The Royal Oak, Pirbright

The owners of this pub have succeeded in doing the near impossible. Take one beautiful 300 year old pub with inglenook fireplaces and lovely black beams and completely remove its character. What used to be one of the finest pubs in Surrey now has less atmosphere than a doctors surgery waiting room.
Who in their right mind would paint the black beams white or replace the old pictures/paintings with repro artwork and furniture from a sole less corporate catalogue.
Young Richard and Ally behind the bar have always been superb & on my last visit they were both run off their feet serving at the bar and waiting on tables. Not a management member in sight to help them out.
Most of the Oak regulars how drink at the Cricketers opposite the green in Pirbright Village. Better food (not out of a pre delivered bag) , better beer , better atmosphere and excellent staff.

17 May 2005 13:29