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Royal Oak, Ambleside

Market Place
Ambleside
LA22 9BU

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Pub Type

Greene King

Reviews (Current Rating Average: of 10) Add Review see review guidelines


Will Larter left this review about Royal Oak

The Royal Oak is still owned by Greene King but it is run by the same people as the Dog & Gun in Keswick, who seem to have an agreement that enables them to put other beers on the bar instead of theirs. At the time of my visit these were four from Kirkby Lonsdale brewery plus Timothy Taylor Landlord and Theakstons Old Peculier; other local breweries are often represented, such as Bowness Bay, Fell and Hawkshead. I had Kirkby Lonsdale's 1822, which was in very good condition. On another visit a few weeks later I had Bowness Bay Swan Blonde 4% which was also very good. This pub is on a prominent corner and gets lots of passing trade (very like the Dog & Gun in Keswick), which helps to keep the beers ticking over, I reckon. To be honest, I don't find it particularly pleasant or comfortable here, because of all the food and the dogs, and sometimes the people are a bit too much as well, but it's ok for the occasional beer at quieter times.

Date of visit: 20th December 2022

On 27th November 2023 - rating: 6
[User has posted 3699 recommendations about 3440 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Blue Scrumpy left this review about Royal Oak

Prominent and central pub in the tourist town of Ambleside. As I approached, there were plenty of people drinking outside, in spite of the cold weather. However, I was soon to count myself lucky by grabbing a small table inside.

For a Greene King pub, the ale range was impressive, primarily because there were no Greene King beers on! In fact, apart from Timothy Taylor Landlord & Theakston Old Peculier, the cask ale range was entirely from Kirby Lonsdale - Monumental, Stanley's, Tiffin Gold, Pennine Ambler, Ruskin's & Jubilee.

My Jubilee (stout) hit the spot nicely and I also received a 10% CAMRA discount.

The pub was very busy, even though they hadn't been serving any food. There are a number of different seating areas, where conversation dominates. Although, there was background music played at an acceptable level.

I rated the Queens Hotel (now the Ambleside Inn) as my favourite pub on my last visit. This was every much as good, if not better.

On 27th November 2021 - rating: 7
[User has posted 2442 recommendations about 2441 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Old Boots left this review about Royal Oak

Traditional pub, although owned by Greene King it had a range of eight from Kirkby Lonsdale brewery over all the pumps. Many small rooms make up the pub with the counter roughly in the centre room. Mix of decor styles, none actively distasteful, there’s lots of photos and stuff of various sorts. GBG 2021 listed and beer quality was up to the mark, service was pretty good as well in spite of there still being hoards of tourists about.

On 26th September 2021 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 3209 recommendations about 2920 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Al Bundy left this review about Royal Oak Inn

Very nice pub and a must for Half Man Half Biscuit fans. Real ales available. My only beef was that it was very dark inside when I was in the daytime.

On 3rd March 2015 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3487 recommendations about 3390 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Graham Coombs left this review about Royal Oak Inn

Surprisingly good town pub. Main bar room, with side rooms each side, and some tables outside at front. Lots of beams, with assorted agricultural junk and old pictures round the walls. Six handpumps with a good range of local beers, which seemed in fair condition. Food available. Worth a try if not too full of tourists.

On 31st August 2011 - rating: 8
[User has posted 3322 recommendations about 3259 pubs]