The Royal Oak, Slough

Small Chef & Brewer ticking most of their usual boxes. L-shaped interior in a decent state of decor with the chain’s regular faux-rustic finishing. Just three ales and a dull choice too: Bombardier (so-so), GK IPA and London Pride. Nowt to really recommend it as a destination, very functional compared to others in the same stable.

The Royal Oak is a fairly large food orientated pub belonging to the Chef and Brewer chain, which is situated in the village of Farnham Common on the main A40 route from Junction 2 of the M40 to Slough. Fortunately it’s a lot closer to the M40 junction than it is to Slough. Although it’s primarily focussed on the food menu, the pub still has a decent size bar area to the left of the main door as you enter, which is subdivided into three distinct sections supporting a decent sized brick fireplace in the main one and a couple of fruit machines to the smaller sections around the back of the central bar serving area. The dining section to the right of the entrance is larger and again subdivided into three sections. The decor throughout, although obviously a modern refurbishment, keeps a traditional pub feel, with loads of solid wood beams and wooden tables and chairs. The pub also benefits from a large car park and a sizeable benched outside drinking area to the side and back of the pub. There are three hand pumps on the bar and these were Fullers London Pride, Adnams Bitter and a guest pump which was supporting the tempting, but completely unhelpful ‘guest beer coming soon’ clip. The pride was decent enough and all in all, if I had to divert off the M40 to find somewhere to eat and drink I would certainly ignore the services on Junction 2 and drive the extra couple of miles to this place.