The Royal Oak is one of the few remaining pubs in the ancient town of Ashburton. Situated in the very centre of the town, it attracts custom more, I feel, because of its location than its style.
While the beer is local and reasonable, I can't say that it felt very homely; functional would be a better description. Barstaff were not eaxactly overfriendly either. There is a decent enough menu and people were eating although I didn't partake so can't comment on the quality of the food. What did stand out was the appalling noise emanating from the loudspeakers incessant modern music of a type calcualted to drive most older potential customers away.
Ashburton used to have a plethora of pubs but is now down to just 5. Of the 3 that I visited last week, this one was bottom of my list and I won't be going back. read more