Helen Browning's Royal Oak - Swindon

Andy S.

Incredible place!

Pick a category, food, service, atmosphere, rooms, all simply outstanding. We planned to stay for one night and ended up extending our stay. We were made to feel so welcome, from the moment we opened the front door to to the moment we left. Nothing was too much bother and the atmosphere was; and I appreciate this sounds odd, but ‘joyous’ (happy staff who seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs and get a buzz from connecting with customers). The place is dog friendly with a nice selection of beers (and also non-alcoholic beer options).

Accomodation was also superb - clean, quiet and super comfortable. Recommend booking with the breakfast included as it is something special.

AL M.

We originally found the farm shop & came back last year with visiting family for a pub lunch which was delicious, good quality & excellent value for money. Wanting to repeat the experience with a different set of relatives, we'd booked lunch again. Unfortunately one of our party was unwell; I spoke, the evening before, with a lovely young woman, Lily, who offered to push back the time of our booking, enabling us to get seen in our local walk-in centre. When, after being seen, it became clear we'd have to cancel, Lily was extremely kind & understanding & couldn't have been nicer about it. Although disappointed we didn't get to eat at the Royal Oak yesterday, we will return when next in the area, as it's well worth a visit. Thank you, Lilly!

Janet

Out in the sticks but well worth the drive. The food is excellent so obviously fresh and excellently cooked. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Decor is typical country pub, log fires and cosy seating areas with a lovely reading nook. It's definitely on our favourite list we will go back. Didn't stay so cant comment on rooms

hannah M.

We've just had an absolutely gorgeous few days at Helen Browning Royal Oak. The photos of the place honestly doesn't do it justice, we stayed in the largest dog friendly room which is in a cute courtyard with other rooms and communal snug, it was perfect. We had a great long walk to the next village including 'the Ridgeway' where dogs can safely be off the lead as far as the eye can see. The shop has some delightful local produce and gifts, the food was insanely delicious and wholesome, the staff are the friendliest bunch of people and made us and our pup feel so welcome. Also, the locals were all so friendly too, got chatting to many of them... basically when you are at the Royal Oak you feel like you're one of the gang. Can't wait to go back! Thank you for having us.

Cherrie C.

It's a really lovely pub! Not at all like a stuffy old pub, though. You walk in, and it is bright and quite unique. Pillar box red and deep green tones with references to piggies 🐷 all around! It's fab! It's refreshing! And I wish this were my village pub!
The two staff members were friendly, polite and provided excellent service and also made our dog very welcome. He even got a little treat, which put an extra wag in his tail 😉
Now the food...... Well I cannot remember the last time I had such delicious food! My son and I chose the pork tenderloin with mash and roasted vegetables. It was cooked to perfection. The mushroom sauce was creamy, not overdone, so it smothered everything, but enough to spoil you into wanting to find every smidgeon 😋
My son had the chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, which was rich and bursting with chocolate. I had the Sunken Pear Cake with delicious, smooth custard, which was quite wonderful.
We are ready to book again, definitely worth a second visit...third....forth and fifth one too 😉

Antonio S.

Independently owned pub with a strong character, situated in a quaint area of Wiltshire. Good selection of craft beers on tap and food menu with locally sourced and organic produce, where pork is king. High quality, flavourful dishes that elevate traditional pub standards. Desserts are good too. Attentive service. You will need a car to get there. After a copious lunch, take advantage to stroll the beautiful surroundings with ponds, streams and beautiful cottages.

Gareth J.

The bar staff were great, but very young and inexperienced. I ordered roast beef for a Sunday lunch, and 60% was inedible, fat and gristle. I appreciate that the fat is what gives the meat it's flavour, but think if you are paying £27 for a main course, it should be edible .

Paul R.

Best pub in the world? It has to be in the running. Stayed for 2 nights recently as part of a large group. Blown away by the owners’ hospitality, the excellent service, the fabulous food (pork ribs were out of this world) and superb accommodation. This is what pubs should be; quirky, characterful, welcoming, with good beer and a host/landlord that is capable of perfectly judging his clientele and ‘ripping the piss’.