Royal Oak, Stafford

A detached Joule's Brewery pub and eatery. It is a Georgian styled former coaching in fronted by a white renderd stoa with the name of the brewery and the pub in black. There is some nice coloured glass in the front windows. There is a patio area at the back. The interior is sympathetically restored in a pub once owned by Geoff Hurst of West Ham and England world cup winner. As you walk in, to the left, there is a nice dining area in cream and wood panel, with wood floor. There are paintings on the walls. In front of you there is a small self contained bar, called the Farmer's Bar, enclosed by predominantly glass walls. This room too is in cream, with wood floor and there is a chimney with small fireplace. To the right is the main bar room, which is in wood panel, with a bit of red and a mix of wood and stone flooring. There is a large brick fireplace with stove. A large barrel in the middle of the room is the main other feature. The whole pub has a white and beam ceiling. There are some small Joule's posters dotted about, especially in the corridor heading to the loos. The service was really good and friendly and there seemed to be a few locals in, as well as a few diners. I didn't try the food so i can't comment on that. There was no TV that i saw and there was no music playing. Beer; usual tap stuff with a decent Joule's Blonde, Pale Ale and Slumbering Monk on handpull. Worth waiting for - it was undergoing a refurbishment at my last visit. Another cracker in Eccleshall. I want to move here.

Just so that everyone knows, The Royal Oak is back in business, completely revamped to a high standard and serving a great pint and marvellous food. Well worth a visit.

nice old pub, I had a nice pint of lager in there the other day, but will give it one star for now.. note this pub is in ECCLESHALL