This pub describes itself as a ‘friendly traditional local pub’, and it is just that. Set back from the sea-front and nestled between a row of terraced houses in the very charming, picture perfect Copse Road, it is one of Clevedon’s hidden gems where you are always assured of a very warm welcome as are your four-legged friends. There is no jukebox or fruit machines; it’s all about the friendly conversation.
The Royal Oak can be accessed from the sea-front via an alley which runs alongside Tiffin at the Beach – if you enter here, you will find yourself in a very cosy back room with an eclectic assortment of seating and a log fire. It is here that the Copse Road clan and other community groups meet regularly. What started out as the Cheese and Cider Society and quickly became Songs from the Shed sprang from this cosy back room. There is another room to the rear which is equally charming and also has a lovely log fire.
If you enter through the front you find yourself in a spacious bar area with wood flooring and wood panelling on the right hand and a sturdy wooden bar counter. To the left is a large stone fireplace with… yes you guessed it……….another fabulous log fire. The walls are home to nautical memorabilia such as a ship’s wheel, bell, part of a mast and a display of different types of knot. The notice board of community events is called ‘The Ship’s Log.’
The Royal Oak offers a classic and contemporary range of drinks. They are very popular with real ale drinkers and featured in the much sought after 2018 Camra Good Beer Guide. They serve five regular beers: Butcombe Original, Sharp’s Atlantic, Sharp’s Doom Bar, St Austell Tribute and a guest beer. They also have four lagers, four ciders and a wide selection of wines and soft drinks.
As well as great beer the Royal Oak also offers delicious bar snacks and light snacks, such as the Oak Ploughman, the Oak Aberdeen Angus Burger, the Oak Salad Bowl and the Oak Homemade Beef Chilli. They also offer a good selection of freshly baked baguettes, paninis and fresh rolls. These are available seven days a week from 12.00pm to 3.00pm.
The Royal Oak is another pub which could be described as a vibrant community hub, well known for their street parties. At their last street party in July, they had live music, a barbecue, a bouncy castle and children’s entertainment.
On 17th November from 7.30pm, they also have their very first race night, once again raising money for MacMillan. The first race will be 8.00pm so if you fancy a flutter get down there and buy yourself a horse. You can also sponsor a race for £10 and choose a free horse with the chance to win a bottle of wine, or be an owner for £2.50. Should be a great night and all for a very worthy cause
During the week, if you fancy an evening out, Monday is quiz night, there is Folk music every Wednesday and every Sunday there is local meat draw, £1 per ticket. There is also live music every last Sunday of the month. Sky and BT Sports TV are also available.
These are some of the great bands and singers that have played at the Royal Oak.
Still to come are Mayhem October 28th, Model Folk November 25th and Emma Broughan on New Year’s Eve.
Find out more about the Royal Oak here: