please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Well here I am Dr Pangloss AKA cellarbuoy. Rumour has it this pub has gone into receivership again. Is anyone surprised?
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Dr Pangloss hasnt stopped posting either ( nor has Final_Arbiter). Just using a different name Ha Ha.
And once again Paris Hilton is correct; this place is still a dump
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No I haven't stopped. I'm still here and this place is still bad.
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Paris_Hilton, Final_Arbiter and Dr_Pangloss seem to have stopped slagging off countless pubs. What a coincidence ! Unfortunately I imagine when he's feeling better, he'll be back with his jealous, bitter, twisted, pompous claptrap.
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Ha ha ha hilarious. Pan_Gloss has just sent me a private message calling me a sad puppy...This is exactly what Final_Arbiter called me. Unbelievable. He invited anyone to go to the King William in Glastonbury to go and find out his name.
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Don't listen to Paris_Pangloss, just ignore this moronic imbecile. Make your own minds up. He'll create a new alias soon, I'll soon spot it, and let you all know.
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Visited for the first time since the re-branding and agree with Pangloss; a lick of paint and some new wallpaper and that's it.
It must have been pension day when we visited as all the local pensioers were in taking advantage of the �4.75 carvery lunch. Not being a fan of stewed overcooked vegetables I did not join them for lunch. However, and to be more positive for hoonkerama, the beer selection was ok, Otter Ale, Tribute and Exmoor Gold; the Gold was fine and the glass was clean.
Overall a slight improvement on the Royal Oak, but I'm afraid I won't be rushing back.
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I am saddened to see that this kind of wordage has arisen on the site.
We must be fair, we are all entitled to our opinions, I shall be trying myself the rebranded pub and, will make due comment. I myself value the comments made on this site, I may not agree with some but, there you are.
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So, Pangloss sends me a personal message through BITE, and now you post this. Along with Pangloss , are you constantly watching this pubs reviews then ? Can't you see the absurdity of that, not to mention the many other coincidences.
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You're a very sad puppy honkerama. My username is the only one used by me.
I am based in Glastonbury; Dr P and P H are, I imagine, Taunton area denizens. If you're so keen to learn my identity, ask at the King William. They know who I am, due to my being "outed" some time ago. I don't have a problem with my secret identity being known.
Clearly, Batman, you do.
(Incidentally, I have never been to this pub. Have you?)
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Final_Arbiter, Dr_Pangloss and Paris Hilton all seem to have a lot in common. Miserable, moaning, complaining, sarcastic, purely negative, bitter twisted, trouble making, provocative, not really reviewing nuisances. All mucking about with each other one way or another. When he creates another alias, don't worry, I'll easily spot it.
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I've obviously been watching Pangloss's life of slander unfold. As for Mr. Singer, can you blame him for trying to find out who you are ?
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I received a message through BITE from the owner / manager of this place telling me I was not welcome at this pub and would not be served if I went there. This seemed strange as the sender of this message clearly had no idea who I was, and would be unable to identify me if I did go there.
Aware that this might be a ruse to get me to spend some money there, I went there anyway.
Rather being made unwelcome I was actually made most welcome by a strange looking barman with a wierd rictus grin. Obsequiesce was a word that came to mind.
Basically this pub is much as it was before the rebranding, a lick of paint, some vile wallpaper and a few new tables and chairs. They've got rid of the pool table so the idiots have gone elsewhere; as a result it was all but empty.
The strangest thing is the menu, which is such a load of pretentious twaddle it would easy to believe it was a joke.
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Now rebranded as the Orchard but I will wait until I read genuine good reports on this place before spending any of my money here; I won't be holding my breath, although as Paris Hilton says, it cant be any worse than it was before.
Is the pig faced barman still there?
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Will be very interesting to see what real local ale Mr Wood will be offering with or without his food.
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Hi all my name is andy wood and im the new chef here at the royal oak and as of the 18th of october 2010 the Orchard Inn.
We have a new manager Dan and some great new staff, the pub has had a total refurb and is fresh and inviting.
I ve read all of the old reviews and all pubs go through bad patches with staff and chefs, but just give us a try and if your not happy then say so at the time so we can improve for you, Thanks and see you soon Andy.
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Had a meal in here sometime back now with a friend and both food and drink was very good and well served. I have been today with the same friend and find that it is still as before, albeit they are closing for a refurb, I found on both occasions that everything as alright indeed and, compared to a lot i have been in very good.
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I hear the Royal Oak is soon to close for a major re-fit and re-open as 'The Orchard'. It won't be any worse than it is now............it can't be.
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***EXCLUSIVE***
The poster known as "blodwin" is none other than Mr Dean Singer, the Proprietor!!
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now this is a shame, was a very good pub a few years back, but when the old landlord retired it went downhill :(
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been away working!! now this pub is really good friendly landlady and great chefs should fly now food even better
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I must disagree. I guess the new landlords have sorted the place out as it was lovely. Very friendly, good food (best chips I have had - cooked in goose fat!), a thousand times friendlier than the Anchor in Hillfarrance a few miles away, but not quite as nice as the Notley Arms!
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the royal oak went in the other day and found the place to be very clean and well set out for diners.had 2pts of the Cornish Tinners very palatble,ordered my food tried the sausage and mash,found it to be well presented well cooked and tasty,if i had any qualms on this my first visit i would say that a bit pricey for sausage and mash as there were no vegetables served with it,this apart a above average meal.
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I wouldnt bother Paris.
I have a friend who lives close by which is why I continue to go into this pub against my better judgement. There is no other reason
They've got a pool table in there now, and a bouncy castle in the garden which means the place is over run with kids at weekends and evenings.
They still serve short measures in dirty glasses, and the ales are for the most part barel drinkable. And don't eventhink about eating.
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A sign outside informs the passing motorist that the establishment is now under new management. Could be interesting! Will report back in due course.
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Late comment from September. Hadn't read comments prior to visit and only went for the beer as it was in Good Beer Guide. Had no problem with beer, and didn't have long as we went out to catch a bus that didn't come so had a long walk to civilisation.
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I was wondering if things had changed but it seems they are the same here.
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Blodwin, are you the barmaid who served me my short pint? or are you the landlady? I can't think of any other reason to be so loyal.
I stand by my previous review, there is a lot that can be improved at the Royal Oak, it has great potential.
And actually, the lipstick was not my colour, it clashed with my dress
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I gave this pub another chance last weekend and went back in for a quick couple of pints - I wish I had'nt now. I was give a short measure with a generous helping of someone elses lipstick. I only had the one!!
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I hope the carvery has improved under the new management. The only time I ate there I was presented with over cooked and cold food in a "restaurant" with far too many tables crammed in.
The ale is good though, the new owner has even introduced an annual beer festival in a tent in the garden.
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Another thing that rbolwell has failed to mention is that CAMRA members get a discount at this pub.
So if camra do vote this place as their pub of the year you will have a fair idea why. BRIBERY.
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"what more can you say"?
well you could start by stating that you work there!
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I find the comments on this site upsetting; as a regualar in this pub I feel they are uncalled for.
The beer is fantastic and as an ale drinker myself I know what I am talking about.
Just recently new management took over and the pub is now even better. Cheeper beer and food, great kids menu. baskets meals? what a great idea, cheep but great value for money I can sit with a beer and eat a tasy snack for only a few quid.
I urge you to try this place; fantastic!
Two permanent beers (Doom Bar abd Otter Ale) and two guests all fab condition. My vote will be on thispub for pub of the year. What more can i say?
anonymous - 28 May 2008 01:27 |
CAMRA folk are easily confused. The beer in this pub is as poor as it ever was, and the food.
BASKET MEALS. for those who are too young to remember this 1970's fashion, it was to good food what watneys red barrel was to good beer.
Some might call this retro chic, those with any taste will call it something else.
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I can only assume the CAMRA folks have this pub confused with someplace else.
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Ate Lunch at the Royal Oak Thursday (8th).
The food was fair and the service good.
Sadly the experience was thoroughly spoiled by the noise from the bar.
Several customers and the person behind the bar seemed to be competing to see who could talk the loudest!!
Grossly irritating.
Having eaten at the Royal Oak for many years, especially when living in Hillcommon, we have been used to more relaxed eating.
Geoh
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The new manager cant be any worse than the old one.
anonymous - 19 Nov 2007 23:12 |
Try the pub now!! new management, new chefs, new menu and i also hear nominated for CAMRA somerset pub of the year.
Superbe experience!!
anonymous - 17 Oct 2007 12:16 |
The answer to the question posed by the previous entry is that people need to be warned off poor pubs just as much as they need to be introduced to good ones.
Bloddy obvious
anonymous - 19 Aug 2007 19:07 |
if this pub is so bad, why do you bother you arses wittering on about it. just dont bloddy go there.
anonymous - 3 Jul 2007 17:23 |
Some one else (yoyo) has now noticed the very many spurious claims that this pub is making about itself.
The beer has always been poor in this place, Stephen Hep' will like anyone who sells his beer. Everyone knows his beer is good and that it's the cellarman's inexperience that makes it poor, and unless it's really undrinkable, then most brewers will continue to sell to pubs like this one.
As for the other brew they sell here from just up the farm track (Halse), well maybe it doesn't travel very well as it's usually ok at the New Inn where it's brewed.
If the pub gets busy it's because of all the cheap skates who go for cheapness and quantity before quality. Hence the cheap and nasty food, and the not so cheap, but equally nasty beer.
If anyone reads the lengthy posting by anon, 6th June they will realise straight away that it has been written by the owner or perhaps a member of staff (most likely plugwash judging by the poor spelling).
For him to the state that he is just a customer and not a member of staff is just laughable, and therefore negates everything else he has previously written. In fact it is worse: he has shown himself to be a fraud, much like the whole pub. He will no doubt be on the receiving end of the barman / cellarman of the year award for pubs in Hillcommon.
anonymous - 18 Jun 2007 16:18 |
I wouldn't call this a terrible pub, but I wouldn't send anybody there either. It was listed in the Good Pub Guide (wrongly in my opinion) but has since dropped out.
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As a discerning drink passionate about real ales i strive to find pubs that serve quality cask ales. I have travelled miles for a descent pint and have found the beer at The Royal Oak always in tip top condition.
The CAMRA recommendation is not spurious as you may say. If this is the case why do CAMRA members and committee members regular flood the pub, why do breweries push to get there beer in there. The pub is holding there second beer festival in July. Last years went will with rave reviews from all who attended.
CAMRA Members/Committee are helping out to organise the festival and will coming in droves to support the pub. I know for a fact the Stephen from cotleigh loves the place and will tell you himself that the Cotleigh beers served are among the best anywhere. The pub has a good name for beer all over the south west
With regards to the food, I also enjoy good, hearty home cooked food at reasonable prices. The royal oak serves excellent food at sensible prices. A carvey is available most days and is superb, not only excellent meat pies and vegetables, buy only �3.95. try cooking a roast for that price at home. I ask you to tell me with honesty where you can find a carvery for that price that tastes so good.
Also there are menus available alongside the carvery which include Scampi, Liver & Bacon, Faggots Mash & Peas and salads also ALL FOR �3.95.
Evening wise there is a core menu and regularly changing specials. You have to book most nights to get in and Fridays/Saturdays is a must. Weddings, Functions, Birthdays, Christenings etc all take pace at the Oak & I must say there are dozens in the partys.
There are plenty of regulars that use the pub and create a buzzong warm welcoming atmosphere. The pub changed hand in April 06 but the management changed in December 06 - A definate improvement on the last lady who was there. I have seen the pub struggle and battle against a poor reputation left by this lady, but have overcome all the pitfals andhave now made a superb pub. Liive music also add to the attraction of the pub. I can't wait for the beer festival.
Can you please explain to me why, that if the pub is so shoddy, badly run serving poor beer and food that all of the above is happening.
I do not work in the pub but I am a regular and feel that all the negative comments on this site are unkind, uncalled for and unjust.
anonymous - 6 Jun 2007 11:46 |
PUGWASH has stated that this pub is recommended by CAMRA.
Maybe so, but since pugwash obviously works in this pub and is masquerading as a customer, it might well be the case that the camra recommendation is also spurious.
On an empirical note, the beer isn't exactly great.
anonymous - 26 May 2007 09:55 |
No one has yet mentioned that "Pugwash508" sounds suspiciously like the owner of this place, or perhaps a member of staff.
Reads just like one of the award commendations.
anonymous - 23 May 2007 17:23 |
Quite possibly in line for the "Best Pub in Hillcommon" award.
If not the winner, then definately the second best.
How many pubs in Hillcommon? I hear you ask.
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The owner is obviously embarrassed about these bogus awards, and now that he's been rumbled he's doing his upmost to make sure they are removed from this site.
anonymous - 23 May 2007 08:20 |
This pub is in the habit of placing ads in the local paper stating that they have won numerous awards. Real ale award, best food award, award winning carvery etc.
The thing is that the awards are made by the bloke who owns the pub.
Of course they don't mention this in the adverts and want to keep the whole thing quiet, which explains the posting below.
For the record, despite all the "awards", the food is crap, the beer poor and the service non existant.
anonymous - 21 May 2007 23:07 |
ANY NEGATIVE POSTINGS ON THIS PUB ARE REMOVED WITHIN HOURS
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There is no atmosphere here at all. Totally sterile.
Someone has previously said that its "food to die for"
Of a heart attack, I imagine, they certainly go for quantity over quality, and the locals seem to like that if the pile it high and eat it quick brigade are anything to go by.
Oh, and a few lights in the car park wouldn't go amiss either
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Thought I'd better add a rider as I forgot the carvery costs more on a Sunday.
Carvery �3.95 a head Monday thru Saturday
�6.95 a head on Sunday
Prices for the one course but of course you can pile on the vegetables and not need a pudding!!
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Just been in this pub for a Saturday pub lunch. Don't know what the last two comments are all about. Lovely place, plenty of atmosphere, good friendly staff and they sell the local Cotleigh Brewery beer which is good - obviously that's why CAMRA have them listed. Pub was quite busy.
Really good carvery for �3.95 each. No that's not a typing error - �3.95 each and you help yourself so the portions can be very generous and it's as good as home cooked. I notice they also have the Daily Telegraph notices for meals for a �5 and there are also specials like 2 x Rump steak meals + bottle house red wine for �20 in the evenings.
We will definitely be going back.
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Under new management and definitely not an improvement. Overpriced food, and zero atmosphere. AVOID.
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I haven't had the food yet, but the two times I've been in there I didn't sense any kind of atmosphere. I know this pub is highly rated in the good beer guide, but I just don't see it.
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Beautiful, old style country pub. Food to die for, either inside with the warm, friendly atmosphere or outside in the pituresque country beer garden under the eaves. This pub is what every country pub should be aspire to.
Joanna Fanning - 16 Aug 2005 14:28 |
