The Royal Oak Inn

The charming 17th-Century Royal Oak Inn is an informal and cosy converted coaching inn located just off the A40 outside Cheltenham. The interior retains some beautiful original features, with a delightful fireplace and stunning beams throughout: no wonder it's so popular with the locals. The Royal Oak Inn has been on the Gloucestershire 'ale trail' for the past three years and offers barbecues and beer festivals in the warmer months and a cosy haven from the cold when winter comes.

The atmosphere is welcoming to all, including your four-legged friends, and the menu offers good quality pub grub in ample portions; the stomach-busting mixed grill special incorporates a list of meat to marvel at. I opted for a starter of breaded Brie served with a crisp, well-dressed salad, followed by a classic steak and kidney pie with horseradish mash; my companion had the local crunchily-battered whitebait to precede a tender pheasant breast in red wine jus, all washed down with locally-brewed Stanway ale. We ended our meal with a lovely cheesecake and a warming spotted dick pudding and custard.

The Royal Oak Inn is a friendly, family-orientated pub with a great atmosphere which offers quality food at great prices - perfect for a Sunday lunch after a long stroll in the beautiful local countryside.