The Royal Oak in Wiltshire

My wife and I called in for lunch last weekend. The weather was lovely, the staff behind the bar were friendly, the flowers in the beer garden were nice, but unfortunately the food and the wait let it down. My wife opted for Fish and Chips and I opted for their Chicken Kiev. The fish with wife's meal was nicely battered (not too thickly) with nice chunky chips. Then it goes downhill from thereon. Her peas, which were supposed to be mushy, were a dried inedible blob on one side of her plate. However, the issue really came with my meal. To take two dried / breaded chicken pieces, lay a few thin slivers of cheese (presumably cheddar) on top and then place it in a pool of garlic butter with a ramekin of herby chips does not in my opinion a Chicken Kiev make.

What a lovely pub! Very airy inside and a lovely large sun trap of a beer garden. A good selection of beer and a small but something for everyone menu! Lots of large tv screens so ideal for watching sport. Staff very attentive even at their busiest times. Would recommend.

Pub looked nice, drinks a good price. Then it all went wrong. Ignored at the bar for 10 minutes then eventually served by an expressionless girl who didn't even look at me. I ordered the Camembert 'sharing platter' and waited 45 mins for its delivery without apology. It was appalling value for money and we really wish we hadn't bothered.

Great pub with. Great atmosphere, dogs are allowed and the price of points is very reasonable Lily is an absolute joy to be served by.

Popped in here for a coffee after a dog walk. I was going to have light lunch but instead saw the Sunday lunch offering. Well I was impressed the roast beef was very nice and the vegetables cooked to perfection. Great gravy and all for £12?? Wow highly recommend this place. And the service was spot on.

Visited on Sunday lunch time.We had four assorted meal I.e beef roast,Hunters chicken with chips.Beef and Ale pie with mash and green veg.Chicken an Mushroom pie with chips. All meals beautiful presented and hohos portions the ied were a good size with gravy to die for .Only one complaint bee in roast a bit tough. Staff very obliging and helpful prices of meals and drinks quite reasonable. Will definitely call when in area again

We called here by mistake. Hubby had set the sat nav incorrectly. So even though we were 10 miles out of our way we decided to stay for dinner ! What a mistake. I checked over the menu and even though I usually go for a steak as I’d had the steak the previous evening I thought I’d go for something different and was tempted by the home made steak and ale pie, served with chips and fresh vegetables. Firstly It wasn’t a pie. A pie has pastry on top and the bottom with the ingredients (in this case steak and ale) in between. But this was a dish with a puff pastry top on top of a few pieces of steak, onion and a load of carrots in a very watery gravy underneath. The server had asked me if I wanted chips or new potatoes. Great I’d thought I don’t have to have chips I’ll have the potatoes. They were delivered with the skin on. If this had been explained to me I’d have stayed with the chips. Finally we come to the fresh vegetables well they may have been fresh at some time but certainly not today. The cauliflower was fit for the bin, then there was carrots (yet again) and red cabbage. The server asked we’d like any sauce. I replied any gravy? Yes she said and went off to mix some instant gravy. I don’t actually mind instant gravy but this was just as watery as the gravy inside the so called pie. Basically I ate the few pieces of steak that were in the so called pie and nothing else. I put the puff pastry lid back on the dish and asked for the bill. The server picked up my plate which looked as if it hadn’t been touched and said not a word as she took it back to the kitchen. I guess this must be usual practice here. If you wondering about hubby he had traditional cooked ham, egg and chips. Chips were frozen, ham was from a packet but hubby said quite nice and the egg was from a chicken. We will never call at this pub for a meal again.

Fab staff Fabulous beer Fab garden Fabulous food Fab venue All round the best place in Marlborough to grab a drink, relaxed and chilled, friendly venue

Today I came to this lovely pub for a meal. The ambience was delightful. The staff couldn’t be more helpful, the food was delicious and the wide selection of drinks was lovely to see. The landlord greeted us which was very welcoming. 5 stars

Stopped here for dinner , husband had fish and chips and I had bacon and cheese burger would definitely recommend both dishes . The staff are excellent very helpful and very happy. Definitely will be visiting again

Beef burger was brilliant though fatty chips could have been better.....a lot better! Liver pate' had no taste, bland and to be fair, I should have sent it back. My wife left most of it. Puddings. Chocolate sundae was a thrown together mush....at best. Probably best avoid this place going by the other poor reviews.

Been here a couple of times with a large group from work. We go on a Tuesday for pie night. Always plenty of different pies to choose from so something for everyone. All very tasty and piping hot. Always greeted with a smile and service is excellent. Will definitely be back soon.

Me my wife and our two kids stopped in for a meal here last night and couldn’t be happier. We where greeted by a friendly bar man and made to feel very welcome. The food we ate was amazing and good value, plus they where more than happy for our daughter to play in the pool room and dance to the juke box. All in all a very happy night out. Will be back soon.

We saw the sign for the Royal Oak whilst travelling to Marlborough and whilst it was a couple of miles off the road we were travelling on it was well worth the detour. It is I think a thatched 16 century pub located in a beautiful village where almost all the properties were thatched. The barman was friendly and asked if we wanted menus. I ordered a ham and cheese ploughman’s and my wife a cheese burger. They were delivered to the table after a short wait. Both were freshly prepared with fresh, probably artisan breads and homemade chutney which really was delicious. Service was good with a lovely ambiance and reasonable prices. Well worth a visit

I and three friends called in for lunch, having found the pub using Google. It's way out in the country, so it's not a 'passing trade' pub. From the very curmudgeonly barmaid we ordered four sandwiches, 2 bowls of chips and four pints and sat down. From 'bitter' experience (ha!) We know our ale and it was very good. Thoigh the pub was empty but for us and 2 others, it took 25 minutes for the food to arrive. What a disappointment: the sarnies were thick sliced warburton-style tasteless wholemeal bread, the salad garnish was straight out of a very cold fridge. Mine was advertised as 'vintage Cheddar' which in my opinion it was not. It was standard grated cathedral city or similar, totally without taste, which at least matched the bread. The 2 bowls of chips were delivered in one bowl, which presumably meant that they could get away with giving us less, and which obviously saved on the washing up. Hungry, three of us scoffed the anodyne, bland fare. Our fourth member didn't eat the bread but picked out the filling. When the miserable barmaid came to clear the plates, she asked if everything was ok, to which our bread-leaver commented as to why it was still extant. There was a reluctant apology, followed by a "what about the others - ok?" We responded with a chorus of "meh, ok" in a tone which reflected our mood. This elicited a withering look from the dominatrix which might have fried a cat. So, 0 out of 5 but TripAdvisor won't allow less than 1. If that woman was the owner, she deserves to go bust. If she was not, the owner needs to consider a replacement. Awful attitude.

Visited this pub last minute on the way back from Swindon. Tbe staff were amazing, they immediately layed out a lively table for us and presented me and my mum with a lovely pot plant for Mothers day. The food was very good, we all enjoyed our meals and the service was excellent! Thank you very much!

Staff friendly, food selection reasonable with the usual limited vegetarian choices but you could always create a meal from the side orders. Drinks good. Generally a pleasant place to enjoy a meal with friends.

Popped in here for a drink after being out in the fresh air hoping to sit by a nice warm fire.Ignoring the bar entrance we went into the 'eating' area where lo and behold there were two empty stools by the bar and a nice warm fire. We ordered our drinks ( a very acceptable local ale and quite a poor rose) and beginning to make ourselves comfortable on the stools, were basically told by the barman to go into the bar. EMPTY, SOULLESS and NO FIRE. But it did have a television (fortunately switched off) and a gaming machine. Wonderful. Will not bother them again !!

Estábamos buscando un lugar para comer los domingos por la noche y nuestros anfitriones nos habló del roble real. El RO tiene un jardín huéspedes que era muy apreciado debido al clima caliente. El pastel de carne cocinada en cerveza (probado), y mi Makrel fantástico con patatas fritas también era muy agradable. Las patatas fritas, así que terminé los crujientes de todos que por desgracia sin un flan. El servicio era bueno y amable y el lugar es realmente el tipo de Pub para ver mientras uno espera en Inglaterra. También es perro simpático y dispone de aparcamiento para coches.

El hosco camarera mandado todas las campanas de alarma sonando y nos animaba a buscar en otro sitio. Ojalá hubiera leído las otras críticas antes de venir aquí en un momento de la visita de improviso para la cena.E. g. Cuando me preguntó qué la selección de verduras incluida la respuesta fue "no lo sé. Se trata como se trata. ¿quieres? "Cómo alguien comportándose como este está involucrada en el servicio al cliente es un completo misterio.Comida insulsa añadido a la mala experiencia, junto con una sensación de haber sido estafados cuando paga la factura.

El amigable y la comida eran una delicia. Éramos un gran grupo, y mi familia estuvimos muy bien atendidos. Tuve sopa de pescado con todos los adornos. Gran textura y sabor, y estoy seguro de que era casero.Hay un menú de pescado amplia; mucho más grande y diversa de lo que se puede esperar.Un destino muy acogedor

Mi marido y yo, y nuestra familia y hemos ido a Royal Oak durante más de 4 años. Ir por la noche que regularmente

Encontré este pub después de ver un enorme cartel en el 346 que dice "buena comida de pub, gire a la derecha", después de un largo viaje en coche de Bristol. Fue por un camino ventoso, pero bien vale la pena el esfuerzo. Yo tenía un pollo con salsa de queso pechuga de gama y nueces, además de verduras y patatas. Muy agradable. El pub era acogedor, limpio y muy antiguo, ya que es un edificio del siglo XVI. Mi comida además de un malibu y coca-cola 16,50 libras que ofrece una buena relación calidad-precio. Recomiendo este pub. Tenía una buena variedad de platos con varios platos de pescado. Ellos también estaban vendiendo mermelada casera y mermelada.

Booked the Royal Oak on reading TA reviews (mixed) but thought it was worth finding out for myself, the menu looked reasonable if not a bit pricey but then some pub restaurants in the area are more expensive.

Como tres senderistas cansados nos agradó que el pub pudieron a pesar de que el restaurante estaba lleno. A pesar de nuestro barro condiciones nos permitieron comer en el bar con los lugareños. La zona del bar no era tan encantador como el restaurante y era bastante básico, pero nos vino muy bien.

El hombre detrás del bar no era especialmente acogedor, pero era lo mismo con los lugareños me di cuenta, así como la cena, así que quizás la industria de servicio no es para él. La tierra lo mismo de la señora. No reconocer cualquier uno y parecía miserables. La comida era terrible. Había pescado que era cocinado y con una ensalada seca coloración marrón en los bordes sin vestidor. Mi pareja tuvo una hamburguesa y patatas fritas. La hamburguesa parecía que venían de un supermercado barato y las patatas fritas eran patatas fritas cocina holandesa al aire libre. Este es un lugar en el que a mí oficios en su entorno en una zona muy bonita .... pero por desgracia es decepción por el personal y por la comida.

This was a family lunch including grandchildren. The was a chance find when looking for a pub near Marlborough. In a delightful village Wootton Rivers close to the kennet and Avon canal. An extensive menu. Food was well presented and all in all an excellent lunch. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Both myself and my dinning partner were disappointed with the food. I had chosen a quick, cheapish option sandwich combination, which came with a salad and coleslaw. The sandwuch lacked flavour, the coleslaw had a watery, soapy flavour and consistency, the salad had no visible dressing. I was offered some when I asked, but sort of wish I hadn't, dont know what was in it, but the flovour combination was off. My partner had sausage and mash, not much mash, three average sausages all swimming in a lake of dark gravy and splattered in a fungus of peas. Not pleasant to look at, apparently not great to eat either. I wouldn't go again, but the menu is extensive, there are probably better things.

Amazing food, great service. Children's menu available. In a thatched pub, I think from the 16th century. Car park available.

The menu is rather too big to offer very high quality food. However the fillet steak was lovely and came from a local source.

Some confusion on TA which should be sorted after several years as this pub has 3 listings. However - ate Saturday lunch here and was pleasantly surprised due to the mixed reviews read previously. Staff were friendly, the building very atmospheric - lots of beams and low ceilings. Wadworth 6X pint was well kept. They have a very large menu with significant choice which can be a concern when the kitchen is trying to handle too many dishes. In this case concerns were unfounded. Our party had the seafood platter and salads which were followed by Wiltshire ham, calves liver and cutlets. All of the dishes were enjoyed, we weren't rushed and the bill was very reasonable. Keep an open mind and no doubt you will enjoy a meal here.

We ended up here as The Bruce Arms had no chef. A result for us until I saw the dog walking through the kitchen

The choice on the menu is excellent - lots to choose from as well as daily specials. Varied desserts too and reasonably priced all round. Enjoyed our meals and wine very much.

We only popped in here for an evening drink as we were staying in a nearby B&B. I love an old historic English pub and this was one of them!

Really helpful staff and a nice menu. We had our two year boy with us who was well looked after.The cheff did him a lovley childs meal and they even chucked in a free little ice cream pudding for him.We had Sunday lunches and we both enjoyed it very much.The beer is also really good.We will be back

I've been many times to this pub and I can tell you Tuesdays pie is the best pie I've ever had. Once you try this you won't like any other. I personally prefer the steak and ale pie but there is a lot of variety in it. Also the pub is pretty old but well conserved. This is my first review and I do it because it deserves it.

Pub deserted so no atmosphere though the guys behind the bar were friendly. Liked the menu a lot, but found the food disappointing. Ordered bangers and mash and it tasted like the sausages had been put in the deep fat fryer for far too long - all burned, split and not pleasant.

We visited the Royal Oak on their special pie evening, and as a pie-lover I was delighted at the variety available. My wife had a Game pie that was rammed to the crust with meat, while I had a Steak and Stilton pie that was delicious. The atmosphere was very warm and friendly, and the choice of beers was a bonus.

Have been to this pub many times now and not once have had a bad meal. The atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly and you cannot fault the service! The staff have always been very attentive and efficient and also passionate about maintaining the success of the place which is a nice touch. There is loads to choose from on the menu from simple pub classics and sandwiches (at lunch time) to more up dining dishes using gorgeous local ingredients. The menu also accommodates a variety of budgets, so it's easy to please everyone. The venue is able to accommodate large groups and is also family friendly in the main restaurant area, and also able to accommodate those who prefer a more intimate dining experience with the beautiful vintage decor and a cosy fire place used in the winter time.The Royal Oak is an excellent all rounder, and we will be going back time and time again. Keep up the good work!

The Landlady has run this pub since 1976 and the decor may reflect this - but hey ! this is a truly local pub in the middle of the Savernake forest.It is so full of character you can taste it in the food (from the best local butchers)Not a gastro pub but then again the prices don't say that it is.However the menu is very extensive and the food good, un-pretentious fair.You can't get a seat in this large pub on Tuesday's pie night as it is packed with locals and even has an elderly fiesty jack russel.Forget thenaff over priced "pubs" like The Marlborough or the souless Royal Oak and seek out a real local- that local people eat and drink in.Only the truly souless will whinge

We were on a weekend visit to Marlborough, and we popped into this pub (Initially for just a drink)....But ended up having a meal as well.Good food for the money. And the Pub staff were very friendly and efficient!!.

I had the curry and it was great. Very, very cozy spot. Lovely little village in Wiltshire. Just near the B&B where we stayed.

I visited this pub for the first time on Friday. It is tucked away down a minor road in a small pretty Wiltshire village. The pub is pretty like the village - an old large-ish thatched building. There were a few people there but it was not overly busy, not surprising being a weekday. Friendly welcome and quick service. There are three or four different areas to sit in. Plenty of choice of seats. Ordered a vegetable pie and chips with a side of vegetables. The food came soon enough. A generous plateful. The pie was home made and very tasty as was the rest of the food. The beer, Wadworth 6X was good too. Well worth a visit. I will definitely return to this pub soon.

This was the best meal I had in the area. Locally sourced, organic ingredients prepared lovingly and with great skill. I can't wait to return.

We should have been warned by the fact that the pub next door was full and this one was empty. I ordered Humus with ciabatta, crudites and cherry tomatoes, my husband order fishcakes and chilli sauce for our starter. My hummus was accompanied by two slices of white bread, one cherry tomato and some lettuce. My husband's was missing the chilli sauce. When our plates were taken away, we queried the missing items and were told they would investigate. Our main courses arrived and the "mushrooms" turned out to be "mushroom", the tomatoes turned out to be half a tomato etc. The main course was okay but very small and expensive. The waitress returned to explain that the chef had forgotten the chilli sauce and with regard to the crudites "had I not noticed the carrot stick on top of the hummus"?

Have been going there for over 20 years and still enjoy it. A nice dish of assorted fresh vegetables every time - and a lovely steak and ale puffed pastry dish also very good roasts -. takes a lot of beating. Still the original owners.

Have only ever visited on Sunday lunch time and food has always been very good. Visited again today 14th and once again food very good. Staff excellent, cannot do enough to please. Husband had Roast Beef today and I had chicken and both as good as a home cooked meal. Warm friendly atmosphere with mixture of locals and visitors to the area. We live near Reading make the trip here a few times a year and have never been disappointed

It is a pub selling pub grub, good service and an easy stop off to refill, have a quick snack or reasonable meal

This pub is ok, it gets very busy on Saturday nights and Sunday Lunch times, the food is good and overall its a good pub.Just Ok

The menu at the Royal Oak is fairly extensive and is more than just a typical pub menu.There's a good variety of seats from a normal upright table to sofas/tables for you to experience a more laid back dining.I had the Hunter's Chicken which was really tasty and my friend had the Beef in Chianti which again was really tasty. We had a bottle of very good, reasonably priced Merlot and the whole experience was enhanced by very efficient & friendly service.

Had lunch here - food was average. Staff were OK but rather indifferent. There are better pubs out there than this one.