pub and open on a Monday!

Popped in for a couple of drinks as usual because the staff are excellent. Bit peckish, so ordered a snack. Best. Chips. EVER !!

Fabulous food and huge portions! However, the only downside was we had to wait for over 40 minutes and I think our order was forgotten as all surrounding tables received their food before us and we were there before them. However, staff were great and very accommodating and would definitely come back and recommend to friends.

Fantastic pub! Service always on point. Some great local beer, and the Guinness is always exceptional. Highly recommend!

Unbelievably rude and unpleasant staff. Update in response to the manager: Call it what you wish. I had been going to that pub for nearly a decade because I'd enjoyed the atmosphere, but since you took charge service has gone down steadily. You and your staff have been rude to myself and my friends on numerous occasions. You seem to have decided we're second rate citizens - is it our foreign accent? - and always serve us poorly.

I loved the place, great place to visit on a trip to the UK, I love the mood and everything. The service is always amazing, shoutout to Roscoe

I went here for lunch with my good friends, I ordered the veggie burger and my mate dom got the roast. Both were delicious and the service was excellent. I can’t remember the name of our server but i think it was something like ross or rose? or maybe rosco? anyway the service was amazing, and the food was delicious and the whole experience was lush, great atmosphere and i’d really recommend going. The only slight qualm that i had was that the yorkies were a little small, though they were not in my meal so i can’t really complain. Great value for money and had the loveliest time catching up with my mates over from america. (i have never left a review before so i dont really know how to write them but my friend dom encouraged me to leave a review and showed me how to do so on my Iphone as I am not very technically minded.) Thanks and Regards, Ash.

Had a great time at this amazing pub, especially because of Roscoe!!! He’s got a lovely energy that makes everyone’s mood lift up, and is super funny and smart, so big ups to Roscoe! Worth the visit for him alone

Nice pub to drop in for a pint. Met a nice person in this pub who turned out to be my cousin, so that’s cool.

My friend was racially abused when he was ordering a drink a the bar tonight. It’s really sad to witness this kind of behaviour. I ve been to this pub before and always enjoyed the atmosphere, but I feel it’s important to speak out about this behaviour so hopefully it doesn’t happen again. Thank you

rude and unprofessional staff - saw one spitting on a drink!

Lovely pub for a cool pint on a hot day!

A really lovely pub. A bit hipster but not crazy. Lovely in late afternoon

Lovely decor, and they've got a really nice Quinoa Salad.

The service was OK, and when we mentioned food was a bit cold it was dealt with immediately. Wait staff were a bit ‘cool’ and could be more friendly . Huge queue for women’s toilets so couldn’t wash our hands before dinner and they had no hand sanitiser. Food was tasty, and great portions. The market was very busy, and dining upstairs was a nice oasis of calm, I wouldn’t have wanted to eat downstairs which was extremely hectic, not helped by the toilet queue growing by the second. There is a QR code order system that doesn’t have up to date drinks so we called waiter who took our order, she seemed to be aware the app wasn’t correct, possible even told managers who maybe haven’t corrected. ? Good selection of drinks and prices were OK for East London.

Great pub, lovely location and excellent service from Ed and Rosco(e?) Will visit again

Was working a short distance away with colleagues and we found this pub when looking for food in the local area. Very friendly. Good food and service. Cumberland sausage & mash and burger highly recommended. Decent price. Certainly return if in the are again

Got to be the best Sunday pub roast in East London, if not further! Staff are unbelievably cool, hip and brilliant sense of humour!

Made a visit here with 3 friends last week, travelled from Cardiff to do a pub crawl and started here. Received a warm, friendly welcome and even got a drink on the house. We all had sandwiches and they were fresh, a good size and really tasty. If I lived nearer I would be a regular.

This has been our local pub for a long time as the atmosphere is great, but we have since decided to change because the food has gone severely downhill in the last 6 months to a year. It used to be amazing but now every time we go it’s overcooked, cold, not cooked enough or just very basic. We were in last night to try again in the hope it had been a bad run, but it seems to be consistent. Fish and chips were literally burnt, and absolutely covered in salt making them very very salty. Chips were barely done. It’s such a shame as we loved this place and their roasts used to be fantastic but I would no longer recommend it for anything more than a drink. Assume the chef must have changed for its level to change so dramatically over the past year.

One of the best veggie roasts I’ve had in London. The staff were super friendly and welcoming and the food came very quickly. Such a great spot.

Been there for a family dinner. Was really lovely. Food was delicious and in very high standards, best pie I ever ate, very nice atmosphere and the servants was very helpful and smiling which bring a fantastic time spent there, high five for John and Grace who served us.

Amazing place, with very lovely people behind the bar, food looks nice and tasty, the best pie’s in London !!! Very recommend it.

Love this place! They gave us our table a little earlier and the atmosphere is ✨✨

Generally over-priced but a fun place for a drink. Lovely staff, rubbish food.

One of the most delicious Sunday roasts I’ve had in London

What a very nice atmosphere we had the bar staff fantastic loved the experience of going to the pub where they filmed Goodnight sweetheart.

The service is very slow but the employees are very polite. The atmosphere is very nice

I hosted my birthday drinks in the bar upstairs and it was a great experience. The room has a great atmosphere, it was the perfect size for 45 people with plenty of standing and seating space, the bar staff were lovely. Definitely recommend

Quick pint while vinyl digging.

Clean, full of character and great beer.

Great place for a chicken Sunday roast. We managed to grab a walk-in table downstairs after the flower market & NYE! It was rammed but had a lively atmosphere. I’d suggest booking upstairs ahead of time if you can, where there’s possibly table service instead of ordering at a busy bar

Roast was really tasty. Ordered the pork and it was so flavoursome. Roast potatoes weren't the best I've had but everything else was good. We asked for extra gravy and it was no problem at all.

Lovely atmospheric pub, delicious food. Very enjoyable.

Absolutely beautiful pub , one of my favs in the east end , food , atmosphere and service was lovely , ☺️

Delicious Sunday roast, fresh and full of flavour. The side of pigs in blankets was a bit small. Great atmosphere and good service from the young lady from Perth.

One of my favourite Sunday roasts in London. The beef is excellent and comes out with just the right amount of pink. Solid yorkshire as well. Lots of seating but if you don't book ahead then expect a bit of a wait. The meat portion is small but the quality is sooo high that I'm willing to look past that lol. Can't recommend it enough even with how packed it gets.

I've been going to this list pub since I was a kid. Great food, excellent service. Its a must an East London gem

Delicious Sunday roast and terrific service.

Great pub with good food and atmosphere. Friendly and accommodating staff but not the most friendly and accommodating.

Excellent food, quiet area for tables, good drink choices and excellent atmosphere

Great to get a table on a Sunday Christmas Eve at this very popular pub. Food and atmosphere just right.

Great to be able to book a table on Christmas Eve. Sat in pub area and nice festive atmosphere. Service speedy and food is good pub food. Thanks.

Lovely pub but service felt a bit of an afterthought. Had to order food at the bar and nobody came to offer desserts so we didn’t have any. Could have been a bit more attentive but the food was great

One of my favourite spots in London! The Royal Oak has a great a selection of beers, ales and ciders so you’ll never be stuck for choice. I went out for a Sunday Roast with the family and we were exceptionally served by Roscoe - will definitely be coming back soon!

Awful pub experience. Went for a friends birthday drinks and was warned by a friend who visited the weekend before of the extremely rude staff. They definitely lived up to this rep on my visit and were an unfriendly, unwelcoming all male bar staff who didn't make us feel safe after a customer was verbally abusive to a member of our group.

booked a table for 6 people. food was very nice and atmosphere lively. there were some issues with the service, as it was too basic to be a good restaurant experience. for example - . our table wasn't free on time and we were left to ask reluctant customers to move. . there were only 3 chairs so had to scour a very busy pub for more. . had to order food at bar so no full table service. . card details have to be provided with a £50 charge if u fail to show. although i understand why the fees are in place for most restaurants, the fee seems too high a charge for this particular venue. in response to the owner below - - i was emailed twice by you and encouraged to leave a review. I wasn't expecting a reply without acceptance of some fair criticism. - i didn't request a table in the pub area on booking, I simply requested a table for dinner for 6. - to say i 'should' of booked upstairs is unfair and slightly rude, as this was not offered to me on booking and the difference in dining experience was not explained to me on booking. - the £50 cancellation fee for a 'pub area' table is simply too high. - we had no assistance in moving other guests from our table for our booking slot time of 730pm. - we had only 3 chairs and little help finding more. - I have reduced the service rating to zero

Nice pub, really lively, good options for some local brews and friendly staff. It gets pretty busy but a good option for going out on Colombia Road

Lovely atmosphere, nice vibe and super friendly staff. Super busy over the Christmas Carol Service but still quick and friendly service

Lovely atmosphere, nice vibe and super friendly staff. Super busy over the Christmas Carol Service but still quick and friendly service

We had a fantastic Christmas meal here last night, we come most years. A very generous portion of turkey and the tables and pub were decorated well.

Horrible experience at this pub. Came in to celebrate a friend’s birthday to which she had reserved a table and paid a deposit for. Upon arrival this table had been given away and the bar staff were extremely unhelpful and almost hostile towards us regarding this situation. We were 12 minutes late (with a 15 minute window we fell into) but again a deposit for the tables had been put down. Later in the night a verbal altercation occurred with members of our party and an older couple who were being absolutely disgusting and completely overreacting. Our party was primary made up of women, some of whom are queer, and the three white male bar staff on duty did not make us feel safe or welcome in this situation and in fact insinuated we were completely at fault. We were not 100% to blame for this incident. I would also like the point out the fact that we spent quite a lot of money at this pub but were treated terribly. Some of the people in our party have also left reviews of our experience and this was met with a completely disrespectful and unprofessional response from the owner of the pub. Most of us in the party are east London locals and will be warning everyone we know not to come to this establishment.

Visited the pub recently and had an excellent experience, thanks to Roscoe! His friendly demeanor and prompt service added a special touch to our evening. He's a great asset to the team, and I'll definitely be returning for the excellent service he provided.

Lovely place to visit. Really enjoy the atmosphere here and the staff are very friendly and approachable

Fantastic pub and a brilliant night, props to Ollie and Roscoe for their humour and hospitable service! It was nearly let down by some rude girls at the end that were berating a local couple but they were dealt with swiftly and expertly by the manager, and we were allowed to stay past closing time to finish our drinks. Thank you so much for a great Sunday night, and we’ll be back soon!

Myself and my friends were verbally abused at this pub. Up until this point and afterwards the staff seemed uninterested and did nothing to remedy the situation. The drunk woman insulting everyone claimed to be a regular and so was left alone. Very weird, have never been in that situation and hope to never be again. The situation could not have been handled worse by staff, they said they wouldn’t lose sleep over us being insulted. Would not recommend this place, have never felt so unwelcome leading up to and during this, while just trying to order a drink at the bar for a friends birthday. Terrible customer service.

Had a large group Xmas booking in the private room upstairs, food was great and staff were amazing! The whole room was decorated beautifully. They went above and beyond my expectations. You guys made me look like a pro at organising but it was all you 😅

We booked this for our department Christmas lunch. The menu was extensive and catered for everyone's needs. There were 23 of us and the food was absolutely amazing, all came out together and hot! There were no complaints from the team. We all highly recommend and will definitely be going back