+44 1865 310187+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 - 23:00
Mon
12:00 - 23:00
Tue
12:00 - 23:00
Wed
12:00 - 23:00
Thu
12:00 - 0:00
Fri
12:00 - 0:00
Sat
11:00 - 0:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
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PRICE RANGE
£9.00 – £16.00
CUISINES
Bar, International, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
meals, features
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Details
About
One of the cosiest pubs in Oxford.When it comes to Oxford pubs The Royal Oak is the genuine article. Much like our well-kept real ales and impressive range of world beers, wines and spirits, our interiors are drenched in class, character and a dash of urban cool, with lots of rooms and cosy little corners to kick back in. It's just the place to enjoy a plate of seriously good pub food.
PRICE RANGE
£9.00 – £16.00
CUISINES
Bar, International, British, Pub, Gastropub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Dog Friendly
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4.0
290 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
88
Average
48
Poor
18
Terrible
27
joolsmicra
Sheffield31 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
we arrived in the middle of a monumental down pour, and the lovely manageress/supervisor took us to a place by the fire the dry off waiting for our table.Booking was essential, and the place was full with a mix of returning students. locals and tourists. The food was on the pricey side for pub food, but was delicious, and just a little bit different to the run of the mill.The pub is a series of small rooms, interconnected..possibly old cottages?, and gives a real old world tavern sort of feel...the scarves and masks being worn did make it feel like a pirates den at times! Loved It!
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeneralManagerAA
Joolsmicra, thank you for your kind words and this wonderful review! We hope to see you again soon!
Written 14 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey C
2 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
today i brought my folks for lunch at the royal oak, this is the first time my dad has been out to eat since lockdown, so he some slight reservations and worries. well..... we were so Warmley welcomed in the first instance, this continued during our lunch visit. we all order different mains and we all agree that each dish was cooked to perfection, mum decided on the salmon, in her own words 'this is a really treat' beautiful all round and my prawns were delicious! would just like to thank chef Robyn, tom and zee for a really lovely experience today, we will be back next week.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey C
Swindon15 contributions
Jun 2022 • family
If you get the chance and want a really filling beautifully cooked breakfast, where might I add you can ear waffles with toppi g or full English or even avocado on fresh toast then try the Royal Oak Pub. So fresh nicely presented wil fill anyones appetite. Best value for many and ear all you can . Staff so friendly and sat in the garden enjoying the beautiful weather on this jubilee weekend.
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Tracycb5975vy, thank you for your kind words and this wonderful review!
Im really happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.
Many Thanks
Sarah
Written 3 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Heather B
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Have been to the Royal Oak several times before and thought we could get a nice meal before going to the Opera on Saturday. When ordering food they did not have what I wanted. I had my partner ask what wasnt available and so I chose something else. He came back saying they didn't realise I would choose from the Veganuary menu and that that wasn't available either! Had to settle for something average. We then had wine brought to the table by a very rude, disgruntled member of staff because my partner had accidentally forgot to bring it from the bar. My mum ordered guinea fowl with lentils... she got peas. Peas are not lentils. No apology for lack of Lentils. All in all very disappointing and wont be returning.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne S
1 contribution
Jan 2023 • family
Im not one to usual complain and the basis of this complaint is the service and treatment of staff members that was witnessed. My partner walked into your pub today for some food & drinks with friends and quite frankly we were not impressed at all.
The gentleman behind the bar said to us that it was around a 45 minute wait on food as it was busyish but seemed rather long. Anyway we decided to order and enjoy a drink before our food. An hour passed and still no starters. We spoke to our hostess, Paula who was lovely and apologised for the delay and did her best to find out where they were. When she went to check how much longer our food would be I can only describe it as she was barked at and swore at by the lady who appeared to be in charge of running the kitchen. We were sat on table 31 which was directly outside the kitchen door reaulting in us hearing the flurry of awful language toward Paula, the language was atrocious and made us feel uncomfortable, embarrased and genuinely sorry for Paula. For a staff member who was just checking the time on our food to receive the reaponse she did was not acceptable or appropriate on any level. The table opposite to us could also hear constant outbursts from the kitchen at the staff going in with the young looking waitress looking almost scared to go in and upset. This is not something my wife nor I was expecting at all and was an embarrassment for everyone and your company. We had recommended this place to our friends which we felt we needed to appologise for as the entire experience was disgusting. We were going to bring our grandchildren which I am now glad we didnt as what we witnessed was not an environment friendly for anyone let alone chilfren. We decided to leave as we had seen and heard enough,upon leaving and explaining the situation to the man behind the bar, he did give us a full refund and apologised for the entire ordeal we had suffered. We shall not be returning in a hurry and after such a wonderful make over of the place it’s a real shame. I do hope Paula finds a job where she is valued and appreciated along with I'm sure many of the other other team members there.
Would not recommend!!!
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Annesm501, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service, so we are disappointed to hear that your visit with us was anything less than satisfactory.
We appreciate you bringing this experience to our attention. If you are willing, please contact us at 01865 310187. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sarah
Written 16 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karen C
8 contributions
Oct 2024 • family
Absolutely terrible service - arrived at 1pm, food came at 2.10pm. Waitress couldn't be bothered to show us to our table, nor explain that it was QR code ordering. We sat and waited for 15 minutes before we noticed a tiny sticker by the condiments. Ordered drinks- same surly waitress came 15 minutes later and told us to pass the drinks along to one another.After ordering the food we waited 40 mins. I approached the other waitress and asked about our food. She said it was just being plated. This took another 10 mins. Food arrived - no apologies given. Food was warm, not hot, but tasty which is the only reason I have given 1 star. We would have liked a jug of water for the table but no staff ever appeared again to check.
Once we had finished eating, we could hear a loud argument coming from the kitchen. The chef then burst out shouting at the waitresses that he had plates ready for service for 5 tables which were going cold. It was shocking.
We waited for a further 15 minutes hoping that staff would clear plates for dessert, but no-one came.
I had put a special request on the booking form enquiring about a birthday cake. No one came back to me and it was pretty clear that there was no point in asking.
Family members had travelled over 200 miles for this celebration - it was embarrassing.
I would quite definitely not recommend. An absolute disaster!
Written 20 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Hi Karen C,
Thank you for your review.
I apologise that your experience last Sunday was not at our usual high standard. I have spoken to the team who were on duty, and can assure you that this will not happen again - we remain committed to high standards.
Thank you once again, and once again I apologise that your experience was not up to our usual high standards.
Written 23 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ac1949
Bristol20 contributions
May 2024 • solo
What a wonderful pub!! I popped in on Thursday for lunch and was pleased to see they offered a sandwich+drink option for £11 (NB. weekdays only). The fish goujon sandwich I had was quite honestly the nicest I've eaten in a very long time! Perfectly cooked goujons in fresh soft bread, with tasty tartare, lettuce & sauce. The accompanying skin-on fries were delicious too. The pub itself is a wonderful historic building with lots of cosy places to sit, and the staff were very welcoming & friendly. I highly recommend lunch here and I'll definitely be back soon!
Written 3 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Hi Ac1949, thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us at The Royal Oak. We're happy we could meet your expectations! Thanks again for taking the time to leave us this information about your recent visit. Take care!
Written 4 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Georgie Bow
Bristol14 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
The vegan burgers here are absolutely delicious! They really do taste like the real deal and have a lovely smoky chargrilled flavour to them. The burger sauce was bursting with flavour too - zingy! Great to know that somewhere in Oxford does a decent vegan burger! They are happy to add dairy cheese too (if you’re vegetarian) Will be back again, and again.
Written 4 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Jennybk9187mt, thank you for your kind review; we are happy to pass along your comments to the team here at The Royal Oak!
We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written 7 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S Saunders
Oxford13 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
Visited for a family catch up - we haven’t seen each other since Christmas and as always the food was on point.
Staff were busy but happy and helpful and the food was delicious.
We had a sharing board that had all the meats loads of potatoes veg Yorkshire puds and was simply amazing and good value for money.
Could not fault the food or service.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venture62606388102
Acton1 contribution
Dec 2024 • family
Probably the worst Sunday lunch I’ve ever had. Not only was the service appalling with interested and untrained young surly staff - the food was inedible. The roast beef looked like it was a piece of leather and the vegetables were basically a plate of mush. After explaining to the manager our experience she replied “ what do you want us to do about it”
Please don’t waste your money - this really is not worth the money spent on printing the menus !!!
Written 1 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike K
Stamford33 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
The Royal Oak is a beautiful Oxford pub, and a really good venue for some drinks after work. The food is also good and well worth considering if your looking for some pub grub. The only area I think the Royal Oak could improve on is the general friendliness of the management, which on a few occasions I've found to be a little abrasive. That said the waiters/ waitresses are very friendly which goes some way to mitigating that.
Written 4 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guy R
Kettering196 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
Last visited 50 years ago, the changes since then add to the atmosphere.
Expecting standard pub grub we were pleasantly surprised with the beautifully prepared and tasty food on offer.
Squid was the softest and the best I have eaten here or abroad and was served with a succulent small salad with chillies.
Chicken schnitzel with chips was also tasty.
Very reasonably priced for such quality food.
Written 27 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Guy R, we are so pleased you enjoyed your visit to The Royal Oak!
Written 2 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marlboraux
Oxford2 contributions
Dec 2023 • family
I used to recommend this place to my clients for dinner almost every week since I am based just around the corner from the pub, but I won't anymore for the main reason being the front of house staff: who are unwilling to listen and just couldn't care any less! I ordered a burger and even made an agreement with the barmaid that the burger MUST NOT contain the tomato salsa relish - what happened? It did come with the tomato salsa relish! Some people have allergies.
We asked if we could have the goat cheese salad with the mains, it arrived much earlier than the rest of the dishes and when told the server, she literally 🤷♀️ raised her hands as if to say: What do you want me to do about it!? and without saying a word, walked away. You'd expect: 'We're sorry about that'! which is normally the tradition if you work in customer service.
I can give this pub a second chance but fear they will continue to have their serious issues with their staff attitude. We even had a similar issue soon after lockdown when we literally had to tell staff off as soon as we walked in for being impolite.
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Thank you for your review and your comments. We welcome the opportunity to improve our practices, and we will use these comments for just this purpose.
Written 21 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
S Saunders
Oxford13 contributions
Feb 2022 • family
Came here for a bite to eat with a friend for a long overdue catch up and was welcomed from the min we walked through the door.
Expected general pub grub but was pleasantly surprised at what a great menu they had.
I had the Pork belly which was really nice and my friend had the grilled sea bass both meals were amazing.
Even my dog got some treats and a bowl of water.
Staff were helpful and just generally rather nice - Thanks Royal Oak - see you again soon I will be recommending you to our friends
Written 10 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Thank you for your great review and also the detail about your visit.
I will be sure to pass your kind words along to the team.
We are so pleased you chose us for you catch up and we hope to see you again soon.
Written 14 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N V
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • couples
Made a booking at 13:20, after several hours of travelling, finally arrived at restaurant to be told their booking system stopped working at 12:00 and they were short of staff. Showed proof of booking, met with no apology whatsoever. Do not visit this shoddy establishment.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager A
Nv899, we regret to hear that you had a negative experience with us.
Written 7 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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