Pro Vs Punter The Royal Oak, Cotswolds

Does a regular diner reach the same conclusion about a restaurant as a food pro, who may get special treatment if recognised?* Laura Rowe and Olive reader Natalie Bacci-Evers compare notes on this pub focussed on local, seasonal produce

- Laura Rowe

The Royal Oak

Husband and wife team Richard and Solanche Craven have refurbished The Royal Oak in the Cotswolds to breathe life back into Whatcote’s village pub. The kitchen focusses on British wild food ‘shot to order’ by gamekeepers, and works with local suppliers, along with others in Scotland and Cornwall, to create seasonal dishes. Try pig’s head and black pudding lasagne with cider reduction; fallow buck with salt-baked turnip; or rabbit wellington with mashed potato and farmhouse cabbage. Comforting desserts include preserved pear with hogweed and ‘cobnut bits and bobs’, and South African wines (a nod to Solanche’s heritage) feature heavily. 

The Cravens are committed to retaining the local-pub ethos in the bar and have sourced beers and lager from DEYA in Cheltenham, Clouded Minds near Banbury and Warwickshire’s Purity. The gin cabinet also boasts Countess Grey from the Cotswolds. theroyaloakwhatcote.co.uk

Our pro says…

Fans of Richard and Solanche – they made firm friends with foodies at their last home, The Chef’s Dozen in Chipping Campden, and before that at The Fuzzy Duck at Armscote – won’t be surprised at the stark refurb of The Royal Oak. 

Contemporary and minimal with whitewashed walls, clothless tables and ivory leather seats – for some it will feel cold, but there are nooks around a fire to warm up in. We’re met with huge smiles on arrival and chatted with as if we’re regulars. *I was recognised.