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4,00

Based on 91 opinions finded in 1 websites

4.0Ambience4.0Cuisine3.5Price4.0Service
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Nº 222 in 466 in Swindon

Nº 2 of 2 Mediterranean in Swindon

CUSTOMERS TALK ABOUT DISHES WITH..oysterscookedfishpaella
Score
OpinionsNoteTripAdvisor914.0

comment_iconOpinions

Top quality food. We were blown away with the quality and the knowledge of chef Michael who came to the table to explain the dishes. Also special mention of Roman the waiter who was helpful and knowledgeable Thank you. We’ll be back

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Eleanor Merryweather . 2024-06-07

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We booked for the French food and wine evening in May, and oh my goodness...the food was amazing ! We have eaten here before and the Chef never ceases to amaze us. If you fancy going somewhere which serves outstanding food, has fantastic staff and is passionate about good food, the Choptank is the place to go - and the wine and food tasting events won't disappoint !

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Tracy P . 2024-06-02

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Booked for 7 of us. Amazing Sunday roast, fantastic service and excellent atmosphere. 3 courses for under £30 and the drinks were fair prices.

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Lynn R . 2024-05-06

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The Royal Oak pub is a true local treasure! From the cozy atmosphere to the exceptional service and delicious food, every visit is a delight. Whether you're in for a pint or a hearty meal, you're guaranteed a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience. Don't miss out on this gem!

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Charlie C . 2024-04-22

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Best Sunday roast in Swindon. The beef shin was delicious and perfectly cooked. I didn’t know parsnips could taste that good. Looking forward to Mother’s Day.

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David B . 2024-02-25

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Amazing food ! Highly recommended! Great experience! Every plate was stunning and beautifully presented, a fine dining experience at a reasonable price!

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Ocean G . 2024-02-01

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Absolutely amazing service and food at the Choptank oyster bar. Our waiter was amazing, couldn’t have looked after us any more if he tried. The food was unreal. Highly recommended to anyone!

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E3799RDshannonl . 2024-01-07

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Wow! I recently came for lunch with friends in the pub. I am coeliac and could have cried when I saw that I could eat about 95% of the menu. Floored by the options and the fact that you’d never know. The food was incredible too. Best halloumi I’ve ever eaten! Thank you for creating such a brilliant menu- I will be back… a lot!

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ellierj . 2023-12-23

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This place is incredible! Could not recommend enough. The server Roman was amazing, very attentive, interactive, informative and all round just an amazing person. The chef was also incredible, came over to the table numerous times to talk to us and talk about the dishes, my partner had never tried oysters before and the chef was amazing with great banter about it and was amazing with recommendations. 100% worth every penny, the oyster tempera was to die for, we ended up getting multiple servings of it and the chef loved it. The menu is simple, up to date and he has perfected every dish so they all come out perfect and delicious. Planning to go again very soon. So worth it.

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Taylor H . 2023-12-09

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We booked on line for sunday lunch, we had never been here before, but had been given a voucher for christmas 2022, and thought we had best use it. We were seated at a window seat and all the staff were very friendly and helpful. The meal's were very prompt and tasty, especially the dessert's which we enjoyed very much with home made sticky toffee pudding the best my husband had tasted,home made chocolate brownie,and all came with home made ice cream all beautifully presented , we were also served by the chef who explained to me what miso was . great experience we will be back. and we will be recommending to all our friends. thank you and well done.

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theparkertrips . 2023-11-26

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Ate at the Choptank. Great food, really different. Nice to be able to talk to the chef who really cares about where he sources his produce.

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E2385WSlizn . 2023-11-19

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My parents and I visited recently after a management and chef revamp and we had such a wonderful experience. The owner/chef, Michael, treated us to a next-level Michelin-star dinner that thoroughly impressed us all. The food and wine were both next-level delicious. Plus our server, Amy, was welcoming, friendly, and incredibly knowledgable. Their dynamic is complementary to the food. Just as welcoming and enjoyable. If you love seafood, and you’re looking for a Michelin-star experience at a more-than-reasonable cost, than I’d heartily recommend The Chop House. We’ll definitely be coming back.

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Curious66585735955 . 2023-11-09

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This is a review of The Chophouse, which is the fine dining part of the Royal Oak. We have eaten there before but now they have a new chef, Michael Hunter, who raises the experience to a whole new level. Michael is an experienced Michelin starred chef, looking to bring a unique dining experience to Swindon. From first to last it was an extremely enjoyable evening, from the friendly welcome, and service from Amy, to the wonderful flavours of the outstanding small plate meals, to the informative and engaging chef, Michael, who took time from his cooking to bring some food to the table, to recommend, to explain, to answer questions. Our group tried a good range of plates over the evening and we all agreed that every single choice was a wonderful burst of flavours and tastes. Outstanding! Thank you Michael, for a great evening of food!

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Sue T . 2023-11-09

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First time visiting The Royal Oak for Sunday Lunch. We had the 2 course. The starter was huge. For main I had the nut roast very tasty. Great selection of vegetables. Most dishes were gluten free which was a bonus. I would highly recommend The Royal Oak for a Sunday lunch. Great service too.

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josi h . 2023-11-05

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Everything from walking in to walking out was incredible- the food is great priced (surprised at how good the portions were) and every plate was cooked to perfection. Staff are so warm and welcoming, cocktails were brilliant, and being served with much attention by the chefs topped everything off perfectly- definitely will be going again!

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Holly G . 2023-11-02

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Visited for dinner in august 2023. Restaurant was a bit quiet but food & service both good & also good value for money, would return.

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Kate P . 2023-08-31

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Absolutely amazing service! Very enjoyable experience! Very kind and joyful staff. The atmosphere was just very nice and happy overall. Food was delicious as well! It definetly was one of the highlights of my vacation in England and I do recommend it to anyone, who happens to be in Swindon.

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Theo C . 2023-08-31

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Went for a few drinks before our meal in the bar and the staff were great.! Went through to the Choptank for dinner and surroundings were lovely. Unfortunately the mussels we ordered were sour and off. When I mentioned this I was told that they were fresh in yesterday and that they had been serving them all day in the bar which is strange as the bar opens at 5pm and only serves pizza.I don’t usually like to complain but I was worried they would serve them to someone else that night so I felt I had to say something. They did remove the mussels from the menu and removed them from our bill. Sadly we won’t be back.

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Yvonne K . 2023-08-11

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My girlfriend and I had a fantastic evening at Choptank. The food was delicious and portions perfect. There is a great selection of seafood and it was hard to choose which to have as menu looked so appetising.It was a relaxed atmosphere and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely visit again to try more dishes. A fabulous meal and evening.

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tonymcq74 . 2023-07-29

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Since the last review we have visited the Choptank twice for an early dinner, the first in April and then in June. As the first was a special occasion, we started with Prosecco, followed by a bottle of red, food included scallops and liver parfait...

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CharlieCB . 2023-07-08

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We've had a meal here many times and it has become our favourite place in Swindon and is the best local place for Oysters. We tried the new menu this weekend and it was a difficult choice. Food is really great quality, chef is talented...

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DelHall . 2023-05-21

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Excellent Customer Service from Toby! When we visited The Royal Oak, we had no plans other than a meal out somewhere? Once in The Royal Oak the overhead music was superb, so much so, we decided to stay. We had an 'in house pizza' which...

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Mobile11751615118 . 2023-04-16

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Excellent food and retaurant looks very nice. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Had a great evening. Would recommend

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Erica F . 2023-03-16

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A lovely meal in the Choptank restaurant, part of the Royal Oak. If you love oysters look no further. A great fish menu as well as a choice of burgers and steaks. The service provided by Amy was fab. We will be back

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6peteb . 2023-02-19

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My partner loves seafood and we always drive past here and say 'we must check it out some time', so we booked to go for his birthday. The atmosphere was really welcoming and the service was great too, we felt very looked after. My partner...

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Emkmarsh . 2022-10-04

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We went for Sunday lunch for my husband’s birthday and the hostess could not have been lovelier. My husband asked for a Guinness but we were told they’d run out, however 10mins later, a pint on the house appeared like magic. The food was great...

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Chiglett . 2022-10-02

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We stopped for Saturday lunch on our way back from a morning out in June. We started with a glass of prosecco each followed by a bottle of Pinot Grigio (some of which we took home with us). As for food, starters were Chicken liver...

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CharlieCB . 2022-08-06

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I reserved a table beforehand, specifically for the live blues music at 3pm on Sunday. In the notes for my booking, I mentioned that we were there for the live music. We walked the 5 miles to the Royal Oak. However, when we arrived, the...

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KyotoDreamer . 2022-07-01

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What’s going on? Used to love this buzzing place pre-Covid; loads of gins, tonics, garnishes and very knowledgeable bar staff… Went in tonight - half empty with some horrible DJ music blaring out and two, full on, massive Sky Sports screens bright and in your...

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TravellerOxford . 2022-05-27

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This was our third visit to this restaurant and we returned eagerly , previously having enjoyed first class food and service. Service was still very gòod but sadly the chef had left two weeks prior to our latest visit and the food just wasn't in...

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L B . 2021-09-23

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We enjoyed a lovely roast dinner at The Royal Oak. It was our first visit there and we’d definitely return. Desserts were equally lovely. A tad overpriced in relation to local competition, but very good quality food and nice ambiance and service.

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Ithorpe09 . 2021-06-20

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Fantastic food .lovely surprise. Wot a lovely place Staff so polite. I would definitely recommend this lovely restaurant

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N7392JXrobertw . 2021-05-30

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Just a bit of an anti climax when having decided on Royal Oak as our first pub/bar following lockdown when we had a few pints of Guinness which made me feel unexpectedly queasy the next day. Gave the first pint the benefit of the doubt...

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R7445 . 2021-05-28

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Meal out with family. Was so nice to be sat indoors being able to eat and drink. Great service, along with great food and drink. Went for the pizzas, combination of different ones ordered and they all tasted different and delicious. Great to see a...

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adamswindon . 2021-05-24

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Imagine not being able to go and drink good Guinness in your favourite pub for 5 months Then you are allowed and make a booking, only to find the Guinness leaves an afrer taste in your mouth like lead. Even worse is the managers reaction, whose attitude was that of someone who does not care.How difficult can it be to provide quality? Test what you are selling, if quality not there, then do not offer it!Dissapointed with Guinness and management..

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GuinnessLover2021 . 2021-05-23

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As the title says i was really disappointed to go for a couple of drinks with ny partner and be surrounded by multiple groups of 6. At least two groups of 7+ with no attempt to sit at separate tables. Will not be returning, really irresponsible of the staff for allowing these bookings.

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I5532YBsarahh . 2020-10-04

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We ventured out for a few early beers last night and had a most enjoyable evening in The Royal Oak Great beer - Prosecco and CocktailsWe booked a table and as ever - the service was first rate from start to finish. Our thanks to Dan and the team for making us welcome - the pub was spotless.

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V5080SKmikep . 2020-07-12

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My self and my husband dined at the Royal Oak last night and we absolutely loved it. We have been looking for something different for a long time and as we both love fish were delighted to discover that this little jewel was right under our noses!!!! Fresh, tasty well cooked food....we indulged in a starter, main and dessert each and would give every course 10/10. The atmosphere although quiet....I'm guessing due to the current situation (Corona virus) was welcoming, professional and warm. We will definitely be back again and look forward to bringing our family with us.

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Eugene S . 2020-03-15

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My Partner and I went out for drinks in Swindon Old Town the other Saturday night and wound up in The Royal Oak.The Beer / Cider range was good and the Gin selection excellent.It was very busy - no seating available - but the bar staff were brilliant, working amazingly hard to ensure that us thirsty drinkers weren't kept waiting all with big smiles and friendly demeanours.The other patrons were equally friendly and chatty, this could be because we were all of a more mature age!Whilst we didn't eat here, we did check out the menu and we plan on coming back for dinner.

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LittleBearBBQ . 2020-03-03

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Went for drinks at Royal Oak before dinner in the Chop Tank. Waited at the bar for 20 minutes and didn't manage to get one drink, very slow service! Went through for dinner which had been per ordered. We didn't get asked for drinks, so after waiting for 15 mins, we had to literally jump in front of the waitress for attention, ordered drinks, had to wait another 20 mins for them to arrive. The food arrived after about 30 mins, it was a good size portion (that's the only good thing i can say), but everyone starters were cold and disappointing, we were all worrying we would get poorly from the fish (lucky we haven't). Mains arrived, was supposed to come with Chips but these were forgotten, so they quickly cooed them, they were raw inside. Mussels were all gritty inside and obviously not cleaned properly, Paella was very bland, we all said we could have cooked better at home. Overall, basic food, inexperienced staff and not enough staff, very disappointing, they should stick to being a pub, as they are not event getting that right at the moment either. We complained but they didn't offer us anything off the bill or a complimentary drink?! One friend had a whole plate of oysters almost tipped down her back, luckily only a little bit fell on her.

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Someone5678 . 2020-03-02

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The Chop Tank - disappointing..4 of us - Food, Prawn cocktail, prawns tasteless.Mains -paella was disappointing, bland and didn’t taste fresh. Fish cakes too dry. Deserts - all out of the freezer and not presented that well. So the name, Choptank (no fish tank to be seen) would be nice to see a tank... Staff - friendly but they need to cover up and wear a smarter uniform, seeing a pair of ????? Almost sticking out was off putting, esp when they cleared the table. Devour - nice and clean. Would I go back? No.Would I recommend? No. It’s not fresh and it’s nothing new. Shame.

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sstimson . 2020-03-01

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There were more choices on the menu than expected. The menu on the website did not reflect the number of options available on a Saturday lunchtime. In fact it was quite difficult to choose. We had 3 courses but only took photos of mains, which were all excellent; calamari in the seafood paella was perfect. Several dishes were marked as gluten free, which was helpful as I have coeliac disease. I would give 5 stars if gluten free bread and a dessert had been available. A 2nd imminent visit had already been booked!Good choice of drinks but can't comment on those as we were driving.Quiet but most places are in January

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176kimj . 2020-02-22

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Visited as a group of 9 guys. We had various entrees including ‘seared scallops’ - now these should be lightly cooked and very soft. However, those that I had were very solid and therefore over cooked and lacked flavour. For the main course I had the Paella. Unfortunately, that was so over spiced with Safron it was unpleasantly sour. Neither did it include any chorizo. It was in a deep dish rather than a shallow pan and looked nothing like the photo that can be found on earlier Trip Advisor pics. Some of my dining companions had straight fish and chips or rib eye steak. They found the steak and the fish were great, but the chips were obviously frozen oven chips with skin on, not properly browned and very dry. Fries should be just that - fries not oven baked. On the upside there was a good selection of wine and it was very good. Also i could not fault the service which was very attentive and so very willing to please. The bill for those of us who drank quite a lot of wine was 40 pounds a head, but the chef needs to up his game and the food need to improve a lot to contemplate a return visit. In the circumstances 3 stars is generous and only because the service was so good.

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W1672BYchrisf . 2020-02-22

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Thank you James for looking after us, The light and fluffy crab cakes are Delightful. Reasonably Priced Menu for such a classy place.

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DarrenDouglas . 2020-02-16

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First must say the service was outstanding. Very friendly and chatty. It's not really been decorated to a good standard. Not cosy or inviting.The food we had was really good. But there were problems. A lot of the items were unavailable. This was surprising as we ate early evening. Only 2 desserts left. Chocolate or lemon tart and that was it. Had no fish in the fish cakes just mash. The portion sizes are very small. The paella was lacking in chicken and was bland. We were well compensated and pleased the manager acknowledged the problems. Because of this and the scallops and moulles were delicious will give it another go in the hope that it's teething problems.

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TammyWilts . 2020-01-26

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Had a lovely family meal very attentive service from freindly staff great range of drinks,our starters arrived promptly and the mains the right time after Thank you for a memorable occasion

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DipAynio . 2020-01-23

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Tried out the new fish restaurant, The Choptank, in the Royal Oak. Very enjoyable lunch for 3 with some of the best ever oysters. Great welcome, friendly and helpful staff. Good menu, small at the moment but they promise that they will add to it soon. Hope they do baked/stuffed oysters and also fish soup!

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Sueet68 . 2020-01-12

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Excellent service excellent food. Recommend the entire menu. Excellent value for money. James is an excellent and humble host. All he wants is you to have a lovely menu and lovely time.

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kevsmith123 . 2019-12-10

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Recently visited the new sea food restaurant in town and was not disappointed.

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Poppy M . 2019-11-23

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Our first visit to this new seafood restaurant was great. We were met with a warm welcome by the front of house guy and our first impressions of the restaurant were really good. It was warm, friendly, nicely decorated and had a great atmosphere. The staff were very helpful and efficient - and were able to help us with any questions we had regarding the menu. Great service.

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richrees9 . 2019-11-17

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Love this dog friendly pub so nice to be able to pop in for a pint with my pooch after a nice walk good old English tradition

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Beanio1 . 2019-11-17

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Visited the Chop Tank yesterday.

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Smithy1986a . 2019-11-13

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The Royal Oak is a great bar, with the biggest gin selection in town. Awesome!

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Quronos . 2019-11-06

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This was an early visit on a Sat eve & we'd booked a table & I was surprised at how busy it was & glad we booked! Cocktails were lovely, freshly made & 2for1 which was an added bonus...plenty to choose from the the choice of gins was amazing also! Staff were friendly & would love to come back & try the tapas at some point :-)

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dionnetamla . 2019-10-26

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We returned to the Royal Oak for another two lunches, the first another Saturday lunchtime and the second on a Friday afternoon. We went for the tapas on the first of these which was pretty good with reasonable size portions accompanied by the two for one bellinis, of which we had 2 rounds. The cost was just under £50 which we felt was OK.

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CharlieCB . 2019-10-01

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Just popped into the Royal Oak on the way home from a cracking night ! Landord was most obnoxious! Coundnt quite beleive it as we had made a many a stop at this watering post ! Maybe a bad night but after thet way we were spoken to by the landlord, not going to go back to this establishiment in a while, dont quite beleive that they understand that customer is King, Landlord spoke to us like we were a piece of CaCa not going there again in a long while ! Have a word Royal Oak and get rid of current Landlord he's just not nice !!!

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BoardingPass756102 . 2019-08-31

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We had not visited the Royal Oak before and looking for somewhere to have lunch thought we would try it out.

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CharlieCB . 2019-07-27

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Amazing food, fantastic cocktails and brilliant service made our end of term celebrations and farewell to a colleague who is retiring a night to remember. Highly recommend reserving an area and sampling the cocktails and tapas if you are looking for somewhere to celebrate as a group.

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Cheryl H . 2019-07-20

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I love this place but there is a problem. I've just had a second night in three weeks ru8ned because someone wanted a quuck beer whilst taking their dog for a walk. The end result is I've had to leave, I'm struggling to breathe and my hands feel like they are on fire...

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Adsinibiza . 2019-07-09

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So for the second time in three weeks I've had to leave near the end of a good evening because I have started to struggle to breathe. Why. Because someone fancies a half whilst he takes his dog fir a walk.

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adampH7541EZ . 2019-07-09

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Had a lovely evening recently in the Royal Oak. We ordered Black Tomato Gin with Light tonic but our server suggested to try it with pomegranate and basil gin as it highlighted the tomato flavour. I was hesitant but always open to trying new things and I’m so glad we did!! It was a flavour sensation and credit to the staff who really know their stuff!! Would recommend without hesitation. The range of gins they have is amazing and the range of tonics is equally impressive. Well done Royal Oak team!!

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SusieWilts . 2019-07-02

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Girlie lunch, lovely ambience, delish paella and gorgeous gins. Really lovely friendly staff too, very knowledgeable about the gins. Perfect 👌

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T1668GDsarahl . 2019-06-22

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Went on a Friday night. It was very busy but we had reserved a table for a birthday celebration. This is a very lively place with a very friendly atmosphere. We had a martini tree which was fun and delicious. Can’t remember all the gins consumed! except a violet one which was delicious. The staff can advise you on mixers and garnishes that complement your gin choice.

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eileenp968 . 2019-06-01

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Often pop in for cocktails or other drinks especially when they have music which has always been great. We came for food this time. The seafood paella is excellent as was the service throughout the meal. We opted for a paella for four. The only slight downside was that it didnt look much difference to the neighbouring tables paella for 2 in terms of volume and we were left wanting more to be honest. If I went with four again we would probably have a seafood paella for 2 and a meat paella for 2. That aside the food was very tasty and a good example of a seafood paella.

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SteveDDD . 2019-03-30

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What a beautiful place staff friendly. And proper pub as it used to be. Even the toilets are smart looking. Best place to go for a evening out. This is a gem. I'll be coming back soon. And the lay out is stunning.

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Richard P . 2018-10-17

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Amazing oysters! & Drinks Fab place... This is finally a place for Adults... not kids in Swindon... Nice professional atmosphere

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Monika A . 2018-10-17

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I had never been to The Royal Oak before but had heard about their live jazz nights through a friend and thought it was worth going to check out! My girlfriend and I went to see the Catherine Skyes Quartet and were not disappointed! Great Jazz, really chilled atmosphere, nice setting/vibe - we had a lovely evening!

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samsqualiT . 2018-08-09

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This is not a foody place, more like a local pub with very few seats for people to eat. Music way to loud, other customers using our table for drinks. Food not that good, not fresh or homemade. Calamari in breadcrumbs!! Shellfish Paella was too spicy and was more like flavoured chicken rice, no seafood.

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Maria D . 2018-07-18

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The gin tasting last Thursday evening was really great. 2 full sized gins and 5 tasters. Great value for 12.00 each. We decided to eat here before the tasting. The food was ok. It took about 50 mins to arrive so we felt a bit rushed to be finished in time for the tasting . I wouldn't rush back for the food but the gins are great.

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TammyWilts . 2018-06-10

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We have been here a couple of times recently to sample the interesting Gin range and the 2-4-1 cocktails (the latter being great value and well made). The atmosphere is good and barstaff friendly. However, we decided to attend for the Tuesday night Jazz. To be honest we often seek out live Jazz but this was the best live band we have ever come across in a pub. Absolutely first class. As well as the good value cocktails they have good price wine (we ordered a bottle of red to drink during the performance and it was £10). Open at 6pm, the music started at 8pm. You may either want to arrive early to get a seat or possibly ask to book a table before the evening as it gets quite busy (they bring in extra seating for a Tuesday night). Brilliant music and it's free.

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SteveDDD . 2018-04-05

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As The Royal Oak is slightly off the beaten track it had never come to my attention. However a jazz night (every Tuesday) that I attend moved there so I started going. It's a great place with friendly staff and a good atmosphere - and important for Swindon, one of the few up market places. Definitely worth a visit

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Adsinibiza . 2018-03-04

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This public house, after many years of different management and diiferent themes ,seems to have regained popularity. Not eaten there but alwatys a nice crowd with nice staff.A tall guy ,presumably the manager is very accomodating

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Steve S . 2018-01-24

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We love our gin - and whilst out stumbled across The Royal Oak. Wow is all I can say - the choice of gins were amazing - the staff knowledgeable- friendly atmosphere. Loved it here.

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Tracie H . 2017-12-23

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Went here on Saturday evening after lots of friends had raved about the place. We took 4 friends from out of town. Cocktails 2-4-1 were great value and taste but it took a while to be made, and part of the theatre of cocktail hour is being able to watch them being made, not hidden in the back somewhere.

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Prmillerman . 2017-08-13

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Having tried many Paellas both here and in Spain this is one of the best we've had. My wife (who is Spanish) agrees. Each side dish has a unique flavour. The sauces that the chef has made are delicious and the squid in breadcrumbs is a must. They had a nice selection of beer and they were very welcoming. We will be going back!

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Worley-Garcia . 2017-08-08

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Sólo había cuatro de nosotros y alrededor de 20 otras personas en el lugar, pero aún así esperamos 30 minutos para las bebidas. Nuestra entrada nunca llegó a pesar esperando 30 minutos cuando no hay nadie más para comer. Cuando nuestros platos principales presentamos eran deliciosos, especialmente la paella. Es una pena, este lugar podría ser genial.

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Nina S . 2017-06-22

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I have visited once before and had a few lovely cocktails,but Saturday evening was a completely different story.The bar was packed and service had gone,they weren't serving cocktails even though all the menus were still out,after being told that we were ignored for 15 mins...

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sarah397 . 2017-04-03

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The Royal Oak has a very good selection of gins and the 2 for 1 cocktails were excellent value for money, as well as the bottomless prosecco for £15. We visited on Saturday and it soon got busy as the evening set in. A perfect...

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LJ O . 2017-02-05

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The cocktails are the best around, we didn't want to leave to go to our dinner reservations! We ended up coming back straight after dinner for some more

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mrso201688 . 2017-02-01

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Debería haber sido capaz de dar una adecuada calificación, pero como la puerta estaba cerrada justo después de la hora de la apertura, no puedo. Eso no es el problema, qué es el hecho de que la camarera que era ignorante deambulando en lado no...

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Garry D . 2016-12-30

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La lista de cócteles es sustancial y (de los que he probado) son deliciosos. Son un poco caras, así que tienden a ir para el 2 - 4 - 1. Yo no era un fanático de ginebra, pero se han convertido desde este lugar abierto!

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Hairbrush123 . 2016-12-22

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Booked a table in advance, we tried to order and we're told should of ordered in advance!! Some food no longer available..ordered paella to share with bread. Came in small pot...no cutlery given or plates to use and no butter for bread ( ciabatta which was cold and dry ) when asked how food was after, we were honest and member of staff said ok!! Very disappointing!! Gin cocktails great...don't bother with food!!!

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. 2016-09-30

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Had lunch at oak last week and enjoyed the oysters and steak, had half dozen oysters with Tabasco and hubby had rib eye steak, perfectly cooked , I had to ask for oysters as i had heard they were damn good , lovely and fresh, I could have been on the rocks in La Rochelle !

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sarahharper1979 . 2016-08-28

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Amazing 2 for 1 cocktails. Great food. Great service, friendly staff. Nice vibe. No riffraff. Well behaved dogs allowed. We'll be back!

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mrbisq . 2016-07-02

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What a great place to visit, staff are really friendly, great gin bar with a good selection of gins from around the world, and the food is out of this world, the oysters are a must.

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Stuart C . 2016-07-02

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We popped in here for a quick drink whilst sussing out the area, and from the outside it looked like a normal "boozer". But when we went inside it was more high end cocktail bar.The drinks are mid-priced and fitting for the atmosphere and decor inside.The Royal Oak seems to specialise in oysters and mussels, and I was disappointed we hadn't found it earlier in the day in order to try some of the amazing sounding food.There was a good selection of music (some old school garage) and we had a good few drinks and really enjoyed ourselves.The only downside was, we had just ordered another drink, sat back down and suddenly all lights went on and music off. here had been no bell to tell us it was last orders, so we had to quickly finish our drinks and call a cab.But overall a really enjoyable night and great pub experience.

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behappie . 2016-04-14

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In fairness i'm not the biggest Gin lover in the World but my girlfriend is. However there was plenty to keep me interested spirits and beer wise. A great addition to Swindon's Old Town.

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GenuineGrabe . 2016-02-16

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This is just what Swindon needs but in my option I feel it requires polish to pull off a more than an average rating. Lovely décor and very pleasant staff. No menu to enable browsing of the wide range of gins on offer - shame; lost sales opportunities, especially as the barmaid was very knowledgeable about the products. The music was NOT enjoyable, the staff seemed to like it and when we queried it, we were told it was in keeping with the 'vibe we are trying to create' ......! I smiled politely and looked around the empty bar, just the two of us and sadly out numbered by staff...perhaps the 'vibe' needs a re-think?I have spoken to a number of friends and colleagues who are unaware of this newly transformed bar, so lacking some promotion I think.I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as I certainly will return in hope that some fairly minor adjustments will make visiting a truly enjoyable experience.Full marks for cleanliness, the place was sparkling :-)

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Leslea100 . 2016-02-07

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Mid week visit, had booked, but probably not necessary as it was fairly quiet. Fantastic variety of gins and champagne, we had gin, knowledgable staff, great atmosphere. Oysters to start, baked with chorizo, very tasty. Several half pints of prawns, various flavours, we had lemon and paprika and salt and garlic- delicious. And a 'bucket' of mussels, also delicious. All served with home made bread. Definitely worth a visit, and I will be going back!

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amandabell2013 . 2016-02-03

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Popped in here for a drink tonight - wasn't intending to, but walked by and saw the magic words...CHAMPAGNE...GIN! Nicely designed interior, great selection of drinks, friendly service, especially from Jack the barman, who gave us a very warm welcome. High five, Jack!

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CotswoldFish . 2016-01-02

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we;; Friday night 6 pm it was empty so seating was not a problem the beer well bath ales Gem chilled down to lager temperature as was all the beers didnt hit the mark the lighting is dark and dismal but we stayed and had a drink menu well i was readable with glasses but for a palce that want to specialise in champage and oysters the prices were a mile away £2 each for an oyster and wait for this a choice of sauce erm erm try eating oysters in France where you get a shallot vinigrete tabaco and lemon all at the same time guys also try define your oysters were they no 4's or no2 or what when asked if they were native or pasific all the chef knew was they were local from the butcher\ fishmonger round the corner service was pushy staff were more interested in serving there mates and the beer was even for Old Town swindon was realy pricey Gem a basic bitter was £4 odd a Pint will i go again well we had a couple of beers stayed an hr or so they managed to get 6 people in mostly like us the curious and then we left positives well hard to say the ambiance is all right the doof doof dance music didnt work for me but thats my choice maybe the piella is stunning i didnt try it even tho it was recomended several times and the champagne was not realy available by the glass oh and the killer no guinness and if you have never had oysters with guinness in Ireland go try some

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dave r . 2015-12-14

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The food was very good from a reasonable menu. The staff, at least the one that we dealt with, were very good and the prices were reasonable.

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Bobby B . 2015-08-18

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