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Royal Oak, Clifton Village, Bristol

50 The Mall
Bristol
BS8 4JG
Phone: 01179738846

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


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 22nd April 2022 - rating: 5
[User has posted 1937 recommendations about 1850 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 7th February 2015 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 365 recommendations about 347 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


ROB Camra left this review about St. Vincents

Reopened as St. Vincents which is a high class restaurant. But they still have a bar area which sells St Austell Tribute and a guest. God knows how much a pint will cost though as they specialise in Lobster & Steak and don't even publish the prices on their website.

Time for one of our locals to treat themselves?

On 2nd February 2015 - no rating submitted
[User has posted 3216 recommendations about 3127 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Blackthorn _ left this review about The Royal Oak

A popular local in the heart of Clifton village, this is one of the more unspoilt pubs in the locality that seems to have resisted the urge to be “done up” and instead maintains much of it’s original character.

The front bar which faces out on to the street is the focal point of the pub, and was packed to capacity on a recent early Friday evening visit with many of the punter s appearing to have gone in straight from work. To the right is an old exposed stonework chimney with a large Aga like device in the recess, although the flat screen TV mounted above it perhaps spoiled the effect somewhat. Various pictures adorned the walls and a number of cricket bats in a glass framed case were hung above the bar. There were also a couple of old “street lamp” style lamps fixed to the chimney breast and a number of black beams were on the ceiling giving a suitably rustic feel to the place. Seating here is somewhat limited with just four or five small round tables. Up a few steps to the rear is a more traditional room with some whitewashed brickwork at the rear and a few solid tables along with some pew style seating.

Beers on tap were Doom Bar, Tribute, Courage Best & Butcombe. Ciders were well represented with a trio from Thatcher’s - Gold, Heritage and Dry along with Cornish Rattler.

On 16th December 2013 - rating: 7
[User has posted 1937 recommendations about 1850 pubs]


Please Note: This review is over a year old.


Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Royal Oak

I nearly walked by, but was glad that I didn't. Nice friendly pub, with a good 'local' atmosphere. Recommended.

On 10th September 2006 - rating: 8
[User has posted 8066 recommendations about 8066 pubs]