The Royal Oak Pub in Rother

It's been shut down by Environmental Agency as rats everywhere, and dogs roaming in and out of the kitchen

Good food at reasonable prices.

Disgusting after what I’ve seen this week !!

Stops serving food at 4pm not stated on website

Really nice, Cod, chips and mushy peas, to take away. Freshly cooked to order, so a little bit of a wait. Not a problem, just shows how popular they are. Another local pub I frequented years ago, but haven’t been to for a long time. I really must start to get out more😉

Stopped here after riding Bedgebury bike trails with a mate as was rather hungry & can honestly say the beer battered cod and chips I had along with peas was the most delicious cod/chips I've had in years. Owners are really nice, proper good price on the Stella too😎 Will definitely be returning again👌🏻

The roast was luke warm and the beef was tough and very chewy Hollumi burger was meant to come with a mushroom salad and coleslaw, it was just Hollumi in a roll. The pizza was so greasy . That when my daughter picked it up you could see the grease dripping from it. We all went away feeling very sick. My daughter and grandson were unable to eat the pizza and asked for some money to be taken off. The women who I assume is the owner was very unprofessional was making faces! She only agreed to take £2 off after my daughter told her she was pregnant. She refused before hand, She also make faces when I complained about the roast and pizza shortly after bringing them out. No apology and no offer to fix the problem. Awful will never go there again. We all feel very sick. Also having a young child run around in the kitchen is a health and safety risk as they run it as a fish and chip takeaway to . The owner allowed the young man to deal with the complaints but I think he felt very awkward about, he was polite, she stood there shaking her head! Found her to be rude

Very disappointing to say the least.. Firstly the pub had no atmosphere, it was so quiet. They did not have half the food on the menu but waited 20 mins to tell us after ordering, when the food came out it was bland and missing items.. I ordered a pizza and it was the most greasiest I have ever seen, you couldn’t even pick a slice up without it folding into a slop! I am heavily pregnant and I couldn’t eat it, I felt so ill after having 1 slice. I asked for some money off as £12 for a pizza that was inedible is expensive. The women who I assume is the owner was incredibly rude and was reluctant to give any money off until I said I am pregnant, she offered £2 off with no apology. I felt sorry for the young lad taking orders, he barely looked old enough to be selling alcohol. There was children messing around in the kitchen which is against health and safety regulations. The pub was grubby and all the food was frozen and re heated in the microwave.. it was absolutely disgusting. Do not waste your money on this pub.

The food was ok. Seemed like it had been left under heat lamp for long time

Literally just walked out of the Royal Oak and four of us had a lovely Sunday lunch after a long walk around the forest. Three beef roasts and one pizza. All lovely food, no complaints and no issues with any of our meals. We were here about 3 or 4 years ago when it was owned by someone else. It’s a little bit run down now and not much available on the menu, but the food we did have was lovely. Also if you’re visiting Bedgebury forest, I’d recommend parking here and walking into the forest, but only if you plan on having some food or drink in the Royal Oak as you have to register your car on the tablet inside the pub. Staff were all nice and the other punters (locals) were also nice and friendly.

This was my first and last visit Frozen fish tasteless and full of water Cheesy chips OK v small portion The guy cooking no catering clothing the place grubby I left most of it as did my wife

Stopped after a long drive, absolutely dead and it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere! Depressing, dull and absolutely FREEZING cold. Not an inviting place to eat. We left

We had takeaway so I don't atmosphere can apply here but the fish was really oilly, the chips were okay but nothing special.

Stopped after a long drive for a takeaway fish & chips. Driven past numerous times and always thought I must try that at some point. Waited around 10-15 minutes which reassured me it was cooked fresh, staff friendly, few other customers in there too. Fish was a very small, thin piece of cod, the thick greasy batter made it inedible. Not sure really how you could get the batter so wrong… oil obviously not hot enough ! Very large portion of chips which were just about ok but certainly on the soggy side. Curry sauce was good ! Can only imagine this place survivors by being on an arterial route in a great position, can’t imagine it has regular returning customers with this quality. My advice is keep driving to Hastings and there are plenty of far superior fish & chip establishments. Felt pretty disappointed.

Off chance stop off for lunch. Awesome meals and atmosphere. Checked out our requirements (a veggie in the family) and made sure there were no issues. Portion sizes were great, fish and chips out of this world. Highly recommended.

fish was soggy not a good experience , chips were ok.

We arrived at 1.30pm on a Saturday, on our way home. The first sign was, the car park was empty, but we have always given smaller pubs a chance. Boy, were we wrong. We walked to the side door where an older chap, turns out he was the landlord, saw us through the window by the door. He promptly shut the inside door in our face. This could have been to stop the two small whippet type dogs from getting out, but I'm sure he could have done that without being rude. Even a smile from him or the older woman (through another window inside the pub) would have been nice but no, very cold and unwelcoming. The young lady behind the bar (and the other lady from the kitchen) were lovely, and that's why there is a star on this reviewo otherwise, I would have liked to given no stars. The aspalls apple cyder was not on and, according to Mr Grumpy (who was struggling to light the coal fire as the room was so cold, you could see your breath) hadn't been on for a long time and neither had another one of the taps. Whilst this was going on, the two small dogs, who were lovely, were trying to greet my wife and I and were very welcoming. We ordered a pint to give the pub a chance, but there was zero atmosphere. My wife used the ladies, but everything was wet in there due to the condensation and the freezing temperature (it was, we later discovered, warmer in the car park). I highly recommend that you don't go here, if you do, don't say I didn't warn you. It's a shame for the barmaid and cook as they were lovely but the owner(s) were unwelcoming and colder than their pub.

Had a lovely meal here this evening with my sister - I had the beef pie and my sister had the mushroom tagliatelle. A lovely welcome and a spot by the fire. Food was delicious. Would commend it to anyone in the area.

This place has gone badly down hill! The pub now smells like mouldy carpets, there was an older gentleman behind the bar (with facial hair and wearing a striped apron) serving drinks in dirty (and wrong size!) glasses, couldn’t have been less friendly considering its dead in there and Christmas! Sloppy service, nothing on tap… what are you guys playing at?! This is a local pub within walking distance of so many locals… get your act together! Sharpen the place up, give it a clean (because it was VILE and dirty!) and go back to basics. Service is everything, give that at least!

What has happened to this lovely fish & chip shop???? I’ve been ordering takeaways from there since it’s opening, also told loads of people about it. I believe it’s changed hands recently. I ordered a takeaway by phone last Friday, turned up at the time designated, still waited fifteen minutes, not one person in the shop during this time. There was a younger chap running around, waving the most revolting tea towel around, which probably put me off. The shop looked dirty, and untidy. When the order finally arrived and I took it home, most of it went in the bin. The chips were nice, but the fish was horrid (meant to be cod) but tasteless and the batter had all stuck to the boxes. Shame, this takeaway was one of the best I’d ever bern to, sadly no more

The lady behind the bar was fabulous, and couldn't do enough to minimize the problem of the 'missing chef'. The menu is extensive and varied, so it was a shame the chef had gone AWOL. However, another chap who worked there was able to make us delicious fish & chips. If I were the owners, I would do everything possible to keep these two employees... they saved the day!

Very good good, big portions and in very good price, local is nice too.

A 2 month old venture, with a previous period out of use, was enjoyable. The drinks are not over expensive, well-kept, and correctly served. Attached to a fish and chip takeaway, which I had used previously, I chose fish. Which was well presented with a small bowl of tartar sauce and wedge of lemon. The chips were cooked in untainted oil and arrived hot and crisp. The restaurant menu was not enormous (always a good sign). But catered for vegans and vegetarian requirements. A slight delay confirming it was all freshly cooked. Takeaway pizzas, dog friendly, a large venue with a dance floor and small garden. The toilets were spotless with no unpleasant smell. The hosts were very naturally friendly. There is a large car park with easy access directly from the A21 London to Hastings Road. Certainly, we will revisit.

Great chips and sausage in batter. Great find. Will worth stopping. Excellent service. Will visit again

Had a lovely meal there on Tuesday 19/09/23 Lunchtime. Staff friendly and welcoming, would visit again if we are in the area.

Let's just say chips were unedible been there twice now and there won't be a third time.

New winter menu. We went for the home cooked Beef and Ale and Lamb in Red wine. They were both brilliant. Thes pies really made on the premises, the meat cooked like a stew for upto 12 hours then cooled to be us in the pies. Mouth watering filling with prime meat that melts in the mouth. The pastry was so lovely too. Have them with mash the perfect accompaniment. The only thing I would say is the we would have preferred the option to have maybe a few green bean or carrots as a side. Recommended asking for a glass of same ale to drink with the stake and ale pie and red wine with the lamb in red wine pie

This place used to be amazing - but now the food is hit and miss and more worryingly is the last two take aways i have had there have had hair in.... first one had hair in the burger... which i called and informed them off, left it a couple of weeks and thought "lets give them another go, it was probably a one off"... yet last night a hair in both the burger and the chips!

Waited 15 minutes for a very small and simple order gave up waiting in the end

Bought fish and chips last night, couldn’t eat them, I don’t think the frying oil has been changed since Sid left, won’t go there again.

Fantastic food very friendly staff.

I brought fish and chips for the family today and was very disappointed. A couple of months ago the fish and chips here was great - some of the best I’ve ever had. Something has changed since the pub opened. It seems the fish and chip shop now uses oven chips and bulk-purchased supermarket cod fillets. Can’t believe I paid £14 for 2 pieces of fish that I could have purchased for a couple of quid at a supermarket!! Such a shame as this was a really great place before the pub part opened. Avoid and go to a supermarket instead!

Very small portion sizes. Fish was clearly not fresh and was overcooked. The worst fish and chips I have had in a long time, would not recommend.

Not been into the pub yet but judging by the quality of the chip shop at the front I’d make an educated guess that the food is good. The chip shop at the front is great with excellent portion sizes. My only minor criticism is that when they are busy very occasionally the chips are not as crisp as they are usually

I am livid with my food and shall be getting a refund, I am VERY ANGRY that the last owners have left it with these people my chips were raw and were waiting for an hour just for raw food!!!!!!!! I am disgusted with the peoples attitude. Also,this place was not sanitary. The lady cooking didn’t even wear gloves or a hair net! I don’t know how they haven’t been taken down by the food authorities? I am enraged.

My wife had chicken in sauce with mash . couldn't even cut the chicken with a knife

Visited while attending a wedding nearby, we had issues with transport and the staff took us to the venue, this on top of excellent value and portion size fish and chips would definitely make me visit again and recommend anybody passing to pop in and support this local pub, the staff and proprietor’s are fantastic.

We had a lovely Sunday lunch at the Royal Oak. I had Roast Turkey & my wife Roast lamb. Both portions were very generous. We will return.

Fantastic food very family friendly lovely little outdoor area with kids play equipment. Would 💯 come back here.

Food portions were generous and really good. Lasagna is really genuine, chicken and salmon were really good as well. Very family friendly place overall. Prices were decent as well.

Nice experience with the kids. Fish and chips were good with a nice choice of beers. Very friendly staff.

Worst fish and chips we've had in a long time. Didn't realise it had changed ownership, disgusting food.

We came to a friend's wedding in the countryside and slept in the hotel across from the Royal Oak. We decided to have a typical "fish and chips" and we loved it: service, atmosphere and food. A total success!

Visiting from london for a wedding and thought we would try this out after liking the sound of the menu. We arrive and find out its only the chip shop menu available. The staff are friendly and the fish was okay but the chips are clearly frozen oven chips so not what you expect from a chip shop at all.

This review is based purely on our particular visit at the end of June 2023. A group of us visit pubs and restaurants once a week. We hadn't been here before so relied on the pub's own website for information. I had also booked a table over the phone for our visit. On the phone I asked about senior menus or mid-week, day-time offers. I was told only that there was a senior's fish and chips (which there is). I was not told that in fact that's all there is - a 'fish & chip' takeaway (also including battered sausages, etc.) There was no mention that there was no other food. So we were understandably disappointed to only have the choice of a typical fish & chips 'menu' - no starters or deserts. Even the tables we sat at were empty - no condiments, napkins, etc. (although some were brought out prior to the food). The whole place was empty when we arrived, and remained so (apart from our group) buy the time we left. Not our best weekly visit. The food we did have was OK, nothing special. Some members enjoyed it, others thought the chips were anaemic. My burger was overdone and tasted cheap. Despite website and Maps appearances, this pub has no restaurant, so all the Google Maps reviews and photos of all the lovely food are historic images from the previous owners. The current owners don't (as yet) even have any kitchen equipment, but I understand this will change. So, if you're interested in pub food, then this is not the place to come as of June/July 2023. Maybe it will change. I'd strongly recommend telephoning and asking specifically what food they do offer if you fancy a visit. It'll be interesting to see what this place is like in 12 months time, but for now not worth a visit, and their website is currently very misleading.

Unfortunately, not the best experience despite having used the chippy take out service several times and enjoyed the food. This was the first time using the pub/restaurant side . The front of staff were clearly inexperienced with no customer service skill, I ordered at the bar and had to repeat several times whilst the information was transfered verbaly to another young member of staff, payed and sat down we were the only waiting customers in the restaurant so didn't expect to be waiting too long for pie chips and mushy peas! 35minutes later, we had to approach the bar to enquire as to how long the food would take only to be told they hadn't placed the order with the chippy staff. A member of staff from the chippy came through to speak to the young guy, we could hear the conversation quite clearly she wanted him to come over and apologise for the delay! He ignored the request totally it was only after another 5-10 minutes another young staff member came over and said she may have forgotten to write the order down. After a further wait, the food came out. Nothing was hot. In fact, the mushy peas were cold and had to be warmed up. I left a fair bit of my dinner as It was by this time cold and gloopy. I doubt we'll use the restaurant side again or until they sort the front of house. At least they had entertainment on, and by that, I mean children running about doing cartwheels by the dining tables.

Ordered sausage, chips and curry sauce. Chips were full of grease, sausage looked like it had been found on a sewage works and the curry looked like it had just been curled out in the kitchen. Curry is meant to be a liquid not a solid. Never go there again

We were staying up the road and recommended by T&J Campsite to visit the pub. The staff couldn't do enough to make us feel welcome. It was a nice change from the pubs we are used to in London were a conversation with a member of the staff is as rear as unicorn pooh. Nothing was too much trouble for them and the where very engaging with us. The staff are a credit to the pub. It felt very inviting and you were made to feel like a friend rather than a customer. We sat out in the pubs garden and the staff would come out to check if we needed anything. The was music in the garden that was linked to the Jukebox. So we spent a good few hours enjoying the hospitality and sun in the garden. The pub is dog friendly and the hightligt of the pub is the two dogs Teddy & Bear, who come to welcome the guests. The food is very good value for money and of a high quality. We had the fish and chip. It was all cooked fresh and the batter was on point. The beer is extemerly cheap at £4.50 a pint. We are used to paying London prices so this was a bonus for us. The was a really good selection of beers, wines and spirits. The facilities of the pub were very good and clean. The was a big screen showing sport but wasn't the main focus of the pub. Will recommend the pub for food for anyone staying in the area, especillay if you have children or a dog.

Unfortunately since the ownership changed the fish and chips is not the same. The chips seem powdery and not cooked fully and the fish keeps falling apart. It's not as crispy as it used to be and the chips do not seem to be double cooked. I have given them a second chance too and unfortunately it's the same. However, the pub is a great addition to the area and we are very happy it's opened up again.

Went there for fish and chips which was excellent. Nice and clean and good customer service. Will certainly be coming back.

Nice and welcoming, very quiet for a Sunday afternoon, hence 3*for atmosphere, but probs busy at other times, didn't eat so can't comment

So tasty! Cooked fresh fish and delicious fries. We enjoyed it very much!

Generous portions. Fresh and delicious. 👍🏾

It's now a fish and chip shop and I would say the best in the area always cooked fresh with lovely service from behind the counter and can even park so if your passing well worth stopping and taking home some lovely fresh hot fish and chips

The pub is closed until around June 2023 they said but the fish and chips takeaway in front is open and is really nice (takeaway only)

What a find! The place in Hawkhurst was closed so we gave this a try. Amazing value, the flavours were great. We had a big order for 7 adults and it was absolutely delicious. We all agreed it was the best fish and chips we had ever eaten. Nothing was left, even though we over ordered. We will be back very soon.

Unbelievable. Freshest cod. Huge portions. 2 orders of Fish and Chips fed 4. Adults. Great prices. Really well run establishment. Give it a try. Never disappoints

Wow....First time trying this new place and it was well worth the visit!!!! Food was delicious freshly cooked and absolutely lovely

Generous portions and good fish at a very reasonable price!

Non greasy, freshly cooked cod and chips DELICIOUS! Highly recommend.

Meant to be a pub now it serves fish.....well done.

Rude, unhelpful, bad attitude - which eems to be a theme if you read some of the other reviews. Didn't bother staying to try the food as I prefer to eat somewhere I feel welcome.

Great find. Super quality and cooked to order

Lovely Fish & Chips Cooked perfectly crispy chips Fish cooked properly in batter but still moist and melted in the mouth . Tried Steak and Kidney Pie and chips again perfect .

Lovely food and service. Will be calling in again soon.

Telephone ordered, when got home missing fish and sausage. Rude on the phone when telephoned with a couldn't careless attitude Returned for a full refund, wasted 45 minutes of my Saturday evening.

What a dump....bad attitude 🙄 how its got so many good reviews is beyond me didn't answer the phone although there was nobody there when we arrived, then told with a bad attitude that we will have to wait for everything to be cooked which we wouldn't have done if they had answered the phone wedding group in car park came in and demanded an apology for something the owner had obviously said to them before we had arrived seems he's not bothered about customer relations walked out and went somewhere else. You have been warned ⚠️

Great fish & chips! Lovely staff too!

It was my first time trying scampi and calamari and I'm so glad I came here for it. The food was delicious and service was fantastic. Employees were very welcoming and professional. The seating area is really homely. Great place to stop at after a long drive. Highly recommend and I will definitely come back again.

Bloody lovely fish and chips.... and pastys and mozzarella sticks and curry sauce. Interestingly enough the chips do not dry out straight away... I think that's because they par boil the chips. The curry sauce is so good! I think everyone knows it because every patron placing an order was first asking if there was any sauce left. Anyway... I'm stuffed.

Sunday evening Fish & Chips, much better than the overpriced takeaways in Hastings. Nice location, friendly staff, well worth a visit

Excellent service, professional and friendly. They take pride in what they do and it shows - fresh, perfectly cooked cod and good chips. Nothing is greasy and portions are generous. Highly recommended.

Wow - best fish and chips I've had in ages. Massive portions and really friendly people. Fantastic place, I'll definitely be back!

So nice to have a chippy where portions are generous size and food tastes great. Very friendly staff and all cooked fresh. I would highly recommend.

Great food and quality customer service. I’ll definitely be coming back

Great service and delicious food!

Absolutly amazing, coming home from our holiday and happened to find this little gem. If I ever come back through this part of England I shall definitly grab myself a meal from the place. 👌

Absolutely delicious. Clean. Friendly. And thick crispy chips.

Fish and chips are my favourite meal, and I’ve tried them across the UK but the Royal Oak fish bar is bar none the greatest and now only place I will be getting my fried fish from now on. Would definitely recommend!

Really great guys in here, food is really great and service is brilliant too, definitely worth it if you're looking for quality fish and chips. Will be coming back, and regularly at that!

I’m a big fan of fish and chips myself and wasn’t disappointed when my friends and I came across this chippy. Really tasty and good value for money as well as the owners being very friendly - will definitely come back!

Fantastic fish and chips shop which tasted amazing. All the staff were friendly and was very reasonably priced!

Excellent fish and chips and more importantly great service, would definitely recommend

Chips were great 👍, saveloy good but the cod!!...one was ok-ish, the other two were awful. Firstly they looked the shape of plaice but it wasn't. Very dry around the edges and very thin/not so great elsewhere. Batter was too heavy. All in all a very expensive 'chip' meal and we had to wait over an hour and we had pre-ordered

dropped by for cod and chips, plus fish bites and chips. The food was excellent, fresh and very tasty. Portions were large. Service was outstanding, very friendly staff. Support your local business, and get a well priced meal into the bargain. The wife said its the best batter around. Easy parking too!

The best fish and chips I’ve had in the South East and after a day’s mountain biking in Bedgebury Pinetum forest, perfect. The Prosecco was great too.

V smart fish & chip shop - with v good fish & chips.

First time had takeaway fish & Chips from Royal Oak, Flimwell on recommendation and am delighted to confirm they were first class! Chips crispy (not soggy with excessive fat) and fish tasted very fresh with crispy light batter - cannot recommend enough (coming from a fuss pot!)

Excellent. I have just eaten the best cod and chips I think I have ever eaten. We decided to eat in rather a take away. The service was prompt and the waitress very polite. The food was fresh, the cod was delicious and the chips were cooked to perfection and overall it was extremely good value. Thank you.

Friendly staff, nice food, great outdoor seating

Lovely fish and chip shop. Great management and owner of restaurant.

Great food, great staff, great atmosphere, speedy service

Good customer service nice food

Stopped here on the journey back from the coast and was pleased I did! The Fish & Chips was the best I’ve had in a long time. The front of the Royal Oak pub is now the Fish & Chips takeaway with the pub remaining open with the patio and garden at the rear. We will return!

Perfect. Had cod, chips and cheesy garlic bread. Chips were superb, Cod was fresh, generous, light and crispy portion. Curry sauce was wonderful. Food could not be faluted. Unobtrusive but attentive service.

Updated review Seems like the place has changed a lot. Now hosts a fish and chip shop in part of the pub. Only two ales available, one bottled. Still has outdoor seating. No longer offeres nachos on the menu. Not sure about the changes tbh, hence reduced star rating. Old review Good food good prices and warm atmosphere plus somewhere to smoke. Oh and a beer garden with swings for the kids.

Great food, friendly staff and overall a lovely atmosphere. Highly recommend this establishment!

Lovely atmosphere wonderful friendly people running it very nice food definitely go again

What a lovely experience, staff and owners couldn't be anymore welcoming helpful and friendly 3 friends and myself stopped of for lunch, we all had different meals but they were all given 5 stars, fish and chips, ploughman's, homemade lasagne and ham salad, we were to stuffed for pudding. A great stop of place on the A21, they also have a fish and chip shop on site

Living locally we heard a buzz around the new ownership & great food. We thought we would first try the take away fish & chip option, they did not disappoint, amazingly tasty cod & perfectly cooked chips with extremely generous portion sizes. My husband informed me the new owner was extremely welcoming & they had a great chat. Looking forward to trying the restaurant. Many thanks