The Royal Oak

Owned by none other than Michael Parkinson & his son Nick, this village pub has now been put on the culinary map with the appointment of ex-Hinds Head chef Dominic Chapman, whose sturdy cooking chimes well with the quality ingredients that make up the seasonal menu. Start with a beautifully executed Jerusalem artichoke soup with robustly flavoured anchovy toast, or dandelion salad given fresh, sweet flavours by a judicious helping of pear, stilton & walnuts. The high standards are maintained in a comforting combination of Cornish brill with brown shrimps, while roast grouse partnered with apple jelly, bread sauce, gravy & potato crisps fried in game fat, won’t disappoint. Puddings may be safe & familiar, but the likes of bread & butter pudding & rhubarb trifle are well rendered. Decor of stone tiles, exposed brick walls & wooden tables is delightfully country-ish.