Royal Oak in Stratford-on-Avon

Oh my goodness! Blankets, hot water bottles, outstanding wine (with incredible wine knowledge from the team) and food that blew my socks off (red stag is a must have). If you can’t go anywhere right now, this is a MUST stop as we come out of lockdown. PS treat yourself to the almond cake pudding

Second visit since lock-down ended and just want to say that The Royal Oak goes from strength to strength.As a destination restaurant for most, the effort spent getting there is more than amply repaid. The welcome is always warm and even in these Covid days Tim and Solanche were as charming and efficient as ever with a run through of the 'rules' , a track and trace QR code to scan and the ceremonial cleansing of ones hands then off to be seated and allowed to remove ones mask until one stood up then mask back on regardless.On our first visit after lock-down everything was understandably 'tense', both the staff and the customers; now that we have all got more used to living in the pandemic and doing our own risk assessments before doing anything, everyone was a lot more chilled. Each table had hand sanitiser on it and all the staff were masked at all times, the whole system totally reassuring.We were I think the last table to be seated at 8.00 and were a little concerned as to whether or not we would get finished by kickout at 10.00. We needn't have worried, everything had a fluidity to it and Richard has the kitchen running like clockwork. From the canapés to the coffee everything arrived promptly and we didn't feel at all rushed. Richard's food gets better and better, (the menu has been understandably reduced to cope with all the restrictions) the flavours and seasonal combinations are absolutely wonderful and to be cherished as one eats. We tried everything on the menu except one dessert (my partner shied off pud) which was the 'Autumn fruit Eton Mess'; however, our neighbouring table made short work of theirs and made the right noises as they ate it. So I reckon that was first class too. Of the dishes we had non can be faulted, my favourite was the 'wood pigeon, turnip,chicory and elderberry',,, simplicity but a real WOW!Solanche and Richards wine list is always interesting, not over priced and has plenty of by the glass choices should one wish. Solanche's knowledge of the list and her pairing advice is always spot on. We are already looking forward to our next visit.

Beautiful food within a historic building, and modern dining room. Staff were fantastic. Highlights include the soufflé and Raviolo of Partridge.

First visit and it will certainly not be the last. Visited for Saturday lunch and the food and service were absolutely stunning. Fine dining at its best. Relaxed, friendly, unpretentious, uncomplicated. We sat out in the courtyard garden for a pre-lunch drink and were suitably impressed with what followed. A delightful appetizer, then grouse raviolo, pollock with butternut squash and mushroom veloute and the most delicious apple and cinnamon souffle with brioche ice cream. Not forgetting the outstanding brioche loaf with deep yellow farmhouse butter. To finish, a sweet crumpet coated in a chocolate sauce. My partner had the mackerel and the deer. A relatively small menu and wine list but that is what made it special. The food was sublime. The service excellent. A day to remember.

Although the exterior is historic, the interior is bright and modern with plenty of space for social distancing. There were plenty of covid secure touches. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Service was friendly and efficient.

I have to say that this meal will remain as a standout meal for me, I am unable to fault a single dish, from the amuse-bouche to the bread!The fish was cooked to perfection, the red seer was perfect rare but cooked the flavours where sublime the portions just right, we had the 6 courses and every one was a joy. If you get the chance go here, don't miss it, service was spot on but the food was just fab, planning my next visit already!

First visit here since lockdown & again we enjoyed a great meal. The restaurant was quite full but tables were well spaced & it all felt safe & relaxed.We opted for the 6 course tasting menu & the portions were just right for this amount of courses. The Mackerel & the Guinea Fowl starters were great as was the main of Grouse- perfectly cooked , pink , tender & soft. Only disappointing dish was the pollock which was quite bland. Cheese for me but I tasted my husband’s soufflé which was lovely.Great wine & friendly service as always. It was good to be back & really pleased that the restaurant has been busy since reopening. Looking forward to another visit , hopefully soon.

My husband and I celebrated our 10 year Wedding Anniversary here last night. With previous grand plans having gone out of the window due to covid we were keen to find somewhere special locally. This place is an absolute gem! The food is divine and the staff couldn't have been more helpful - attentive but not intrusive. They were knowledgeable and thoughtful. It felt so relaxed and we were able to enjoy a fantastic evening together. Thank you!

We have followed the Cravens for some time now going back to the Chef’s Dozen at Chipping Campden. Just too far from us for more than an annual visit we used to say, however, just when you think it can’t have improved yet again it has. In the old Guide Michelin’s refreshingly understated descriptions one star was ‘une bonne table’, two was ‘merite un detour‘, and three ‘vaut le voyage‘. The Royal Oak at Whatcote is definitely worth the trip. Lunch on Saturday was that good.

Another truly excellent outing. We think they get better and better and the food today was superb. Interesting menu, delicious produce, beautifully served in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It is remarkable value for what it is. Sadly we live a long way from Whatcote so we don’t come as often as we would like to but it’s a real treat every time.

Husband & I had a lovely dinner here. It’s a small restaurant in a gorgeous old pub in a very cute little village. Husband & wife team were both FOH & both very welcoming & friendly. Service was brilliant. Looked as if there were lots of regulars but they made us feel just as welcome. Food was great. Between us we sampled most dishes. Husband was particularly delighted with all of his. He was driving so wine and was by the glass for me - was recommended a very cheap class which was so good I had to have a second. Thank you!Will definitely be back next time we’re in the area.

Everything about this restaurant oozes excellence. We had a marvellous evening admittedly in part because we had not sampled food (and wine!) of this quality for a very long time. We decided to take the 6 course tasting menu and it is no exaggeration that nothing - not one morsel - was left on any of the plates in our party of four by the end of the evening. Equally our wine glasses were emptied swiftly and greedily, but assisted in that effort by some excellent recommendations by our friendly hostess (and sommelier). This restaurant (and fine local pub too) possesses one Michelin star. I would be somewhat surprised if a second is not awarded very soon.

We have been to the Royal Oak a number of times since the Cravens first moved from Chipping Camden and it really is a delight. The welcome is always friendly and homely and authentic rather than more contrived excellence and the food is an amazing journey and celebration of fresh produce. Delighted that they are open again and the lovely ambiance is retained - we took friends for an anniversary treat rather than buy a gift for “those that have everything” and they were thrilled- thank you so much.

This was my partners first time at a Michelin star restaurant and I made it clear to staff when booking and on arrival that we were also celebrating his birthday. We had the 6 course taster menu with no matching wines as I was driving ()The food and staff were really nice, however there were a few disappointing moments. -We found a hair in our desert.-They didn’t make my partner feel extra special on his birthday. Not even a basic chocolate writing of Happy Birthday on his last course. -Servers do not explain the menus or wine choices enough to make you feel special.-One of the courses was yogurt with berries. It was very nice, but just a bit meh. I’ve celebrated my birthday at other Michelin star restaurants such as L’Enclume, Midsummer House, Man Behind the Curtain etc and the service by comparison was pretty lacklustre. I would recommend visiting the restaurant as we had a lovely experience. Just don’t expect the same level of detail and special treatment if you have been to other Michelin star restaurants.

We have been fortunate to eat at a number of Michelin one and two star restaurants and this is definitely up there. Exceptionally well priced menu, particularly if you do all 6 courses (7 with cheese). I was initially sceptical about how ‘gamey’ the menu appeared. On reflection, the red stag was superb as both tartare starter and fillet main course, probably my highlight. The cherry and caramelised white chocolate dessert was heavenly. Wine menu was equally not over priced. We will definitely be back.

Re-opened and dealing well with the Covid-19 social distancing, our visit with friends to enjoy a 50th wedding anniversary celebration was a delight. The highlight of the menu was the halibut, heritage potato and red dulse sauce. The MWC Pinot Gris 2015 was a good choice from the wine list.

When your best friends are celebrating their golden wedding - and their party has been cancelled because of C19 - you need somewhere really special to compensate - and we found Richard Craven and his superb Michelin start pub/restaurant in the village of Whatcote - not far from Banbury, Chipping Norton, Stow and other Cotswold hotspots. It is a very popular place and we booked 3 weeks in advance but are told all tables are taken for the rest of August and early September. A great welcome, extremely well trained staff team and some incredible tastes to enjoy in the 3 course lunch menu. That is £45 a head but worth every penny or you can go for 6 courses for £60. A short but well thought out wine list with something for everyone. A couple of not normally available South African wines ( including my favourite Kanonkop) and then I saw a row of John Platter annual wine guides dating back 20 years and it gave the game away that Richard was from our favourite destination - South Africa.Keep this visit for a special time and enjoy - you have to vacate your lunch table by 4pm which was generous but every minute was so enjoyable. The amuse bouche and bread with special butter and dips had fabulous tastes of their own.Although a high class establishment it does have a section for local who just want a pint or glass of wine - so don't be put off from calling in for a drink if passing.Have a look at the website for directions, places to stay and see locally and lots of other useful information. The website is an artform in its own right. Our friends and my wife and I now need to find an excuse the visit again - -- they are closed the first 3 days of the week - so don't expect any £10 off from the Government Eat Out to Help Out scheme. This place just doesn't need that.

Simply excellent. A fantastic meal at the Royal Oak, which more than justified its Michelin Star. As friendly and inspiring as ever, and still relaxing despite the inevitable COVID restrictions. Even better value on Sunday nights as it’s free corkage.

The owners have put a lot of thought into social distancing and eating at the Royal Oak feels safe, which is the most important thing these days. We opted for the 6 course menu, which is what I would advise, as portions are Michelin star sized and the 3 course option might feel a bit like being on a diet. There is a good variety of meat and fish courses and everything is cooked to perfection. The quail raviolo is the superstar of the current menu... quail, who would have thought? Loved the stag meat course and finally understood what the fuss is all about celeriac puree... whenever I tried to do one myself it ended up being a rather disappointing alternative to a proper potato variant. The two summer desserts left me wanting more, definitively very light, maybe too light? I like rich and indulgent desserts, which are probably more of a winter thing, but what the hell, who doesn't love chocolate , custard or a sticky toffee pudding? Summer berries and yoghurt are something I like as a snack, but not much of a dessert for my unrefined palate. Enjoyed the experience and might come back for more once the winter chocolate fest returns...

My wife and I are on our wedding anniversary and decided to come here after visiting the chefs dozen a few years back which was a previous venture of theirs. I generally don’t write reviews but the food was of such a high standard I felt that I had to. We had the 6 course dinner which was excellent value for the quality on offer. I would I expect to pay double in London for something similar. Between us we have eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world and for us this is very near the top. Venison tartare and a perfectly cooked halibut dish were particular highlights. What I would say about all the food is that is was perfectly balanced and seasoned. The part that makes its special is to add flavours that you were perhaps not expecting to go together so beautifully. Service was fantastic and super relaxed from everyone especially given the difficult times; loved that the chefs themselves bought out the food, who we learnt were apprentices. We had the owner look after our table and she was the perfect host, I couldn’t ask for more. We have both decided to make an excuse to come back to this part of the world just to come here.

Couldn’t recommend this place highly enough. Outstanding food in a relaxed atmosphere, with attentive and professional staff. Quince crumble soufflé with cinnamon ice cream is one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. All courses were absolutely delicious (beetroot tartare, eel, halibut then soufflé). Even the home-baked bread with real farmhouse butter was sublime. Can’t wait to go back.

We had dinner with our son last night at the Royal Oak. It was simply the best presented, delicious meal we had all had for a long time. I was concerned it would be too ‘gamey’ for me and I have a problem with gluten and dairy but nothing was too much trouble. The atmosphere was relaxed and the staff charming. The english sparkling wine I would highly recommend, great wine menu and knowledge.This all sounds a bit over the top, but it really was that good!

We have eaten here on a number of occasions-we have never disappointed by the service and exceptional food. Looking forward to our next visit.

Beautifully presented, relaxed, quality dining. Bought for us as a Christmas gift, we enjoyed the tasting menu - a small but interesting selection of dishes with fabulous wine menu to accompany. What’s even better is we are lucky enough to have this place on our doorstep - will definitely be returning - it was a taste sensation !

Friendly welcome, great service, great wine, fantastic food. A simple but very interesting menu. A fantastic restaurant experience in a village that is out of the way, but is definitely worth driving to.We had a great meal, every dish was interesting and different and flawlessly executed.I smiled when I saw that some people are complaining that it costs more than other village pubs. Looking from another perspective, I would say it is - by a long way - the most reasonably priced Michelin Star restaurant I have ever been to!!

We booked for us and some friends who share our anniversary date (not very romantic but hey!) A very warm welcome on what was a very cold evening. The restaurant was not too busy but soon filled as the evening drew on. Menus arrived and it took us no time to decide, the menu isn't very big but quality over quantity definitely applies here! Two of us had the garganelli with braised rabbit , 1 the game faggot and husband had the Mussel veloute, chopped mussels on focaccia. ..definite food envy! All amazing and delicious. Mains came and the fallow was melt in the mouth and full of flavour, husband had pheasant and again enjoyed every mouthful. Apparently chocolate dessert was everything you would hope for and as a cheese fiend I was more than happy with the cheeseboard. We couldn't fault a thing, the service was warm and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. We will definitely be back! Thank you all

What an incredibly average experience from start to finish. How this restaurant got a Michelin award is a mystery! Every course was underwhelming and the service wasn’t far behind. We actually called our taxi to arrive an hour earlier than planned as we were so disappointed with our evening that we just wanted to leave! Over priced and not one of the three courses was impressive. The fallow main was Luke warm at best. The spinach starter was a disgrace! It tasted like a spoonful of frozen spinach with oil and salt. How can the chef have been given an award? Either the Michelin rep was friends with the chef or they had an incredibly ‘off’ day. We were really excited to have a pub with this accolade 5 miles down the road from us. However, we will definitely not be returning and not recommending it to any of our fellow villagers. There are many much better pub and restaurant choices in this area. Do not waste your money. I suggest they treasure their 2020 sign as we predict it will not say 2021!

My only complaint is that it’s not nearer my home!We went between Xmas and new year and initially thought it was going to be a bitquiet but by 730pm it was just perfect. What I like, other than amazing food was the relaxed but perfect service. Really friendly and chatty.Highlight was the game main dish with a mini game pie.....we all wish we had it....I can heartily recommend.

My daughter took me to the Royal Oak for supper for my 65th birthday treat, fantastic meal, expectations met, ambience relaxing and quite informal. Staff very welcoming and attentative, but not overly so. Great to have locally sourced produce to present a lovely menu, homemade bread and pork dripping butter .. divine. Will return no doubt!

As with any Michelin starred restaurant expectations were high. Sometimes we expect too much, and what normally get a "that was really nice" instead becomes a list of small disappointments which the build up, and often high prices, seeming to mask just getting stuck in to some decent scran.Our visit to the Royal Oak ticked every box. It is slightly expensive, but not excessively so, and certainly value for money. Staff are friendly and efficient, but not in your face or pompous. And the food is wonderful. Locally sourced, creative, beautifully presented and cooking absolutely spot on. The tartare if white beetroot surprises and delights. The best starter dish I had in 2019. The red stag (photo) was stunning. Cooked to perfection, complemented by root vegetables, set on a fruity but it overpowering sauce.A Michelin starred restaurant in a pub that still feels like a pub. Looking forward to a return in 2020.

This lovely restaurant does not deserve it's 1 Michelin Star. It deserves 2!. This newly restored inn does everything right. The warmest of welcomes makes for a good start, then a delightful cocktail in front of the log fire sets the scene for a great afternoon. The menu is short, but locally produced ingredients fires the imagination of the very talented chef. Enjoy something out of the ordinary, and have a new experience.

Everything was superb. A warm welcome, excellent service, and fabulous food. We had the fantastic pork dripping and farmhouse butter; pigs head and black pudding lasagne starter; ravioli with langoustine foam starter; red deer venison main; and pheasant main. Beautifully cooked and plated. Not cheap, but worth every penny.

My absolute favourite restaurant. I've been following Richard and Solanche around the midlands ever since their chefs dozen days based near Alcester. At each visit the food has been superb, the staff friendly, polite and attentive and the ambience first class. The food chosen for this particular visit was; pigs head lasgna and sea food ravioli for the 2 starters, followed by red stag venison and pheasant for mains and not forgetting the initial pork dripping, home made bread and farmhouse butter, yum yum! An altogether fantastic experience.

I had been wanting to come here for some time having had great local feedback. Last night we had a fabulous meal, decided upon the tasting menu and asked Solanche to choose the wine to accompany the meal.

I’ve been wanting to come here for sometime, so we made the trip over and stayed nearby. Pleased to say that it was well worth it! Great food, good wine list and friendly service- will be back for lunch with friends soon.

Just fantastic. They have just got a Michelin star: well deserved. Local pheasant was succulent, rabbit tasty. Seafood ravioli splendid and lasagne of pig’s head and black pudding very inventive. Laid-back service could not be friendlier. Pricey but worth every penny. More a place for a special occasion than a “normal” meal. Highly recommended.

A wonderfully relaxed and friendly restaurant, serving the most amazing food. We had the taster menu and were not disappointed! The flavours and presentation were incredible. A real gem which we are so glad to have found. We will definitely return.

Our first visit to the Royal Oak.. Decided it would be a good choice for lunch

Charming Gastropub in pretty North Cotswold village. Service is friendly but super professional.

Never been before and acted on a recommendation to visit. Attractive venue, having a traditional bar area and a large restaurant area. Great service throughout, thanks to Tom and his helpers. We all had vension (Red Stag on menu), with all the trimmings and a very clever vegetable combination. Everything was freshly cooked, so the wait was not an issue. The Quince Souffle was heavenly, I could almost have had two. A Dandelion Vineyards Dessert Wine was great; almost like a Van der Hum and at a good price - everyone in the party had a sip.

Just a wonderful evening in every way - a warm welcome, friendly service, delicious crispy crusted, soft textured, warm bread with naughty but nice crispy dripping or farmhouse butter. It was hard to choose from the imaginative menu which uses local seasonal produce, the portion sizes were just right and the quality of course was superb.

The food was lovely, well presented as one would expect from a restaurant with such high ratings. And the young waitress was charming.

The Royal Oak in Whatcote has been completely reformed from a 'just ok' local bar falling to ruin to both a place where the locals can gather, enjoy a pint of beer by the fire and also where you can enjoy a Michelin star meal (a well deserved Michelin star for chef Richard Craven). I am blessed that I live so close and can visit regularly (and do) but even far out, the hospitality (Solanche and Tim make an excellent team behind the bar), scenery, pub itself and the food are worth a trip. Never fool yourself into thinking you'd be out of place at this pub, there's a spot for everyone to perch! Would and do regularly recommend to anyone, a lovely atmosphere!☺️

The Royal Oak is as good as it gets for first rate maginative cooking. We had the tasting menu and each course offered something which we had never had before and we have been to many great restaurants. Rabbit consommé and red stag tartare were full of flavour, rich and deep, both interestingly different, showing the chef's creativity and skill. The extra cheese course with honey was a fine combination. Everything was spot on from the hot crusty loaf, with pork dripping on the side, to the blackberry soufflé with tthyme ice cream. Wines fairly priced, a lovely ambiance in a pleasing space with excellent professional and friendly service. The Royal Oak is worth a long detour and if you are anywhere near, it would be foolish not to eat there for Michelin starred quality throughout. A great experience.

I wrote a year ago that, if the Cravens were not awarded a Michelin Star within the not-too-distant future, there was no justice in the culinary world. Well, there is, after all!

Another delightful and imaginative menu from the folk at The Royal Oak. This really is a very special place tucked away in South Warwickshire. A knowledgeable and most welcoming host; a gentle pace for the meal; relaxing and thoughtful decor; but most of all imaginative and extraordinary dishes. Our table of 4 probably tasted most of the menu between us, and each dish was a pure delight. A real treat. I can't fault it. Spoil yourselves. You won't regret it.

We went with friends on a Friday evening. We had the tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was faultless. I can't pick out a particular course as it was all fabulous.

This was our third visit here & by far the best. On previous visits I’ve always found one course that I wasn’t too keen on but certainly not this time.

The string of lights in the trees outside suggest there's something warm and welcoming within. There is: Hamilton the giant and affectionate Portuguese Sheepdog. A friendly soul. And a signifier that this is a dog-friendly place.

A birthday treat lunch turned out to be one of the best meals ever. Very attractive room, friendly and knowledgy waiter. Original choices with superb flavours plus a wonderful bottle of Malbec !

A delightful restaurant with an equally delightful waitress. We were welcomed with a big smile despite the heavy rain.

Another superb meal at the Royal Oak. It’s by far the best restaurant for miles around. Exceptional food but in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and the owners just seem to have a sincere wish that everyone should have a good time. They’ll recommend wine that they think goes well with the food rather than whatever maximises their profit.

We went to The Royal Oak for the first time recently. This place is the real deal.

The best restaurant in the area, for sure! One of my favourites anywhere. Flawless cooking, lovely ambience, friendly staff, excellent wine list.

Visited the Royal Oak with family and was impressed with the excelent quality of the food. The location is a bit remote but worth the trip. The menu has fresh seasonal food. We had the A La Carte menu but there is a good value tasting menu. The restaurant is impressive and the staff very pleasent. If you 're in the area make the effort to find this hidden gem. I'm sure this place will be soon recognised as a place to get great food.

We went to this fairly recently renovated pub in Whatcote with friends and were impressed by the amazing menu and great service. It was not overly busy but I wonder how it would manage acoustically should it be full. The decor was clean and minimalist. The food was outstanding, and we had a wide selection between us. A stand out was the rice pudding soufflé. Even those repelled by rice pudding were amazed at the subtle flavour and texture. Excellent wines were advised upon with the courses. This restaurant brings a much needed different dimension to the restaurant choices in this part of Warwickshire.

Just the most lovely lunch, thank you. The food was all just so incredible, beautiful and interesting! Everything was cooked to perfection and we shall return!

We have eaten as a (adult) family a few times now, always a friendly welcome and service.

We were lucky enough to have visited the chefs dozen and were disapointed when we read it had closed and relocated. On our recent visit to broadway decided to make the effort to visit the Royal Oak . It is a little bit off the beaten track but worth it. The food,service and place were fantastic . Maybe not quite as personal as the the chefs dozen but still excellent. Will definitely make the effort again

Fantastic- a very clean and ‘sharp’ setting, tastefully decorated.

We were lucky enough to have The Chef's Dozen in Chipping Campden, which Giles Coren thought might be 'the best restaurant in the world,' but due to space restrictions, I believe, they have decamped to this posh pub in rural South Warwickshire. Super service, lots of room, proper cutlery and above all excellent food. We had White Asparagus soup, Pork Belly, then Prune and Armaneac Souffle and Creme Caramel. Perfect. I didn't quite get the Lord of the Rings sideplates, but you will love the food. Marks out of ten?.....twenty three!

What a fantastic lunch we have just had. The welcome was relaxed and super friendly. The service was faultless. The food was delicious. Thank you Richard, Solange, Tim ...and Hamilton!

Having searched for something different in Warwickshire for a great Mother’s Day lunch, came across The Royal Oak following all the great reviews; it certainly lived up to them.

Well! what a great find can’t find the best words to describe our fantastic lunch, great atmosphere, brilliant hosts and beautiful decor

Firstly, the food is outstanding ! Secondly, this is no ordinary country pub serving pub grub. This is a fantastic chic dining pub with prices to match. It's expensive, but understandably so considering the high quality of the cuisine and presentation. This was our first visit for about 30 years ( when chicken in the basket and pub grub was available) and initially we were taken aback by the high priced menu, but having decided to bite the bullet and stay for lunch instead of just walking out in shock, we enjoyed our meal and after eating fully understood why prices were high. We will go again, but prices prevent us from becoming regulars.

Visited here with friends for a special celebration. The staff were relaxed and very friendly. We were particularly taken with 'pub dog' Hamilton. The food was just divine. Well worth the cost as a treat. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area.

Second visit for us, as we were so blown away the first time. This time took the parents for Sunday lunch and there were no disappointments. We had the Fallow Doe, which is cooked rare with roasties, Yorkshire and a small amount of veg. The venison was “melt in your mouth” tender.

Last weekend I visited the Royal Oak in Whatcote with friends, for the fourth time. These repeat visits are not an accident - the food there is always superb. And this visit was no exception. If anything it was perhaps the best meal I have had there yet, and that's really saying something. Soft, warm bread with pig dripping and crunchy crackling bits was followed soon after by pig's head and black pudding lasagna, a soft, meaty pillow of pleasure, the deep richness balanced by the sweetness of the cider reduction and earthy hazelnuts. It's the third time I've had it - it's so popular that customers refuse to allow it to come off the menu. Then what, for me, was the showstopper: Pete's trout (angler Pete was propping up the bar) with rhubarb and smoked roe cream. Trout with RHUBARB? An unlikely combo - yet it was tear-inducingly perfect. The sweet sharpness of the rhubarb and salty smokiness of the roe cream perfectly complemented the fish. It was genius cooking, combining humble and incongruous ingredients into a whole a thousand times better than the sum of its parts. Just wonderful. Next came veal cheek, tender as you like and falling apart meltingly, with beautiful accompaniments including what I can only describe as a kind of beetroot ketchup. Evenlode cheese and crackers with honeycomb was a simple, gorgeous combination of flavours and textures, then panna cotta (wobbling with perfection) with blood orange and walnut crisp. Coffee came with spiced cider pastilles. It was an utter treat and I can't wait for visit Number 5. I can't recommend the Royal Oak more highly. And oh, that trout...

We truly love the food at The Royal Oak, we have been following Richard and Sol for the last few years and the only same is that they have never been within walking distance of where we live. If they were they would have certainly seen a lot more of us.

Called in for lunch on the off chance we could get a table. It wasn’t busy, so no problem. The food was divine, and the staff friendly, efficient and helpful.

The more we go here, the more we like it!

I literally cant explain how much I love this restaurant, we are lucky enough to enjoy fine dining around the UK on a semi regular basis and to have such a hidden gem that is so wonderful on our doorstep is devine.

Had dinner on Friday night 21/12/18 made to feel welcome from the time we got there. Had the set menu for whole table and must say every course did not disappoint with the hare starter being a stand out favourite for me. Attentive staff without being at all overbearing. Small dining area set out well but think booking would be advised.

We ate at the Chef's Dozen quite a few times and loved it. The food is stunningly beautiful and by far the best I have ever tasted. It was very much a cosy, neighbourhood restaurant, where you always felt like you were visiting old friends. However, I really am not a fan of the new place. It doesn't have the same atmosphere or buzz and I'm afraid I didn't get a good feeling from the staff this time, it wasn't friendly at all. It actually felt quite cold. I'm not sure we will go again, I'm sorry.

I don't do trip advisor reviews very often at all, if I did I'd spend my life on a computer. Some thing or a place has to really 'float my boat' to stir me into action.

We have eaten several meals, both at the Chef's Dozen and the Royal Oak and the cooking just gets better and better. From the homemade bread and butter to the fabulous plum souffle, everything was perfect. Both the cod and fallow deer main courses were cooked to perfection. Excellent, but not over-attentive, service throughout.

I go to this fab gastropub pretty much every week with my husband. Sol & Richard have with the jackpot with the food and set up (Sol knows her wine for sure!). Richard’s cooking is delicious and he’s more than happy to tweak for food intolerances etc.

We went for lunch on my birthday. It was very quiet and we sat in the main restaurant on our own.

Our second visit, this time with friends: every bit as enjoyable as our first visit.

A wonderful lunch there today - the food, the staff, the restaurant couldn't have been nicer. A huge amount of effort goes into this standard of eating, lovely setting and friendly service - well worth every penny and you walk away feeling that it is great value for money. Thank you and looking forward to our next visit!

We had a superb meal here last night. The place was buzzing - both the bar and the restaurant full and happy, with various dogs (labradors - this is the Cotswolds) padding around.

We had a very warm welcome on our arrival and the restaurant is in a lovely building and was very clean and well kept. The menu is small and mainly game which is in season at the time, also the wine list has some good quality wines.

We recently had one of the best meals we ever ate at The Royal Oak - and that's saying something as I live part-time in Paris, France. The September meal included wood pigeon ravioli and fallow buck tartare followed by partridge and red stag. One of the best things, though, was the excellent selection of wines by the glass - the list included several South African gems, so difficult to find - and when you do, often you must buy the whole bottle. Kudos to the young couple who run The Royal Oak. Its in a small village close to Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds, and well worth the trip.

I looked at the menu prior to my visit and honestly thought I’m going to struggle here. Once there I plunged into the menu. It was the very best dining experience I have ever had. The food is sublime,my 3 courses were amazing. Don’t hesitate,it may be outside of your comfort zone but once tried,never forgotten.

The Royal Oak was recently refurbished to a very high standard and welcomed new management. The results are amazing. Fine dining, great selection of drinks in very atmospheric surroundings. Not cheap but worth every penny.

We've been here several times since it was refurbished and reopened just over a year ago. It is always brilliant. Solanche and her team are excellent front of house and Richard's cooking is exceptional. I like the contrast between bar and restaurant too. Can't recommend highly enough.

One of the best dining experiences in the Midlands. Local, seasonal and imaginative food with brilliant service in a lovely environment.

This is probably my fifth return visit , every time I go it gets better and better .Richard and his wife Sol and their loyal dedicated staff work passionately and tirelessly together , striving to give 100 per cent every time. Warm wholemeal bread with homemade butter and pork dripping . Starter was a delicate , full of flavour wood pigeon raviolo with greengage ketchup with a sweet Tewksbury mustard , enough heat but not enough to overpower the delicate wood pigeon , absolutely delicious . Main course was Scottish grouse , celeriac , braised onion kale and elderberry . Well executed , the grouse was cooked to perfection , not too strong in flavour as it’s still early in the season. Dessert was the damson cheesecake with creme fraiche ice cream , just perfect to end a wonderful lunch . Looking forward to another return visit

Lovely pub with separate restaurant area which is beautifully done with modern oak and great style. Lovely staff and service every time. Food is excellent - quite rich but really tasty, the homemade bread is an awesome addition. Anything you pick is sure to be great - pretty good on wine too, so worth asking for recommendations. Always happy to adjust if allergies or similar if you mention it up front.

This was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time. Every mouthful was to be savoured. The menu isn’t extensive but it is interesting, seasonal and carefully curated. The focus is game and although there was a veggie option, the meats the thing - and a very delicious thing it was too. That said the vegetables were full of flavour and really interesting. I forced a pud into my groaning stomach and really glad i did ... where else would you get fennel in a pudding?

Lovely place and lovely welcoming staff. Food was good but rather too exotic for me but the family enjoyed it. Thank you.

Terrific food , wide choice , good wine list , timber beams , uneven floors , village green setting by the steam .. We took some visitors from New Zealand here and they were very impressed by the " Englishness " of the place ..4 miles from Stow on the Wold , in the heart of the Cotswolds ..a brilliant find ...

A recommendation following a local visit introduced us to the Royal Oak. The warm welcome and well planned menu suggested this would be good. Every detail exceeded expectations! From freshly made and baked brioche to the best partridge dish I have ever tasted and expertly made, delicious risotto, this became a very memorable lunch. Exquisit damson fool, perfect crab apple souffle, freshly made beignets made for an unexpected treat in a beautifully renovated, ancient inn. Service was attentive, while unintrusive and exuded pride in the place, the craft in the food and enthusiastic hospitality. Every detail is well chosen, superbly made and presented with flair.

Delicious, flavourful food in a lovely setting. If you like Game, this is a must. My first time trying Buck and it was beautiful. The only down side is that the bread 's crust was burnt - but it was complimentary so not a biggie!

Came here for lunch after the brilliant reviews in the press.

A real gem in South Warwickshire. Great service only beaten by the fabulous food. All dishes were superb, particularly the Soufflé. The Pigeon Ravioli as a starter was really tasty and beautifully presented.

I visited the Royal Oak last night with my Auntie and Uncle who had raved about it. It certainly met my expectations! We enjoyed a drink in the bar before dinner and I enjoyed a lovely glass of English sparkling wine. There was a wide variety of drink choices and great selection of Gins too and very welcoming hosts. The restaurant is a lovely and modern yet retains a bit of Cotswold charm with the exposed wood. Unfortunately, I can’t have any dairy but that only meant I couldn’t have a couple of dishes from the menu as they kindly offered to adapt any of the dishes for me. They also made me feel very included in the dinner by bringing me a dairy and gluten free loaf whilst my family enjoyed their regular bread. Little touches like this make a huge difference when you have food allergies and other places can make you feel like a burden, but the Royal Oak certainly went that extra yard. The food was brilliant. I can thoroughly recommend the salmon and rabbit. Both had oodles of flavour and were very well presented. Overall, it was a wonderful night and I am very much looking forward to going back to try some more dishes off their wonderful menu.

We had 3 truly delicious and memorable courses at the Royal Oak last night. Perhaps one of the best places to eat in Warwickshire... GO! Xx

Met some friends who we only see twice a year & try to find an interesting venue for lunch. This was their suggestion & a bit of a drive for us but we loved it and will go back again on our own.

Richard, Sol and Tim always meet you as a friend. Really great food. Fresh local produce. Splendid wines.