Royal Oak, Rising Brook, Stafford

Substantial suburban roadhouse towards the south edge of town, now a Sizzling pubco outlet. Partly opened-out inside, with the main bar centre and left and the several dining spaces off to the right, all with the usual semi-modern furniture and decor. Expansive beer garden at the back, with various wooden shelters as well as the usual picnic benches. Doom Bar and (thankfully) Purity Mad Goose (£3.65) from the bank of three handpumps at one end of the counter.

A massive detached pub/eatery in the Sizzling chain. It is in white brick, with white and timber framing with patio areas. It is Sizzling, therefore of course it is foody and the decor is the red, light green, dark green, yellow, salmon and white plain wall rainbow effect. Turn to the left on entry and walk to the end and you will find a bar kind of area, which has a pool table, darts, a TV with Sky Sports News and an array of sporting shirts to decorate the walls. The rest of the place is dining, though unlike other Sizzlers it is all on one level, and has a slight Ember Inns feel with the vases, lamp shades and twig things that are dotted about. There are lots of mirrors on the walls. The service was fine when you got it, as it was busy with quiz night diners. The clientele were a good general mix. I didn't eat here, so cant comment on the food. Beer; tap stuff, with Banks's Bitter (though this had just gone at my visit), Pedigree and a decent enough Spekky Hen on handpull. The quiz was a bit loud for me to stay and eat and the place is a bit too close to the sister chain Ember Inn style for my taste.