The Royalty Inn, Christchurch

The Royalty is a traditional style pub whose close proximity to the nearby fishery makes it a popular haunt for anglers. The interior is effectively 2 bars surrounding a modern brick island bar with an unusual roof-tiled canopy. The fishing theme is quite evident throughout with various angling displays, photos of anglers and their prized catches, angling equipment and some aquaria. The ceiling contains some trellises from which a variety of plastic plants dangle. A dart board can be found at the rear and there are a couple of fruit/games machines and a TV. It was a pleasant enough place but there was little on the beer front with the only ale being Ringwood Best despite the presence of 6 hand pumps which may go some way to explaining why the place was virtually deserted at a peak time on a Friday night whilst most of the other pubs we visited were attracting healthy crowds. It’s not the worst place in town but it doesn’t really stretch itself to warrant a specific visit.