The Royal Oak Arrives in Twickenham
The Royal Oak is bringing a breath of fresh air to Twickenham, with two copper beer tanks taking centre stage to dispense Trumanās first tank-ready beer, RAW, quality British fare including foot-long pizza, bottomless weekend brunches and Sunday roasts, all in an unbeatable location off the corner of Richmond Road. Whether youāre looking for a relaxed spot in the sunshine or a pit-stop after a stroll through leafy Richmond Park, make sure to add The Royal Oak to the top of your watering hole roster.
The Look
Set over two floors, this gorgeous community pub is full of cosy nooks and crannies and is designed with local charm in mind. The ground floor makes the most of an open-plan design, complete with two on-view 500-litre copper beer tanks currently serving Trumanās RAW, and a dining area featuring a central wooden bar, brushed copper lighting, plush banquettes and refined wooden seating for a contemporary feel.
The walls are dotted with vintage mirrors, stoplights and artwork contrasting with the vibrant orange and blue colour accents, whilst the shelves and corners are stacked high with classic books, board games and kitsch tableware for that homely feel, essential for any local pub. Towards the back of the room, an open kitchen pass gives you the opportunity to watch the chefs work their magic.
Sun seekers should head outside to the patio. Sundrenched tables provide a relaxed setting for dining alfresco after watching the rugby, for a speedy lunch ahead of a concert at Twickenham Stadium or on route to visiting Marble Hill House.
Tuck in
Skilfully developed by Executive Chef Stan Perry ā formerly Senior Sous Chef with Soho House ā and Head Chef Marty West, previously of The Lansdowne Pub, champion seasonal British ingredients in simple no-fuss dishes. The menu is a celebration of British pub fare with a contemporary feel, alongside daily seasonal specials. Try the dressed Dorset crab with saffron aioli; 10oz bone in sirloin with green peppercorn sauce and skin on fries; and house favourite, the Royal Oak cheeseburger, complete with extra bacon. Meanwhile, footlong pizza planks from the pubās very own pizza oven make a great light bite to share with friends, topped with pulled lamb, fennel and pomegranate; smoked mozzarella with tomato and basil; baked egg with ricotta and watercress; or grilled merguez, olives and rocket.
Whenever you dine at The Royal Oak, make sure you leave room for dessert; modern takes on pub classics include forest fruit and almond cobbler with clotted cream; rich banoffee pie; and an intensely gooey chocolate brownie topped with crushed hazelnuts.
Come Saturday, brunch is served with a menu featuring the Royal Oakās hearty full English flatbread;
Hendrickās Gin cured smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and sourdough bread; granola with yoghurt and blueberry compote; and smoky bacon and poached egg waffle. Those seeking some afternoon indulgence can go bottomless for Ā£15 per person and enjoy glass after glass of Bloody Marys or chilled prosecco for up to two hours.
On a Sunday, the roast is the order of the day. Expect quintessentially British fare with all the trimmings; rare Angus striploin with a side of horseradish cream; free range loin of pork with crackling and apple sauce; and a whole roast chicken to share with stuffing and bread sauce, all topped with Yorkshire pudding and heaps of veg.
Little ones wonāt go amiss either. With standout plates of their own, kids can choose from mini burger and fries; cheesy pizzas; fish and chips; all finished with two scoops of ice cream and smothered in chocolate sauce.
Cheers!
No neighbourhood pub would be complete without quality craft beers and accessible wines. Trumanās light, fruity and hoppy ales take centre stage at the Royal Oakās wrap-around bar, which is backed by two copper tanks filled with crisp, unpasteurised Trumanās RAW lager. The Royal Oak prides itself on its line-up of local draft beers and cask ales from the likes of Twickenham and Kernel breweries, and rotating āstarsā such Cwtch Welsh Red Ale and Vedette. The wine list, selected by master of wine John Clevely, features a carefully curated list of red, white, rosĆ© and sparkling wines. The cocktails include classics, such as the Espresso Martini and Bloody Mary.
Throwing a party?
Head upstairs to an additional bar overlooking York House Gardens that can accommodate up to 60 people.
The airy, light room comes equipped with a colourfully painted grill of a truck made into a quirky bar, setting the scene for a perfect party location or a low-key wedding reception ā youāre only a few steps away from the local registry office.
Make your way into the intimate private dining area; a small but perfectly-formed room on the first floor, ideal for anything from business lunches to special occasions for up to 14 people. It even comes with its very own āpress for beerā button. Need we say more?
Next time youāre in town, to watch the rugby or just passing through, donāt forget to grab a pint and a bite to eat at The Royal Oak.
The Royal Oak
13 Richmond Rd, London, Twickenham TW1 3AB
0203 817 9388
www.theroyaloaktwickenham.co.uk/
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