please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A good locals pub, very much a music venue. Had a pint of London Pride (the only ale on but well kept). Friendly dogs in the garden on this occasion.
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You can tell the place is going to be bad when the previous comment (by "FishKing") is clearly the landlords (Wendy, or more likely Chris) posting themselves...as per most of the positive comments about this place.
Are there long-term customers? no
Do people visit this place often? no
Do any of the original customers go here any more? no
Why is this? Very simple, Wendy cares only about your money and not her customers. I mean look at the state of the interior or talk to anyone who has made a visit or even eaten the economy Sunday roast dinners (from Bookers last time I checked).
Do not give this place a penny from your pocket!!!
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Let me start by saying this is the 1st time I have posted a review online it's not really my thing.
I moved to Hampton almost a year ago I started drinking in the worlds End which I think is a nice pub and only a 5min walk for me. I then went one night went over to the Royal Oak to see a band I like. After hearing a few good and bad things about the place I didn't know what to expect it was very busy with a good atmosphere the land lady Wendy came and spoke to me for about 5min and seem like a very nice woman and it the end I had a fantastic night and met some really nice people. A few weeks later I took my wife and 3yr old son to the oak for Sunday lunch which was a really nice and my son made lots of little friends to lol. Me and my wife ending up chatting to Wendy for about 20min she made as feel so welcome and at home in her pub. The place did look like it needed some work done on it and I did drive past a few days ago and saw there was some work being done on the outside but don't know about the inside. I will be going back to this fantastic little pub. I think some of the comments below must be put up by rival pubs and people that have been barred because some of them are really spiteful and low. I hope people go to this pub and make up there own minds like I did.
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My nearest pub and I'd love to give it praise but the Royal Oak simply doesn't deserve an ounce. It's just the scruffiest dump I've ever been in and whoever's running it, clearly gave up any interest in serving the community some while back.
Only popped-in once � shortly after we moved in - and couldn't believe that it's even worse on the inside than outside. Here are some of its lowlights:
Dark smelly interior
Threadbare carpets
Only one ale on draft (Spitfire) which was very badly kept when I visited
Grubby net curtains - so you can't see in
Tinny sound system booming out Magic FM or something similar.
Peeling paint and a really tatty exterior � helpfully this acts as a natural warning and puts most people from going anywhere near it�.
Such a shame as the area's reasonably affluent and I know that were there a more pleasant, vibrant pub in its place, it'd be a busy little local. In days where half decent pubs find it hard to survive, I fail to understand how this place keeps afloat...
I give it six months before the boards are up. Just hope someone who cares takes it on rather than Tesco :-(
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Considering that this dive is still open (when much better pubs have closed) suggests it is being funded by the Met police, as it keeps all the local 'chavs' in one location. If you ever pass when the clientel are outside, it is a very similar sight to Appleby Horse Fair.
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What An Excellent Little Pub! second time we have been there for a sunday roast and must say it was even better than the last one if thats possible!! had a great ale 'london pride' which seemed very well kept. would definetly recommend this pub, its worth a try!!! thanks guys!
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Crap hole.....Dive.....Chav fest.....
Thats about as good as it gets.
Almost puts the Jesters to shame!
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Pubs are struggling, particularly suburban pubs and the Royal Oak 'landlord' is trying to summon up business with Sunday Roasts and live music. The pubco owners like Punch Taverns are screwing all they can out of pub tennants who want to make a living running a pub. Times are hard and it is sad to see competition slagging each other off as we see here and in many other reviews, particularly where a new tennant/manager/landlord has arrived.
Take it with a pinch of salt and try the Royal Oak for yourself. Its not Talk of the Town exactly, but a long time local we don't want to see boarded up, along with the other 20 closures every week. Once they're gone, they're gone, and the only winners are the greedy pubco directors. Don't let it happen.
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After reading the more recent reviews regarding the Oak it is very obvious to all that the landlord is trying to promote this dive. It is also very clear that they are also trying to promote the Sunday roasts, I quote a previous review "..all that food for just �6.95!".
Just ask yourself how horrid must this place be if the landlord has to come on here and promote it? And why are they promoting the food so much? Simple, they are making large margins on it!
You often see the landlord in Sainsburys buying lots of their economy range (potatoes and veg) guess what Sunday roasts this goes into.
As per previous reviews you often see a dog and people walking in and out of the kitchen at free will. Good hygene there then!
My advice, avoid this place like the plague!!!!!
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A good traditional pub which is a rare find in this day and age of awful gastro pubs. Great homebade Sunday roast at a reasonable price. Friendly landlady/landlord, great atmosphere. Worth a visit, we will definitely be back.
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Had a great sunday roast at this pub last sunday, one of the best sunday roasts i have had in a long time, it really reminded me of my mums homecooked roasts i used to have when i was younger and all that food for just �6.95! all the veg was fresh and the meat and roast potatoes were just to die for! i would recommend anyone who has not been here for a roast to go and try it out, very busy when we arrived but the friendly young barman who i think was cooking too soon found us a place to sit and our meal was served very quickly even though i noticed they hd two very large tables, i had a lovely pint of london pride which was very good and my wife had a glass of house white both very resonably priced. in response to pub searches review we didnt see a dog going in and out of the kitchen in fact we did not see a dog the whole time we were in there, really impressed with this pub and will be going there this weekend for one of there live bands sunset boulevard rock n roll band playing this saturday, will definetly return to this pub for a sunday roast probably every week!!
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in my day what made a pub was not ,music food tv juke box but beer service atmosphere and this was the responsibility of the landlord or lady.
Really have a midweek early evening drink find the landlady there serving and working people with a real sense of belonging creditable workman of today builders bankers dog listeners even are own oil tycoon.
the food might not be the best in London but it is home made beat that.
the beer hides behind no fancy name London Pride served and kept with pride
all of the other beers match up
A pub brought back from the dead thanks Royal Oak
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I usually use this site just to view what others have posted about pubs in my surrounding area, however in this instance I believe a review is in order.
The landlords dog is free to run about the pub, and that does include in and out of the kitchen when food is being made. The Sunday roasts are horrid at best. There is no Sky. drinks are not specifically cheap. The atmosphere is non existent.
And I note that the only 2 positive reviews of the pub this year are by members who have not commented on any other pub (maybe its actually the landlord trying to improve the pubs rating!).
The 'Royal Oak'? Maybe the pub should be renamed to better reflect it the 'Royal Joke' perhaps!?
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Great pub. I was there last Saturday and had a lovely evening and like the last reviewer said, the band were great. The bar staff went out of their way to make me feel welcome.
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Visited last Saturday. Overpriced drinks, smoking area heating lamp not working, and the young (drunk!) barman was quite clearly 'on the take'.
The band was pretty good, however someone had the in-genious idea of blocking the fire exit!
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Fabulous pub - great bands at the weekend, lovely roasts on a Sunday and a warm welcome all week long. Highly recommended!
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I have been in the Oak a few times and can say the atmosphere is okay and the service is generally good, however, if your planning on visiting on Saturday evening the staff are slow and you will most likely need to repeat your order numerous times.
The pub is very cold (fire rarely ever on even in the middle of winter), heater in smoking area does not work, no sports on the TV, prices are quite high and the beer tasted flat. The penny-pinching ways of the landlord is abundantly clear, so stear clear unless you want to line scrooge's pockets with your hard earned cash!!!
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We had a very good Sunday roast the Royal Oak recently; well cooked and great value. Staff are very welcoming. I was a bit sad to see the wonderful [free] jukebox had been taken out; it was a real feature. We're going back soon, for some live music...................
Lynne - 11 Aug 2009 12:28 |
Living within walking distance of this pub, and after reading the reviews I though I would 'bite the bullet' and give it a go. I did not expect much except for to be met with a cold shoulder by people who would be better suited to a tattoo parlour, but at least I could say I tried it.
I visited on Friday night when there was a live band playing (who I must say were very good!). The place was very busy but I could not see and form of 'bodyart' anywhere, quite the opposite, the bar staff were well dressed (shirts, etc.) and despite being very busy the service was excellent and suprisingly quick!
I did not feel out of place in the slightest and from my experience I would happily recommend it to others of all ages.
Rich
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Running out of options to find a new pub to call home. This is a nice enough place but if you are not a regular you feel out of place, very clicky!!!
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been goin in The Royal Oak for a month now ,but can honestly say...Great Pub, Great Staff,Friendly Customers,Good Music fri/sat nights .Fantastic Sunday Roasts. Highly recommend as a Pub to bring Family of all ages along to..
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In responce to the last review, matty should have been a little more alert and observant. The band were excellent, however, they were called upon at a moments notice due to a cancellation. Hence the impromptue set up. As for the local / regular customers, whom you obviously disaprove of, they were very few in numbers that evening. So your assumption was greatly missplaced. As for the comment re; body art, how can anybody be judged by this. I display my tattoos, however, I am myself a company director. I think it will be a great relief to all if you were not to return, if only to save yourself the disapointment and not have to stand next to the working classes.
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Since I wrote my last review of the Royal Oak, back in 2006, I'd pretty much stopped visiting this pub, even though I live right around the corner from it. I revisited last night for some live music. I know why I no longer frequent the Oak.
First, let me say the music was excellent, even though the musicians clearly had to bring their own lights and AV kit - the lights were more for effect than actual illumination, and were simply propped on chairs and the like.
There was London Pride on offer, which was drinkable, but not especially well kept. The 'regular' client�le all seemed to display more body art than skin colour.
This is a very low class, chavvy establishment, and despite its proximity to my home, one I will not be often revisiting.
Avoid.
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Crywolf last Friday night......what a fantastic night. Make them regular pleeeeeeeze
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great live music on a friday night very friendly pub and very welcoming
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Cant share the enthusiasm im afraid. The only handpump was 'off' and only 2 people in. Still dire in my view.
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CONGRATULATIONS. YOUR FIRST YEAR AT THE OAK. ENJOY THE PARTY ON SATURDAY.
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Really good on fridays, live music,Most enjoyable.
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A decent enough boozer, all the more so since being taken over by the Power family. Still got a fairly bad rep but on the whole its picking up.
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Came here with a friend for the first time last night to see Red play. I liked it. It's a locals pub which is nice.The lads and lasses let their hair down and it's all in a good nature. The Landlord(Chris) and Landlady(Wendy)gave us a very warm welcome as new faces to this pub.It's an added bonus that this is another new music venue.Will be back next week to see Willy Finlayson.
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Since being taken over by Chris and Wendy, this pub has vitually transformed from a dirty, no atmosphere, empty dive, ino a fresh, lively, freindly, family, local meeting place. The new owners are dedicated to customer service, going out of their way to welcome every one who enters, including dogs finishing their long walks and children before 7pm. With many weekly events, ie; curry evening, quiz nights, themed discos, functions and sunday lunches, this traditional local pub is now a welcome haven. There is a wide and varied customer base, ranging from the local lads and lasses having a few pints, to families with young children, to the more mature customer, all who mingle well. Also they provide an exelent sports viewing facility, with 2 large flat screen TVs. Well worth a visit, especially on summer weekends.
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Just to let everyone know that the pub has been taken over and is now run by a local couple Wendy and Chris, the pub has had a new lick of paint and the pipes well and truly cleaned!! They are having a disco on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve so why not go and have a look for youselves.
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Oh dear, I did give it a couple of months and from what I could see the pub has not improved. The windows are filthy along with the pumps at the bar. A couple of friends had the Fosters, I wouldnt chance anything that wasnt in a bottle. Their pints were only lively because thy stuck a lemonade top in it. One of the toilets had no light bulb and the other was a bit disconnected from the floor. This place could have so much potential but I just wonder if ts being run into the ground so that it will be sold to build more houses on??? I really hope im wrong.
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When the new owners took over had hope that finally there might be some changes to the decor... none yet. Anything on tap was undrinkable and to be quite honest still has not improved.
Must say though that everyone is friendly who drinks there, just a shame about the flat pints!
anonymous - 19 Feb 2007 13:13 |
Been going here over a few years with one of the other reviewers who will remain nameless to preserve her virtue. I wouldn'y exactly say that the pub itself is going up or down, but I'm starting to feel a bit left out, what with not having any tattoos on my forearms.
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Although i used to use this as my local i started to dislike some of the customers that were begining to drink in there (mainly aged under 21)so started to give it a miss. Went in for the first time this week since it had changed hands. The place seemed less cluttered and cleaner somehow. Was dissapointed in the choice of lagers and ales, being that there was no choice. The Kronenburg was out, the Spitfire also and The London pride looked a bit cloudy for me to chance having dodgy guts. Hope this is just teething problems for the new owners as they seemed genuinely nice people. I shall give it a couple more goes anyway. Good Luck to the new owners!
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Latest news is that the Royal Oak changed hands this week and is now under new ownership. Will it mean changes to the pub as a whole, e.g food rather than snacks and perhaps a rather overdue re-decoration? Time will tell...
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Fairly ordinary and undistinguished pub, but good for a chat in reasonably quiet surroundings except on footie nights. Far too smokey for my liking, even with hardly anybody in the pub- roll on the ban!- but the beer quality seems consistently good. Current real range is Spitfire, London Pride and Best. Good range of "nibbles" including Nobby's Nuts and "real" crisps. Occasional visits from friendly dogs large and small and their owners. Easy to park and on local bus routes; it's within walking distance of the 24-hour 285 service to Heathrow via Feltham, and Kingston. Keeps traditional hours except for the weekend.
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Went to this pub for the first time properly and was dismayed as it appears to be the 18 year old chav's favoured choice for a Friday night.. avoid
TheGP - 18 Feb 2006 18:14 |
The Royal Oak is a very male oriented locals' pub. During football matches (especially Chelsea games), the pub is full of football fans, as there are three screens that show football - two televisions and a big screen. There is also a Portugese sattelite channel, so football can be shown all day at weekends.
There is a free juke box with a variety of music (and an electic selection there is.)
There are few real ale drinkers - ales on offer are Courage Best, London Pride, and an occasionally changed guest ale. The majority of customers are lager drinkers - Fosters, Budweiser and Kronenberg are the lagers on offer, along with Strongbow cider and 35ml measures of spirits.
Apart from bar snacks there is no food served (there are rolls on occasion), but given the type of pub and clientel, this is to be expected.
The customers come from Hanworth and Hampton by and large, and are mainly working class (indeed, many are personal friends of the landlord).
To sum up, the Royal Oak is a male, sports mad local. Whether that sort of thing floats your boat is really a matter of personal preference.
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Not a bad place and the locals are friendly.
Much better than the New Moon and the Swan which are the other pubs in walking distance.
Occasionally has music on. Frequently has football on - details of the next match appears on a board outside.
There's a beer garden in the back, but I've not been out there yet.
Free Jukebox is handy :)
anonymous - 8 Jan 2006 09:29 |
Nice locals pub, freindly natives, 3 handpumps (1 London Pride, 1 Green King Speckeled Hen and an untouched Courage 'best'.
Slightly overwhelming odour of air freshener when you enter the place, but once your brain learns to ignore it is not that bad.
Visited on a football night. Very large screen for such a small pub.
It almost retains a seperate public bar.
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Very local pub, Mike you are too harsh though, I bet you only dislike it so much because they wouldn't serve you a snakebite till your voice broke.
There are better pubs around mind you.
TheGP - 31 Aug 2004 10:44 |
This pub is an unwelcoming venue, if ever there was one - I only used to go there as I used to live on this street and it was a good place to meet up with friends and start the evening as all pubs nearby are better than this one (apart from The Swan).
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