The Royal Oak

I watched the owner’s friends of this bar attack a table for talking at low volume on the patio. The friends got violent and threw a chair at the two people minding their own business. Instead of dealing with the problem, the owners allowed it to happen and instead asked the two people who were enjoying their meal and not harming anyone to leave. The food was good but mediocre and the experience made me question my own safety and made me not want to spend my hard earned money there ever again. Find another pub cause this one is not where it’s at.

Dined here with family and friends, many of whom have young children, and unfortunately the experience was far from positive. After reading other reviews, it seems this is a recurring issue. The service felt rude and unwelcoming - perhaps simply because kids were being kids.

Staff were lovely. I had the roast dinner and for what was on the plate it was overpriced. One roast potatoe a weird textured yorkshire pudding and only a small amount of lamb. There was also peas and cauliflower on the plate. Would I come again, yes, would I have the roast, no.

Was going to write about the poor service I've received and then read some of the reviews to find many having quite a similar experience. To the owner who replied that she struggles to know how to treat families with decadency, from one business owner to another - I would advise for her to visit some of the other establishment in the neighbourhood. Other venues that offer an even more luxe dining experience (such as Dry Dock, Elliot's, Totti's) are great with children and I've never experienced an issue nor heard a friend who has. You can "mystery dine" at some of these venues and learn how they manage the experience so well for all guests. Regardless, the venue should never support male customers being verbally or physically abusive to a young women, especially not in front her children.

The service was great. The staff were friendly and attentive. The only concern I have is the Bernaise sauce. This is the worst Bernaise sauce I have ever had. It was split and not at all like a Bernaise sauce. It was more like butter sauce. It lacked flavour completely. Taragon was completely missing. I always have Bernaise sauce wherever I go and my partner is French, so we pretty much know what to expect. So please address this as it is not the first time. I thought it was bad luck last time but now I realise it is an issue and whoever is making it does not know how to make it, unless it was being brought it and not made on the premises. I know this may sound petty but people pay hard earned money to enjoy a meal and if their expectations are not met they will feel like not coming back. I will be back and hopefully next time it will be well made. If someone doesn't tell you then you won't know it's a problem and fix it.