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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat on the Pub Forum

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Submitted on Sunday, 20^th March 2022
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Royal Oak, Clifton Village, Bristol

50 The Mall
Bristol
BS8 4JG

Phone: 01179738846

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Served areas

Clifton Village

Reviews of Royal Oak (Average Rating: 6½ of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

E TA left this review about Royal Oak

The layout remains as described by Blackthorn, though our experience was probably more pleasant than his as the bar wasn't too crowded during our afternoon visit. The barman was a bit dense, and the pub lacked any real character, but the ales were in good condition and there was plenty of room to sit and relax. The TV was showing live tennis. Ales on were Joy of Sesh, Warwick's BOB, Wiper and True Pale Ale and Bristol's My Citra Romance. The keg range included Guinness, Amstel and Inch's Cider. Food and drink prices were low for the area, so it was better value than many other nearby outlets. I'd be happy to come back in for a pint of two if passing.

On 14^th February 2025 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3517 recommendations about 3481 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Blackthorn _ left this review about Royal Oak

Recently re-opened after a somewhat chequered history of late, this closed as a pub a few years ago and then went through spells as a couple of short-lived restaurants, so it’s good to see it now back to being a proper pub. Unfortunately, that’s where the good news ends though. Whereas before it was quite a traditional pub with some character, now it’s been completely stripped out and modernised and feels distinctly lacking in any character whatsoever.

It's a good-sized pub split over a couple of different levels, as well as a further lounge and restaurant upstairs, although we did not investigate this. Décor wise there is much pale wood strip on the floor as well as some chequered tile style lino at the front. Paintwork is a mixture of salmon, aqua blue and pale blue whilst there were also some rough wooden planks affixed to the wall in places. Seating was a mixture of brown leather banquette seating affixed to the walls and high chunky wooden chairs elsewhere. Various reproduction period photographs were dotted around the walls, but these were rather overshadowed by multiple large TV screens showing various sports channels. The acoustics also seemed particularly noisy, even though it was relatively quiet on our Thursday evening visit. I hate to think what it must be like when it’s busy.

Beers on tap were Star and Bob from Wickwar and Butcombe Gold, whilst a fourth pump appeared to have run out. Ciders meanwhile were Inch’s Medium, Old Mout Berry & Cherry and Blackthorn. Overall, whilst it’s good to see this back to being a proper pub, I was quite disappointed with it and would be unlikely to return with far better options just a stone’s throw away.

On 22^nd April 2022 - rating: 5
[User has posted 2060 recommendations about 1962 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Jonathan Wilde left this review about St. Vincents

This has been a place I've been meaning to visit since it closed and got converted to its new guise. As mentioned this is still a pub/bar which was reaffirmed on my visit this morning when asking are you open only to be told yes for drinks.

The restaurant area is tucked out of sight from the front bar area so doesn't have the feel of a restaurant although I was there when food wasn't being served.

As well as the food there is a comprehensive cocktail and whisky menu with some quite astronomical prices.

The bar area itself contains 3 tall tables with stools with some additional stools at the bar. As a new venue is modern and contemporary with bi-fold windows that will be opened in better climes.

To set Rob's mind at ease the price of an Amstel was a mere £4.00 which for this past of Bristol is deemed reasonable. However a Meantime London pale ale was £4.50.

On 7^th February 2015 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 367 recommendations about 349 pubs]

View more reviews of Royal Oak (6)

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