Royal Oak, Tunbridge Wells

I’ve driven past the Royal Oak more times than I care to remember, so I’m not sure why I’d not visited before my visit on bank holiday Monday a couple of weeks ago. The walls are wood panelled throughout and the U-shaped Island bar has counters that face banquettes and sofas across the windows either side of the front entrance, tables and a large glass display case full of old Good Beer Guides up the right-hand wall and open plan seating at the rear between booths up the left-hand wall and a live performance area with piano in the right rear corner. Up the left behind the bar are some tables, chairs and a bar billiards table. Televisions throughout were playing muted snooker on the BBC and there was some very low background music. Live music is advertised for the weekends and there’s a quiz every other Wednesday. The counter supports premium keg alongside seven hand pumps that were drawing Harveys Best, Gadd’s HPA, Titsey Brewing’s Extra Special Birthday and Kent Brewery’s Black Gold alongside Turners Apple Pie Cider and Charrington’s The Earl’s Reserve Cider. The final hand pump has two Lilley’s cider clips, so I assume there were a couple of boxes somewhere behind the counter. I found the ESB to be a bit sweet so I wouldn’t have it again. I thought the governor was very friendly and even though it was very quiet I enjoyed my visit, so I’ll be returning at some point.