The Royal Oak is in Orpington, Kent. Although under forty minutes from London on the train, the pub has a countryside feel. This is reflected in the decor (dark wooden tables and chairs, stone floors and low ceilings) and setting.
The food menu is wide ranging. Starters include duck and orange parfait, salt and pepper calamari, and slow-roasted tomato arancini. Those wanting to share need look no further than the honey-baked Camembert served with apricot and ginger chutney.
Mains are either pub classics, burgers or pizzas. The former is represented by the likes of sausages and mash, pie of the day and duo of lamb. There’s two steaks on offer: a 10oz rib-eye or an 8oz sirloin.
Burgers options are beef (topped with brisket and bacon), chicken (buttermilk fried with chipotle jam) or vegetarian (butternut squash and chickpea patty). All come with skin on fries, a gherkin and a burger sauce dip. Pizzas range from the classic (margherita or pepperoni) to the more bold (sticky duck with a hoisin and tomato base).
Every Sunday a roast is served. Meat options are sirloin of beef, turkey breast, belly pork or lamb rump. For vegetarians, there’s a candied vegetable roast. All roasts are served with roast potatoes, vegetables and unlimited gravy. Desserts showcase a range of British classics, such as sticky toffee pudding, apple, blackcurrant and cherry crumble, and mulled fruit Eton mess.
The Royal Oak is part of Vintage Inns, a 186 strong network of pubs. These are all dog-friendly and many can be booked for Christmas dinner.