Royal Oak in Thurrock

This used to be such a lovely pub. It's the only pretty building left in the village in a prime location on the village green. Unfortunately since its reopened it is full of young rowdy youngsters in the beer garden openly dealing drugs. If you sit out the front you can spend all night watching drug deals going on all night on the green. The staff all look miserable which is hardly surprising how badly its run. The pub used to be full of regulars but nobody seems to go there anymore. The closing times are different from the website and it seems the landlady can't wait to get rid of everyone by 10pm at the weekend.

More upmarket than the usual pub grub. Food takes longer but is cooked as you order. Delicious and would go again

Where do I start? We booked a table for 8 people for a birthday and we were the only people in the restaurant. I ordered the ‘super roast’ and I actually laughed when it arrived. I genuinely thought it was a joke... meat that was stone cold and water thin, 3 tiny dry potatoes, a miniature Yorkshire, 1 piece of broccoli and 1 piece of dry cauliflower. The meat was terrible, the only way I can describe it is it looked like sliced sandwich meat from a packet that had been warmed up in an oven (just to dry it out) in an attempt to make it look like roasted meat. We immediately complained and the waitress took them back. She came back 5 mins later with the same plate and one extra potato! The meat had clearly been microwaved as well. She said she was sorry and that she’ll take one of the roasts off the bill. We were hungry and reluctantly ate them. It was a very poor meal and we’d agreed we’d never go back. When the bill came up it hadn’t been reduced and when we questioned the waitress she said the owner said NO don’t take it off. I was livid and asked to speak to her so the waitress went off. She came back 5 mins later and simply said ok, we’ll take one roast off... no apology or anything. Terrible food, terrible service, way over priced, never ever going back. Would strongly recommend you don’t put yourself through for what we did!!!!

Phoned day before hoping to get a table, and could have any time we wanted, first warning. When we arrived there was 2 couples in the bar area and the restaurant was empty, should have left then.. Was seated and handed a menu and could hear staff bickering loudly and one of the staff asked another where the sugar sachets were for the tea and was told 2 get some from kitchen in a cup because they didn't have any. Ordered and another couple came in, waitress who was taking their order was shouted at from across the restaurant by same woman who couldn't find the sugar and was also shouting commonly from behind the bar too. My husbands pate come out with cold toast that had possibly been sitting a while, my bread had not butter but spread, small amount of possibly iceland prawns and not even enough sauce to wet the lettuce, not what you would expect for the price of it. Yes we should have cancelled dinner and left then as we discussed. Dinner came, we both had parsnips that were not on the menu and my husband request only peas, the beef was fridge cold, there was a runner bean in my gravy, neither of us had runner beans as they werent on the menu and was told it was in the stock, when was runner beans last on the menu we wondered, the Yorkshire pudding was flat as a Frisby, the potato's were very nice. My husband coulnt eat his dinner, the waitress apologised and offered no refund for his dinner and saying they had a new chef as the previous chef was too posh for South ockendon, explained why i had previously enjoyed eating there and other reviews, we paid and left very disappointed and will definetly not be going back.

Visited the royal Oak a few Sunday's back for a spot of lunch. i used to frequent this public house on a regular basis but as you do, I drifted away, so first time back for me in a while. The restaurant is run separately from the pub and they are trying hard to make a go of it. We just had a main course and some drinks and whilst the others enjoyed their meals I was left a little flat as the fish (I think it was SeaBass from memory) I had ordered was somewhat dry which was a real shame. Service was good and attentive and value for money was ok. i would give it another go as I'm sure this was just a blip.

We ate here last night after a few beers and wow I was impressed.Me and my wife are newish vegetarians and sometimes it’s very difficult to eat out and enjoy it.There was only one vegetarian item on the menu which is understandable for a pub this size, however the waitress told us they didn’t have any. She went back in to speak to the chef and he come out with her and said he can go get some quorn mince and make some burgers for us. It turns out the chef was vegetarian and we were so happy he was so helpful.The burger come out and wow it was amazing. So amazing that we asked to see him after to see how he managed to make it so well.Lovely place we will definitely eat in again. Our experience is totally down to the chef and the waitress. The waitress was new and she was so helpful and couldn’t do enough and was really friendly.

We used to visit quite often as they did a nice Sunday lunch, we recently visited after a year and realised why we hadn’t been more recently. Unfortunately the quality of the food is not what it was, it is not fresh and appears to have been absolutely blitzed in the microwave before being brought out. Sunday lunch isn’t extortionate but it is not cheap so would expect better quality especially as it’s not a huge restaurant serving a large amount of guests at any one time.

This was my second visit to this lovely pub. Both times I had lunch with friends and both times it was fabulous. Lovely cosy pub, friendly waitress and a great chef with a good selection of dishes. This is a lovely place to have lunch and then sit with a drink on the lovely sofa. It has a lovely little garden which will be lovely in the summer. Highly recommended.

Love this pub good has always been good and out recent visit was no different. New menu has tapas options which were delicious and for lunch made a lovely change good presentation. Although wad only one food waitress and there were 2 quite large parties she did a great job. Food came in good time and service was attentive will be back and would definitely recommend.

13 of us today and the service was very good. Our waitress was really nice, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. The food was excellent (it never used to be so clearly a change for the better). With ladt minute notice they catered for our vegan guests too. Thank you for making my birthday gathering nice.

Enjoyable , great quality food , good price and great service from our waitress Sue , highly recommend

Visited here last Thurs. £10 for 3 courses could not expect more. Food was excellent, service genial and humour full. The only downside of the evening was a table in close vicinity who were intent on complaining. Will definitely go back Paul and Pat

Went there for a meal this evening 28th feb 2019 started of my partner called to make a booking for 2 people great then 2 others joined us so phoned to change to 4 people lady who answered said kitchen shut ?? Spoke with another lady said was ok for 4 people not great communication.ordered drinks at the bar one of the bar staff didnt no what a good dry wine was nice bar staff not.then was meal time 3 courses for £10 good deal as i thought but tonight's courses mainly fish not there fault as i dont like fish. but 3 of us had it while i ordered off the main menu.while the £10 menu was small portions fine but hard starter hard sweet and soup for the main meal not what I would call great for £10

Spur of the moment Sunday lunch. Gressinham duck a la orange superb, roast lamb and trimmings. Melting middle choc dessert...classy food in casual relaxed surroundings.

Had a fab afternoon, great food, great atmosphere staff were really friendly as attentive - thank you Sue

Having eaten here a couple of times with family and friends, I cannot praise the chef and staff enough. Always a warm friendly greeting, from the servers, taking our coats and helping with our food choices. The menus are new, with a healthy choice of dishes, and freshly cooked to order and taste delicious. I have been served by both Sue and Tracey, and both ladies are friendly and helpful, giving recommendations when asked and being very attentive. Well done to the staff at The Royal Oak, I highly recommend

We ate here on Sunday 27 January 2019. We booked the Royal Oak as it looked good for a family lunch, and was close to the M25, and dog friendly . We came from Deal, Harrow and Central London. We had a table in the old medieval hall part of the pub - as dogs are not allowed in the dining room. We were shown to our table and served drinks within minutes of arriving.

We booked here for a Sunday family lunch, going on recommendations that they had a new cook.

There is now a proper chef at the Royal Oak pub. We have eaten there twice and each time the food has been great. The chef came out for us to compliment him, and told us he cooked everything fresh, where he sourced his vegetables and meat, he even makes his own ice cream!It is such a refreshing change to have a restaurant nearby that doesn't depend on fast food and catering packs! I have been disappointed in the Royal Oak's restaurant before now, so it is fantastic to have a good chef at long last!

Mussels amazing ! As good as I’ve had anywhere. Sunday roast superb, lovely aged forerib cooked to perfection.

Having not been into the pub for some 40 odd years we popped in for a Sunday roast and were not disappointed. Food was piping hot and delivered in a timely fashion. Portions were generous however not overpowering. Meats were lovely, pork and lamb and washed down with very reasonably priced aspalls cider and draft peroni. Spotted dick puddings were tasty though I doubt homemade.

Beautiful pub,but don’t have a Sunday roast there, I’ve never seen anything like it, the veg comes in a separate bowl,undercooked,and you have to share,only have meat gravy,hard spuds,shrivelled parsnip,would never have that again.its ok if you are on a diet.

I've been visiting this pub for years! I love the look of it and the décor is great. It just really bugs me when you go in there and they've run out of certain beers and/or they've run out of crisps. Don't they keep a stock of these? Also they do seem to have gone through a few chefs, the last time I visit the kitchen was closed as the chef had walked out. Very disappointing as this could be a fantastic pub!

Beautiful building inside, great atmosphere and big beer garden. Good range of drinks and the restaurant is amazing (or just some tasty bar snacks if you’ve got the time!)

A very cosy little pub set back on the north ockendon village green with a grand old church at the side the staff are pleasant and food is good and an old rustic pub for a warm summers evening meal.or just a drink

Visited Good Friday for lunch, very friendly staff and excellent food. I had one of the specials of the day, Baked Sea Bass with new potatoes and salad which was excellent and my wife had Fish and Chips which was also very good.

Booked a table for a family get together. Service and food were great and it’s a lovely old pub. Recommended.

We had a Sunday lunch here the food was outstanding...comfortable setting was very clean and the thing was we wasn’t rushed from one course to the next which most restaurants will do, Excellent food, great staff couldn’t of asked for anything else...great value too will definitely be returning

Came for Sunday lunch at the Royal Oak two weeks ago , the food was fantastic, great choice of meals, we all agreed it was one of the best roast we have had in a long time, everything was fresh and delicious, can definitely recommend

I went to the Royal Oak earlier and had the homemade burger with chips, it was absolutely amazing!!! Really enjoyed it and would 100% recommend it! Lovely little pub too, definitely going back.

Went for family Sunday lunch and can honestly say it was the best Sunday lunch we have had, service was excellent very friendly and efficient, lovely cosy atmosphere and the food was perfect. Considering how busy they were the food was all freshly cooked, my husband had the mixed meats and they were all cooked to his liking, can't wait to go back and would definitely recommend, compliments to the chef and all the staff.

visited on a Sunday lunch, was told it was fantastic, but found it to be the opposite, drinks and service was fine, starter was thai fish cakes, which were mediocre, main course was a selection of roasts meats ie, lamb, beef and pork, we chose lamb, tough as old boots, couldn't eat it, roast pots reheated, gravy really thin, had a selection of veg, 1 piece of broccoli,cauliflower, little swede and few carrots, really rough sunday lunch,

Nice cosy place in Ockendon village rusty ambience value for money quick service Quite place good place to meet friends and chat up Saturday live entertainment

This venue has always been popular with locals and tourists alike. Steeped in history on a pretty village green with a very picturesque church, St. Nicholas, situated on the opposite side of the green. I have been using these premise's for many years, being born in the village of South Ockendon. The food, beer and wine are of a very high standard and is a family run establishment who are friendly and obliging, as are all of the staff.

We were looking for a venue to hold a wake in after my fathers funeral and looked at three venues in and around North and South Ockendon.

Visited today with family for lunch, 6 of us place empty apart from one other table but we came in near closing time, closes at 3 on a Saturday, we came in about 2.15. However were served quickly. Waitress brought drinks quickly, friendly and helpful. Good menu, lots of chips! - and traditional English fare, but jackets as well and a nice seafood salad. We all enjoyed our lunch but sadly unable to sample the desserts as they were closing. However they prepared ice cream for our grandson which was lovely of them considering they were now closed. No complaints. Lovely food, good size portions. Recommended :)

Lovely meal visited with my parents ....service customer service excellent ..presentation lovely taste lovely ...very welcoming

Most amazing meal last night , fantastic sharing platter to start , steak and dauphinois potatoes and finished with a very generous chocolate fudge cake !! 10/10 the chef is amazing the restaurant is lovely and a live singer in the bar to complete the night . This place needs advertising as it's a hidden gem will definitely be going back .

Cannot fault the pub / restaurant the service is good and staff are friendly. Food is great with a wide variety and manager is really nice

From looking at the menu you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Mayfair. Which is good, but comes with the prices! A roast dinner can cost in excess of £20.

My wife and I fancied a quick Sunday lunch to round off a taxing weekend prepping for Christmas.

Live 5 mins away and have eaten here several times before, the last few times there have been a few little issues and today was dissapointing again so wanted to review. Had to wait a very very long time for mains and then when they did come up the lamb roast was very chewy and the meat not good, my husband had pie and should have been mash but it came up as new potatoes and one random roast potato, without us being told they had changed the potatoes it felt a little like we were given whatever was left to be honest. It's a shame as used to be so lovely. Also the children's meal seemed very expensive in comparison to most kids menu dinners.

This pub is local enough for us to walk to, perhaps a 20 minute walk. It is dog friendly, due to the outdoor beer garden which is lovely. The garden area is fenced and gated, which means on a quiet day we can let the dog roam about.

Food was freshly made and well presented. A really pleasant summers evening in my local. I live nearby and I don't believe that my neighbours on Brandon Groves go to this pub. They should give it a try, I think they will be pleasantly surprised. It's good to support local businesses. The garden at the back of the pub is pleasant and the restaurant is modern. Service and staff are friendly, Chef very accommodating. I think if more local people went there it would build up a really nice clientel.

Visited today on the off chance and we think we found a keeper, staff were friendly and helpful, food was fab. Had the pulled pork burger menu was right messy but worth it. Compliments to the chef will return for sure, Sunday lunch next time.

A grand old worldly public house,the food is good and is set back on the old village green a peaceful area on a hot summers night with the old church on the right and it's an old old village from 100's of years ago at the back of the pub in North ockendon essex there is word that there is an old Roman settlement along the dirt track on the left hand side,north ockendon host a few shops and a cenotaph for the war dead and across the road in West Road is a pub that supposed to be haunted in the beer cellar,but who knows,and along the north Road there are a few original village cottages a quaint old village for a cosy summers evening meal or a quiet beer

Been going here for years, changes have had to be made to keep out a certain part of the community, which are the blight of many parts of the country. But, despite a great makeover, excellent staff & nice surroundings, this is no longer worth a visit, unless you have deep pockets. Food & drinks are overpriced, thus when we visited at lunchtime, you could see the tumbleweed passing (believe it gets very busy at night). Tried to recently attend for Sunday lunch, restaurant closed ! - Children are not welcome, which is a shame, as all children in the area are not like the leaches that have caused problems here, thus no longer a family friendly pub/restaurant. If you have the money, then a great place for an adult night out. Oh, top issue in this modern world of contact less payment, can only use card at the bar if food ordered - very dated.

Could not ask for a nicer meal Menu had a wonderful selection, something for everyone. Food was cooked to perfection vegetables were cooked just right firm but not undercooked. Desert was amazing and the service was impeccable .

I booked a reception at the Royal Oak restaurant for guests following the sad occasion of my daughters funeral. From the moment of first booking the restaurant the owner Jane and her staff could not have been more helpful or accommodating in meeting our wishes. We had no idea of exactly how many people would attend as they would be coming from all over the UK and guessed from 50-80 but Jane said she would manage.

Although the food overall was good, for the price it wasn't great.

Had meal at Royal Oak with family today. Very friendly and excellent staff. Could not fault the food o pr portions and such good quality. Would highly recommend.

Lovely pub, walk into a very rustic bar, and it opens out to a very modern dining room which was perfect for a family Sunday lunch! Service was a tad slow (and it wasn't excessively busy!) but food was great when it arrived. We all opted for the Super Roast (all 4 meats) which was absolutely delicious! We will definitely be back for another meal soon. My one disappointment was that Roast Dinners are only served on Sunday lunch time, and not later into the evening - this caused us to have to book somewhere else on occasion.

Our rambling group stopped at this lovely pub for lunch yesterday - what a great choice. Fabulous service and food, in a beautifully restored and maintained building. Ramblers are not noted for their high spending - but the welcome at this pub could not have been friendlier.

Whilst looking for somewhere to have lunch via our Taste card app we found this local gem , between Lakeside and upminster this Old world style pub sits back from the main road with a large green in front , we drove round the back into the car park and was plesently surprised when we entered the pub , nicely decorated and adorned with old oak beams we were led into the very impressive restaurant area , very light beautiful chandeliers very clean indeed, the waitress was very nice and very efficient, the lunchtime menu has enough to tempt without having to choose from the normally huge array of food . The ploughmans lunch was very nice indeed and fresh , and the scampi and chunky chips was very well cooked.

Went with family for a meal on the 12th August, Lovely building and a great location for us, as we all life around the area. Staff are great and very helpful. The meals however could be improved, There were 5 of us,3 had starters of which 1 the mixed seafood platter was very samey, It all tasted of Salmon. 2 of the main meals were also poor. 1 was Lamb hot pot and the other was a Chicken & Rib combo. The Lamb and Ribs were pure fat & the Chicken was only just cook. although the cost of the 2 main meals was removed from the bill it did leave us hungry.

just arrived for overnight stay in the area we were looking at last minute for evening meal. Other places fully booked, so landed at Royal Oak by chance. Couldn't have done better! Very pleasantly refurbished restaurant, excellent food, friendly and helpful service. As it was Saturday evening there was live entertainment through in the bar, which we would not have originally chosen, but she turned out to be an amazing singer, singing all our old songs from the 60s & 70 s.

we have been to this pub / restaurant a handfull of times, weddings ,christenings and unfortuanately a couple of wakes , the food has always been very good the service and staff always make you feel welcome ,it is clean and tidy and sits on the edge of the village green ,

My son and his family took us out for lunch at a 'mystery location' and was a bit surprised to end up in South Ockendon. But what a pleasant surprise - nicely restored inn with a roomy new restaurant. The main menu looked interesting but unfortunately we were told that only lunch menu was available. Still plenty of choice of usual 'pub grub' which was of superior quality and nicely presented and served. Prices are reasonable and overall represented good value for money.

I used to love this pub food was great and the service was fab. Unfortunately I can no longer go with my family as children not allowed. I was so disappointed when I was told as wanted to see about holding my daugther's first birthday and baptism celebrations there.

Booked on the strength of their web site Menu but were told there was only the Sunday Lunch menu to choose from. The waitress apologised and said their web site was being updated. My son ordered the Super roast with four meats but they were obviously carved a lot earlier and were very dry and over cooked. Another diner also complained about the meat being tough. Again the waitress apologised and said she would tell the Chef. Shortly, after the diners on the next table were served their roast dinner and it was clear to see that the meat was so much better and must have been carved from a fresh roasted joint of meat.

booked the oak for my sons 18th birthday ordered a large lemonade as i was driving £3.50 which was over priced. my son wanted to use some disco lights but because they were not pat tested the manageress said no way ye using them. the manageress has a right chip on her shoulders and so rude talks to ye like your an idiot so please dont use this pub in south ockendon

We were lucky to get a table as there was 10 of us and I only booked a week before Mother's Day. There was a set menu which had plenty of choice . The restaurant was excellent and was plenty of room between tables also there was a live singer who was very good and singing In the background which was a lovely touch to Mother's Day. We was welcomed as soon as we walked in by friendly and helpful staff that couldn't do enough for you. Overall the I would defiantly be returning and would highly recommend as a child friendly restaurant with great food and services.

Many thanks for the caring and sensitive service given by Jane and her staff: nothing was too much trouble on what was for us a very emotional day.

I visited this restaurant for the first time with my family for my 27th birthday dinner, my boyfriend and I are new to Ockendon so didn't know what to expect food wise although I have been for a cheeky vino in the bar after work on occasion and always found the bar staff and clientele to be friendly and welcoming.

Was looking for a friendly pub to watch the football on a Sunday afternoon with friends and found this little gem!! The atmosphere was friendly and cosy and was pleased with the great service from the staff. The pub was very clean and modern although with some very authentic old style wooden beams to add character. After the game which thankfully my team won we all sat in the restaurant and had Sunday lunch. WOW. Thick cut meat, chunky veg, simply gorgeous. The lovely waitress we had tempted me into having a lemon ice cream for desert, and must say was the nicest ice cream I've ever had, even if weightwatchers would frown upon the calories!!! Was also surprised to see live entertainment in the form of a band whacking out some old classics. All in all I was thoroughly impressed and will certainly be back. Well done.

My husband and I went here on the off chance as we have a taste card we where most impressed very nice ambiance service was very good and food was some of the best we have had in a long time and serve really nice would recommend it to anyone .

18 of us had booked our Christmas meal after I had recommend it after previous visit, couldn't thank them enough the food was exceptional, juicy turkey , fresh vegetables , Yorkshire puddings, excellent creme brulee, everyone enjoyed it so much ,dj was brilliant, can't express what a hidden gem this ,we stayed til late ,thankyou to the chef and staff made our night perfect will be back in the new year

Went here with my partner for his works Xmas do,had the breaded mozzarella with tomato and olives for starters which was lovely,had the belly of pork for main the meat was tasty but the veg looked liked it was dished up from scraps,one Brussel sprout cut in half two peices of carrot,and a bit of cabbage underneath a dollop of mash,and Dessert was totally inedible,ordered the Apple and mincemeat crumble with custard and was really looking forward to it, but sadly wasn't able to eat it as when I put my spoon into it the Apple was completely raw and unpeeled and just placed on top of the mincemeat,and the custard was not even homemade. The kitchen closes at 9 by the time we ordered and got our desserts it was after this time,it seemed to me like it was rushed and the kitchen staff just wanted to finish up and go home, I can appreciate this but we were paying customers and should have had 3 decent edible meals,the cold deserts ordered were ok and I wish that I had what my partner had,we will not be going back

I have eaten here on several occasions and kept meaning to leave my thoughts about this little gem in South Ockendon village. The chef must have designs on Masterchef The Professionals as he would do very very well. His food is beautifully presented and above all beautifully cooked. I recommend this 'gastro' style pub/restaurant very highly and can't wait to visit again. Just a note about the waiting staff......nothing was too much trouble as efficient, thoughtful and knowledgeable. Well done The Royal Oak, Ockendon Village!

I am very local to this establishment and cannot fault it one bit. I have had several meals in there and also celebrated my sisters 50th Birthday meal back in February where the food was amazing along with the singer that was arranged for the celebration by the owners.The staff are very pleasant and the chef is very accommodating. They are very child friendly and I am often in there with my 2 year old grand daughter.

I live locally & I have a successful business in the area. The production team from ITV came to me for a meeting. As the Oak is behind our office it seemed an ideal place to grab lunch. Staff couldn't have been more accommodating & Sue on the bar was courteous & friendly to the production team. No one in the pub knew who they were but after a relaxed, pleasant lunch & great food we secured a contract with Britain's Got Talent & a photo shoot with Kiss FM in their garden. Food was great I suggest with the celebs marched in there they need a Twitter account!

I recently came here with the rest of my family for a sunday roast, there were four of us in total. We took a risk when we arrived as we hadn't booked but the staff couldn't be more helpful, they got us a table within ten minutes of arriving and by then we already had drinks in our hands. We all had sunday roasts, even though other options were available, and everything was perfectly cooked and served surprisingly quick for a full restaurant. The staff couldn't be more attentive and the singer in the bar was superb, I'm definitely coming back again.

Had a lovely roast lunch here with two friends. Although the menu is quite limited what we had was excellent. One of our party had a prawn salad which was also very good. We shared a dessert (quite a good selection here).

Having moved away from the area back in December we thought we would pop back for my birthday lunch (our 4th visit in total). Being that it was a Tuesday lunchtime, it was quiet but it suited us as we also had our 8 week old little girl with us.

Just had a fantastic meal at the a Royal Oak with my friends. We all had a different dish and everyone of them left clear plates. The food is excellent and served up to make your mouth water. Staff were so friendly and helpful. Will definitely be going back again.

I have previously visited the Royal Oak, and had nothing bad to report back, apart from perhaps being a little overpriced, I felt the food and look of the restaurant almost made up for it. Oh how wrong I was!

Can't believe what a hidden gem we found, drove by just for a drink in there garden, then ended up staying for dinner and there live music, the food was just what you expected great cooked steak proper chips, partner loved the tandoori sea bass light and tasty, the atmosphere was right on it not to loud or quiet, staff very friendly ,and great live music zax player was superb, have told loads of people about this hidden gem ,and booked again for next week with friends ,great just to have a drink but try the food well worth it

Visited the royal oak with some friends that live local . friendly staff , good beer and a nice setting . the building is really lovely and set back from the road .

the royal oak is a fine example of a very old building , well preserved with a newly refurbished restaurant -- our waitress was friendly , helpful and worked hard to get things right.

Having been to the Royal Oak on a few occasions, I decided to book a 60th birthday dinner party for a friend there, from the moment I booked they could not do enough for me the service and atmosphere were absolutely brilliant. The food was outstanding and the presentation was second to none.....and a good time was had by all....Thank you Jane & staff

I live local to the Royal Oak but rarely visit. I had heard that it had recently been re-vamped so I took my wife, child and my mother for a meal on a Saturday night. I had read the reviews and expected an average to good experience but I was pleasantly surprised!

Have just returned from south ockendon having had a wonderful Mother's Day .My mum came from south ockendon and has since moved to norfolk. So for Mother's Day we made a return visit for her. Saw the royal oak and decided to book, and I'm so glad I did. What a lovely place the staff were very friendly and helpful the food was wonderful and very good value and the place was spotless. we were not rushed and had a lovely meal. Thanking you for making Mother's Day special . when we return we will certainly be booking again.

Visited the Royal Oak Feb 22nd for dinner. Myself, wife and 17yr old daughter.

My partner and I had Sunday lunch here recently.

Had Sunday lunch staff very good food was excellent at last I have found a good friendly Pub that serve great food 10 out 10 for service and quality food well done chef

There were 6 of us for Sunday lunch recently. The food is still very good - a good selection of roasts and other dishes for those not wanting such a large meal. The service, whilst very friendly is slightly slow. They need more staff in either the kitchen or front of house, at busy times. Still well worth a visit.

This was the 3rd time we'd visited but the first time trying the new menu. It was firework weekend so the restaurant was quiet but it suited us as we wanted an intimate evening together. The new menu was excellent, the chef came and spoke to us which was a nice touch and the service was, as always of a high standard.

The food was excellent and the owners very accommodating. I would highly recommend the venue. We had at least sixty guests on a Friday afternoon and nothing was too much trouble. Very good price as well. Excellent car parking and a really lovely venue.Thank you Jane, Carlo the chef and your staff. Colin Brown.

Went to the newly refurbished Royal oak south ockendon for Sunday lunch. The place has been refurbished really nice. Didn't know what to expect as far as the food went. To my surprise it was good. One big problem there was 4 of us, 2 other tables with couples on and a further table with 4 Adults and 2 children. The service was terrible. But to be fair there were only 3 staff working, serving taking orders and serving behind the bar. I cannot say for sure but I think in the kitchen it was only the chef. We waited for ages for our main course and mine wasn't very hot, Luke warm in fact. I will go back, as I think places like this need support and the more people that go the more staff they are likely to employ. So if you get the chance give it a try.. There's not a lot of good places to eat in the grays area.

Having had the occasional drink in the Royal Oak, I was pleased to see the outcome when they finished the restaurant as there are very few places to eat out near Ockendon (unless you want a Harvester, Ember Inn or mind joining the Lakeside crowds!).

We celebrated my sons birthday with a wonderful meal at the Royal Oak. The choice of menu was excellent, presentation wonderful, service could not be faulted and all the cleared plates at the end of meal was an indication of how much we all enjoyed it. Compliments to the chef and thank you to the proprietor and staff for making the evening a very special time. Nothing was too much trouble and the very reasonable bill was a pleasant end to the night

This place has a good setting and should be doing a roaring trade . The reason why it isn't is now abundantly clear to me !

After trying a couple of times I must say this is the biggest disappointment I have ever came across. Looks great a lot better and it maybe clean but that's probably because no one uses it! Tried an over priced roast what a joke left and went down the road to the white horse for seconds! The only thing that saves this lifeless hole is the staff but unfortunately for them it's devoid of an atmosphere!

When I visited the royal oak it was as if it felt tense and pretentious. As a resident of ockendon I found this very uncomfortable, I am used to a homely, family atmosphere in my local and this was not the case. The service at the table however was friendly but I felt they did not believe in the product and the pub itself, and the food was over priced and to a poor standard. I felt hungry and dissapointed, and more to the point ROBBED, when I left for home.

The pub has been renovated and now offers a really nice setting for a bar or restaurant meal. It is quiet during the week, so I think more people should be advertising it. It's great that there is somewhere so good locally. We have been several times and have been seated in the restaurant, although at mid-week lunches we've ordered from the bar menu and it's not been a problem. My husband said his sausage sandwich on granary bread was great value for money, with very good quality sausages. They also do very good really fat home made chips - not fries - real chips. A good pub that deserves more local support. There's a nice garden at the back so families would be well taken care of as well.

The restaurant had been recommended and we were not disappointed. The home cooked food was tasty and well presented and certainly good value for money. The wine list was quite extensive but reasonably priced. Very surprised that more people were not eating in this excellent restaurant. We will certainly return next time we are in the area.

I live a few miles away and had no idea we had such a lovely pub, with great food and homely atmosphere so close. Highly recommended. Sandwiches with home baked bread, all quality produce. Well worth a shot. Try out with bar food first, but restaurant excellent. 6 choices of each course enough for anyone! For people who have criticised 'only 7 chips', take it from me that this equates to a whole jacket potato and that they are the most phenominal chips I've ever tasted ( and I'm fussy!) I can honestly say I have enjoyed every bit of food eaten here today, and that is ,in itself a major feat. Enjoy!

We were in South Ockendon at lunch time, so called in without booking. There were four of us in our party. Very nice staff. Food cooked well, but very small portions. Two of us had haddock and chips, one had seven chips and I had eight chips. The other two had Goats cheese and red onion tart with salad. The salad consisted of a very few rocket and mixed leaves.! A very limited lunch time menu. Good job there was nice deserts to fill us up! The building has been beautifully refurbished and is comfortable. Good size car park. Nice location. Outside seating available.