Beefeater Royal Oak, Sevenoaks

Imposing roadhouse, now a Beefeater also serving the Premier Inn built on the land behind. Given the usual bland corporate treatment across the various seating / dining areas so nothing really to note inside. However, it does do real ale, albeit just Doom Bar from a pair of handpumps.

A Beefeater with an attached Premier Inn, so you know what to expect. It was previously a Whitbread pub and is a rebuilt 1930s roadside hotel. There is plenty of parking, handy given that it's next to the main road, and there is a Shell garage next door. The entrance foyer is fronted by an uninviting counter which impedes progress to the equally uninspiring bar, which in its turn was staffed by an ignorant troll with no communication skills. Despite being the only customers at the bar, there was no attempt to communicate with us or provide refreshment. Eventually we found a waitress who suggested we sit down and wait for service. The food which eventually arrived was substandard Beefeater microwaved rubbish and served only to provide calories. The décor wasn't that bad, some cheap-but interesting wall hangings and paintings, but the furniture was uncomfortable. Two ales on draft: I had Hobgoblin which was a little too cold but otherwise in average condition. Not the best place to stop for lunch, and I can't imagine wanting to come here for an evening's libation.