The Royal Oak in South Lakeland

Great patio and lovely service! Great stop in Ambelside!

Nice cheap food but good portions and really tasty, cheapest food compared to the other local pubs. Great value for money

Worst Sunday roast in my life. 2 sad slices of meat, blunt gravy, burnt Yorkshire pudding, hard garden peas and a pile of something (apparently cauliflower cheese). Very disappointed as we travelled to this pub expecting to have some nice food. Avoid!

Horrible Sunday roast, Yorkshire pudding like a big crisp, beef very chewy and small portion , however amazing friendly staff. You make your choice of this review

I have met the landlady in Blackpool and visited her hidden gem of a pub with the dogs. Albeit they got more attention than I did but the food was fantastic and the service was so good I felt like I had been going in years. Definitely recommend

Fantastic location, helpful friendly staff and reasonable prices.

Decent pub in the centre of ambleside.

We was visiting Ambleside for the day and popped in for lunch. Pleasantly surprised. Great value for money and throughly enjoyed. Clean and tidy pub. Great staff. Recommend

Excellent service and wonderful staff. A really enjoyable visit

Incredible pub with an incredible atmosphere, loved every minute of our trip to Ambleside with my children and the grandchildren. Have been visiting the royal oak for years and have never been disappointed.

Came in with my wife and grandchildren, had a lovely drink and a couple snacks while the kids were having there tea. Staff were super friendly and were very chatty to the children which was lovely to see.

Food was absolutely lovely and the staff were really friendly. They went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect for my little boy who has just started weaning definitely recommend, lovely atmosphere for family's.

Popped in for a pint after a long day exploring, was recommended this pub when I was asking about real ales. The selection was wide and exceptional which was fantastic. Highly recommend to any ale drinker. Beef and ale pie was just perfection too!

Honestly, this was a fantastic visit, staff are incredibly friendly and you can see how much they all get on. Food was delightful, quick service too. Thank you for making everything seem so simple!

English pub with lots of atmosphere and conviviality. Really worth it.

Lovely atmosphere and great food.

Good place for food and a chat with the locals..especially mikey they call him the nicest guy in ambleside

We just had a few glasses of wines and some nibbles here, it's a lovely simple pub with friendly staff. Very cumbrian brill

Always visit the Royal Oak even if its just for a drink as the choices are excellent. Good grub and decent portion sizes. If you are on a budget it's a great place for a meal. If not on a budget it's great too. Can be busy and tables do go quickly though!!!

brilliant experience, staff very friendly and helpful. Great selection on popular beers on tap and it’s a very nice setting to have a pint or two in the sunny outside seating area!

Good ambience, good food and good service! Love this place. We had the Hungarian Goulash which was lovely. Regular portion was huge (for an Asian...lol) with Dumpling and Garlic Bread. The Beef Ale & Pie had a crumbly pastry with tender meat cuts, and the sauce with it was very tasty. Reasonable prices and nice spot to sot outside to people watch.

Lovely pub in Ambleside centre. Great food and the staff are great too. Couldn't ask for better

Visitors beware. If you are visiting Ambleside then don't bother going here. It is very much locals pub and we gave up when waiting to get a drink or order food as 3 locals that came in after us were served first. Just wanted to warn other visitors.

Lovely pub with a great atmosphere, the food is good and wholesome

We had a gorgeous meal this evening. The staff were super friendly, the food was gorgeous, it was warm and clean with a great atmosphere. Dog & kids friendly too. Highly recommend.

Fair pub grub. My cheese was burnt on my hunters chicken. The children only got 4 nuggets when the menus said 5 and one daughter got beans instead of the peas we ordered but this was rectified when I complained. Not very good though. The children’s menu did not have a price on it but it was reasonable. Nice atmosphere and the building is very characterful.

Lovely setting in the heart of village. Well priced food and drink. Had salt and pepper chilli chicken, with chips and katsu curry, and scampi and chippies. Lovely. Thanks. May need to chill your loo roll in the fridge!

The draught Old Peculiar is very good 👍

We have visited many times over very many years and have always been made welcome. This week each day here has been very enjoyable, with good service, very friendly staff, and good atmosphere. Introducing ourselves to Eddie we just had to compliment him on a well run pub. We enjoy the fact that it's not overtaken by football on the t.v. also, like so many pubs these days. Look forward to returning when next here on holiday.

The Royal Oak is definitely the place to go for good food and a great atmosphere. The food is excellent and reasonably priced and the staff are very friendly and helpful

A great place for reasonably priced food. Gets very busy so need to get there early.

We had thought about giving this place a miss after the October 2024 fiasco, but we have some good memories of the Royal Oak, so we dropped in. As before, freezing cold and no fires or heating in evidence. Previously available beers have been discontinued. Food menu limited and somewhat to our surprise, the fish and chips (a pub food staple) were not available. So, for the last time, we drank up and left, to find a warmer and more welcoming venue (The White Lion), which has a far wider ranging menu, and has a working heating system. There were other customers who were dressed for the weather and who kept their coats and jackets on. We didn’t see anyone ordering food. My overall impression is that of a once warm and comforting venue that lost its way and can’t be bothered to make the effort any more. It was a great place to be back in the day, but sadly, no longer. If this is typical of Greene King’s approach to market, they need to reconsider their marketing strategy. Might be an idea to reach out to Ember Inns or The Inn Collection Group. Just a few simple tweaks and the Royal Oak could be everything it used to be.

Pretty average tbh. We came on a Sunday evening and the menu was severely reduced due to being busy earlier in the day. Food was okay, but I wouldn't rush back.

My favourite spot in Ambleside. Me and my husband visit here every time we come to Ambleside. The atmosphere is incredible. The team are so welcoming and cater to your every need. We would like to give a massive shout out to the manager Nicola, she has recently took over and what a fantastic job she has done with the place! Phoenix is amazing and even remembered our names which made us feel so welcome 🤗 Chris has moved to the kitchen and although we never ate. The food he was sending out looked and smelt incredible 🤩 We look forward to our next visit! Love the Walkers 🫶😍

Always worth a visit but gets busy around mealtimes, several real ales, try the goulash.

Comfiest armchairs in the Lakes. Friendly staff especially Eddie. Great range of drinks. Ale good selection. Defo be back later for food 🙂

Beer was good, service was good. But the steak pie was a BIG disappointment. The rest of the meal, to be fair was fine, but the beef on the pie was chewy and ruined my meal. I did mention it to the staff and she said she'd mention it to the chef, but nothing followed. So I wouldn't recommend. I won't be returning.

We had a lovely visit here over Valentines weekend, the food was great and so was the atmosphere! I would also like to mention how attentive, friendly and chatty the member of staff was who was working on the bar, I think she said her name was Robin. If were ever in the area again, we will be sure to pop back in!

Sunday roast was disgusting. Meat was very fatty and gristly, cheap bistro gravy and the rest of it tasted like it had been defrosted. Wouldn’t recommend.

Called in here for a drink on a Friday night. The atmosphere was great and the staff very friendly and polite. We went back again the following evening and found there was live music. Clearly a very popular place with locals and tourists alike.

Been lots of places for pub grub, but by far best fish and chips ever had

Lovely pub in the heart of Ambleside. The award winning pies are worth traveling to the Lake District.

Great little pub . Staff amazing and the manager was so helpful and very friendly. Anything we asked for she was more than happy to get. The cask ale section is great and has a mixture of greeneking ales and local too . Would recommend most definitely keep it up

Great food staff very good beef and ale pie good Katsui curry ace even supplied me with more sauce no problem, friendly atmosphere, we’ve been here for many years will go again, beer and wine superb, thank you Ian & Jane 👍🍺🍷🍲🥘

Cosy little pub great atmosphere manager went above and beyond will visit again

The Royal Oak is a lovely pub, a great atmosphere at all times. The bar staff are lovely, with Tom always giving the best recommendations and the other members bringing good conversation. The live music is some of the best in Ambleside, with a lovely local pub atmosphere on display. Great choice of drinks and food at a reasonable price aswell.

The Royal oak is a nice pub in Ambleside with a great atmosphere and the bar staff are brilliant. Tom always tells me what new spirits they get behind the bar and recommends me different drinks. Would definitely recommend it if you're in Ambleside.

Great place to grab a pint with your mates and family, bar staff are very friendly and a great laugh, especially tom who always brings great recommendations of new spirits behind the bar and always doing it with a smile.

We stopped off at The Royal Oak in the afternoon for some drinks, where we took advantage of the good range of cask ales; the warm, friendly atmosphere made us return here for some food later on in the evening. We highly recommend the beef hungarian goulash and beef & ale pie!

Miserable chef would not supply any more garlic so our meal was spoiled and I suggest you avoid this place. To say that she and kitchen appeared unhygienic and unclean is an under estimate and I hate to think what score on the door hygiene rating the place has. Will be reporting to environmental health. Other staff equally grumpy but she took the biscuit! RESPONSE to reply from owner : You are a liar. I was not in the kitchen and certainly not helping myself. You know this. I simply knocked and the door and was greeted by a surly untidy person who told me "That is what comes with the meal - we don't give anymore". So I was, as I said, refused and also shocked by the attitude and appearance of this member of staff. Other staff seemed equally unhappy and when I bought drinks I tried to get a dialogue but on both times was rebutted. Oh and the group behind me being rowdy and breaking a glass were not even challenged. In short you have all of your priorities wrong. A little more garlic would have seen us order more food and drinks before we left. But we watched the rugby and then left. We will not return. I am sure you are relieved about that. I regret it would give me pleasure should this review prevent others from being treated like this and having more similar treatment continued in your deceitful response.

FOUND IT AFTER 64 years We found it - THE GRUMPIEST PUB IN ENGLAND - Went there tonight to watch the rugby and even an England victory could not improve the atmosphere here. It wasn’t just the Dickensian attitude and refusal on asking for a little more garlic mayo but it as though the staff are not allowed to smile or converse pleasantly. But we’ll done to the chef whose stained casual wear rather than whites reinforced the Oliver the Twist feel of this apology for a pub. RESPONSE to owner’s answer : It seems you happy to disparage customers who truthfully criticise. No one was in your kitchen- they just knocked and the door and politely asked for more garlic mayo as portion given was inadequately small. It didn’t seem unreasonable. Not enough mayo spoiled my meal and now you are prepared to lie about it. There were a room full of people who know the truth that no one even tried to help themselves. How could they? It doesn’t even make sense. Grow up you sad bunch.

One of the best places in Ambleside for a pint of Guinness lovely service and a lovely atmosphere

Lovely atmosphere. My wife and I shared the Nachos it was lovely and plentiful. The team on that day were lovely so friendly and welcoming. We will definitely be back next time we are im Ambleside

Pub grub with a good atmosphere

Great home-cooked delicious food. Seating can be difficult to secure, but worth the wait!

Great menu and good service. A warm welcome after a day on the fells. The food is a perfect mix of pub favourites, lite bites, or hearty, rich meals served in a cozy atmosphere with real fires and ales on tap. What's not to like!?!

Nice little pub. We didn't eat here because we were already booked in for dinner elsewhere, but the food looked nice and smelled lovely. I didn't see the staff carrying anything but empty plates back to the kitchen. They had a good selection of ales which were well kept.

Great pub with excellent service & lovely staff. Good beer and food and a lovely outside seating area with heaters in the winter

Tasty food, great atmosphere, good selection of drinks for all types of drinkers. Love the live music on sundays

Nice meal with really nice staff. The chicken and ham pie was good. Great pub with original features and good character.

Super cozy pub with a great atmosphere. Food very tasty. Dogs are welcome and welcome. Log fire, comfortable sofas and friendly staff. We can only recommend <3 // Great cozy pub with great flair. Very tasty food. Dogs are welcome and very much appreciated. Log fire, cozy sofas and friendly staff. We can highly recommend it <3

Love the atmosphere on Sundays with Fiona singing, always a good Sunday with a sing-song. The gin choices are great always a new one to try. Go to the Royal Oak!!! ❤️

Nice find in ambleside. Visited twice, once for a meal and again for a trio of light bites. Did not disappoint. The staff are friendly and helpful. The pub has a lovely warm and welcoming atmosphere. Will definitely return.

Eddie is a real credit to this bar. Super friendly and very customer focused. We spent new year in Ambleside and this became our go to venue. Well done Eddie. Top guy!

The place is very characteristic, frequented by local people. At lunch time they were all taking a trekking break. The food is simple but good, the price honest. Friendliness is at home, to order you go to the cashier where you pay immediately. Dogs are also allowed!!!

attended the new years eve function (£3 per Head) with family. After queuing up for 20 mins in pretty grim conditions we were let in at 8PM and were greeted with warmth by the staff who put a glass of prosecco in our hands. The service was great all night and as was the entertainment. Adrian i think his name was, he played for a good 3 hours I'd say and had an endless repertoire, encouraging the customers to put forward their requests. Great choice Royal Oak, book him again!. Special shout out to Jamie the staff member who continaully checked up on us and everyone else, working tirelessly with a smile! Great Night, thank you!

Great pub setting, very cosy with helpful staff. Lovely Christmas decorations adding to the warmth. Happy new year!!!

Only called in for drinks and had the best night watching an amazing singer who had the audience on their feet! A great little pub.

Very standard Greene King food. Good location and beer selection though.

Proper old pub centrally located in Ambleside with comfy indoor seating and outdoor covered seating.

I dont love meal (I mean not bad but not enough to come back for me) but I think its about me and my sense of taste. Warm and nice place. Thank you.

Have been coming here for years and this is usually my favourite pub when staying in Ambleside. The Old Peculiar on draft was fabulous but found the bar too cold and the music a bit too loud this time unfortunately.

We had lovely meals along with a couple of pints each served by friendly staff

Had a fab evening last night great atmosphere-didn’t eat though so can’t comment. Bat staff very good and attentive friendly and just very positive attitude- thank you Holly and Robin

What a place. Came for a week in the north and couldn’t stay away. A lovely, homely place who hold no bars to make you welcome. Jaimie, Mia, Eddie, phoenix and Jess made us feel like we come in every weekend. Good food, good booze, good vibe, a home away from home. Deffo do the 5 and a half hour journey to see them again

Beautiful place, amazing staff couldn't of been any happier with service! Jamie and the rest of the staff made us feel welcome and well top up on drinks lol all in all great atmosphere!

Great place will definitely be back Jamie an the rest of the team made us feel so welcome food was great an the atmosphere was great cnt wait 2 come back here again soon

Jamie an the team was great food was great Will Defo be back again

NIce friendly atmosphere, food was lovely & well presented, staff were helpfu & welcoming.

Not sure where to start with Eddy, onlu has 10 mins as a rugby player but can pull a pint. Brings energy to every situation and just an all round great bloke. Will be coming back.

Eddie gave us fabulous service at the bar, I was unsure of whay beer to order and he gave us great suggestions. We will be back soon!

The Royal Oak is the pub to be at, the student presence at the Sunday music was a show of how lively and friendly the environment was !

Last I was at the “roak” as us locals call it, Eddie was seen helping a women fill out her cv for an infectious disease unit in the alps. He single handley wrote her cv and secured her role in the future of the industry, thank Eddie for curing the common cold!

Eddie had great services extremely friendly and pulls a Stella pint. He made me laugh, made me cry and made me drunk. I had great night and would come again and recommend to all my friends

Perfect night for 1! Had the best time chatting to one of the barmaids, Hollie. She was very attentive and friendly! Hopefully going back soon after another long walk in the lakes ;)

We came into the Royal Oak for a few drinks after a long walk around Ambleside. Lovely atmosphere and very friendly staff which made the experience exceptional. Hollie, who was the barmaid on shift was so helpful, chatty and polite. Would recommend and will definitely be back.

Great draught beers and ales, and delicious goulash. What a treat!

Popped in for a pint, Holly behind the Bar was Lovely. Would recommend.

Haven't eaten here, had drinks on a walking weekend with friends. Live music great place to be in the evening.

Cracking pub and tasty food! Enjoyed it

Goulash & Lasagna were both phenomenal! Very reasonable price for the quality as well. Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Ambleside!

Have been going to the Royal Oak for possibly 14 plus years every time we come up to Ambleside ( from Cornwall now but previously from Surrey). Great beers and our dogs ( Charlie then but Oskar now!) always love it. Staff very good and a perfect people watching location after a strenuous day on the Fells!

Nothing special. 2 choices of Sunday roast. All the veg was frozen. Including the roast potatoes. Good meat and Yorkshire puddings though. Music on plus a tv in one corner plus you can hear the radio in the kitchen if you sit near it. All unnecessary. Wouldn’t really recommend.

Will always stop when we pop over to the lakes

This place has a lovely warm atmosphere, The food was incredible & we were provided with a caring & comforting service which was a lovely personal touch. We had the pleasure of meeting Julie, our server, she was lovely & warm to us all & happy to help with anything we needed in a swiftly manner, I’m not from the area but she was also happy to answer questions about Ambleside & where to go for lovely walks, we will definitely be coming back & I hope it will be Julie we see again.

Great location , staff was amazing , great beers ,

Great food amazing service. Good little pub will come again :)

Classic pub but food is pure frozen food garbage, at extortionate prices. Do not come here for anything but a pint.

More tasty. I ate the famous goulash there, too tomato-y for me, but very tasty.

Really welcoming pub with a great atmosphere and lovely outdoor space. A proper good boozer. Didn't eat here but the food looked excellent.