Royal Oak, Bovingdon

I have been away recently so this is the chance I have had to post a review about this pub.

Some friends recommended that we visit this pub and sample the food. Well we did so and the verdict was so so.

The pub is itself is in a nice location, but when we went there was this dirty old marquee structure on the side of the pub, spoiling the overall effect. I understand that this has since been removed.

When we arrived there was nowhere that we could stand because of the way that the tables were laid out. This place is obviously gearing itself up to cater pretty much exclusively to the food trade and does not seem to care about the comfort of people who just want a quiet drink before eating.

Having said that it has geared itself to the food trade, I think it fails in that respect. I had the tomato and mozarella salad with basil. The problem was it was swimming in olive oil and was somewhat unpalletable. The haddock and chips that I had was passable, but I have to say that i have had much better.

So all in all, would i recommend the Royal Oak and would I go back. The answer to both is no. There are far better food option in the locale, namely the Cart and Horse in Commonwood, the Bricklayers Arms and the Green Dragon, both in Flaunden

8 Oct 2010 17:33