Sunday Lunch at the Royal Oak, Whitecroft
One of the great things about living in the Forest of Dean is the fabulous range of pubs to visit. Some of them good music venues, some great drinking pubs, and increasingly some fabulous places to eat.
We have tried quite a few of them out over the past few years, and I have to say that generally the standards very good......and most I would, and have revisited.
Now the Royal Oak, Whitecroft is a pub that I've always been fond of. My grandfather used to play piano and sing there many years ago (and I mean many). And more recently I have played there several times with a four piece rock band. But now it's under new management with the emphasis on food.
Last week I met David Coulson, the new owner and we had a chat about his plans for the Royal Oak.
On arrival, I noticed immediately the pub felt different, with a sense of calm and it didn't take long to realize this was a place where a nice bar snack, meal or Sunday Lunch would go down a treat.
After an hour or so listening to David's plans, which by the way I thought was exactly what the Oak needed to prosper in today's climate, I decided to book a Sunday lunch, of which we had this Sunday gone.......and here's my verdict
Once again, on arrival it felt right, with a good ambience and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The bar staff were very good and we were made to feel welcome. The Sunday lunch was hot, fresh and the beef was melt in your mouth gorgeous (one of the best I've ever tasted). Pudding was also delicious and we all agreed we would be back for more. The service was also excellent, without being over the top. In fact to sum it all up...........Without a doubt the Royal Oak Sunday lunch experience was defiantly first class and I would recommend to anyone. Oh yeah, and prices are very reasonable too
We wish David and his team all the success they deserve
