We popped in the Royal Oak looking for lunch when we unexpectedly found ourselves returning to Presteigne as we were nearby on a scenic drive. We had a few drinks here several years ago, but this was our first meal in the pub.
Things didn't seem fantastic when we heard that they had run out of a few things, including cottage pie and mixed grill. Happily, they still had scampi left for me, plus lasagne for my partner, which would have been amongst our preferences anyway.
I was very pleasantly surprised when the food came out. The chips looked amazing, dark brown and quite thin, just like my mother made. There were plenty of them, too, along with the scampi, peas and a side salad. If anything they were even better than they looked. They seemed to just melt in my mouth, and were most definitely home made as stated on the menu.
My other half confirmed that her lasagne was also home made, describing it as gorgeous, and amongst the best she has ever eaten.
We have no hesitation at all in recommending the pub for both food and drinks if you are nearby. It's a proper pub which welcomes all, and the staff are fantastic.