The Royal Oak, Derby

A classic multi-roomed pub with a well-preserved interior. The external features are ordinary by comparison, and are not improved by the tent-like shelters in front that seem to have become permanent - they're pictured in Alan's photo of 2010 and are still there now. As well as being on Camra's heritage pubs database, the pub received an award for having been in the Good Beer Guide for 50 years. The pub was run by the same licensee for 68 years - a record - and since her death in 2019 is now run by her son-in-law with the help of his two daughters. He proudly showed me a display of the beers that he commissioned from 12 mostly local breweries (one per month) to celebrate his mother-in-law's 60 years in the pub. There were three beers on at the time of my visit (see photo), and I went for the Bass, which was in good but not outstanding condition. My visit had to be a quick one because of the bus timetable, though as it turned out the bus was taken out of service and I had to walk about a mile to the main road for a different bus back into Spondon. Perhaps a longer visit in summer would be better.

Official site of The Royal Oak - www.royaloakockbrook.com

Official site of The Royal Oak - www.royaloakockbrook.com

A charming gem run by the same family since the early 50's which probably accounts for the unspoilt and traditional interior.Once past the large awning giving cover to the benches for smokers,the entrance leads to a door to the Tap room to the left and Snug to the right.The Tap room is basic with a large fitted bench running around the walls while the Snug is smaller,carpeted,one wall wood panneled,an electric fire and a tiny serving hatch with a bell cord. Along the central corridor,the main bar is in the middle of the building surrounded by more bench seating and this is where the regulars gather.At the rear there is a large restaurant,but still retaining a 50's atmosphere while I failed to discover both the skittles alley and games room during my lunchtime trip. The welcome was genuine and very friendly and besides the regular Bass,the three guests were Derventio Olive's (Diamond) Pale to celebrate Olive's 60 years at the pub,Rudgate Ready Malted and Falstaff Plato MILD,top quality and £3.10.Modest muzak of ballards completed the calm atmosphere.No sign of any machines,flatscreens or other modern distractions. Food is popular here and I had a good ham bap and salad for £3.75,while mains seemed priced £6-£7 with a lot of daily specials.As Alan notes the pub closes weekday afternoons at 2.30pm,it doesnt seem the sort of pub that appeals to all day drinkers anyway.A GBG regular and quite rightly so,it has won numerous local CAMRA awards. If you are in the area this is a must visit,only a shame I live so far away.I doubt if I will find many better pub on my travels this year.