The Royal Oak, Warminster

An attractive looking Wadworth’s pub with plenty of hanging baskets and such like, it’s set back off the road with a crescent shape garden in front of it and a sweeping drive around with an entrance on either side. Although the front garden is a pleasant enough spot, it is perhaps a little noisy from the traffic but fortunately there is also a more peaceful garden at the rear. Internally it consists of a number of rooms with the main bar counter being in the central one. This is quite elegant with full wood panelling on much of the walls, making it somewhat reminiscent of a hotel drawing room. A small brick fireplace was off to the right and all the tables were laid up for food. To the left was a room called the Stables Bar, and this had quite a different character with exposed stone walls painted yellow, black beams on the ceiling and numerous copper pans hanging on the walls. All the tables here were laid up for food as well, and in fact this had more the feel of a dining room. To the right was the Duck & Grouse Bar, and this was definitely more geared up for drinking with a pool table, darts board and dogs welcome sign. Beyond this again at the rear of the pub was a further dining area, perhaps a little more contemporary in appearance with a wood strip floor and plenty of windows as well as a skittle alley. Beers on tap were all from Wadworths with their Swordfish, IPA and 6X whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and Stowford Press.