Royal Oak, Andover

Official site of Royal Oak - www.royaloakclatford.co.uk

Official site of Royal Oak - www.royaloakclatford.co.uk

A nice looking country pub which, on entry, feels a bit contrived. No real local feeling, it feels more like a Home Counties set piece than a Hampshire rural pub. There is a single L-shaped bar with a fireplace in the middle. Outside, a large garden and plenty of parking make it feel spacious but somehow like an ideal set for a remake of Stepford Wives. There are various theme nights – curry night, fish night, quiz night etc. They offer takeaway food, including curry and burgers. There are a mix of comfy chairs and dining tables, and it’s generally a comfortable place to sit. The only ale on was Clatford Best, which was disappointing considering ti was brewed by Flack Manor. Ciders were a better bet, from Lilley’s and Westford’s. Large hydrants on the bar dispensed Guinness and Amstel. It’s not too bad, but the lack of character and poor beer quality let it down.

A rather lovely-looking pub in an idyllic little village served by two boozers. Nicely kitted-out, with half-wall wood panelling. Items of note included a pool table, dartboard cabinet (I assume a board was behind the doors!) and an upright piano. An impressive beer garden, a rear terrace leading down to a grass area surrounded by trees. Three ales; Bowmans Swift One (disappointing, musty tasting and bit flat), Doom Bar and Ringwood Best (double clipped) plus Lilleys Apple and Pear cider. If the ale had been better I would have easily given this a 7.