Literally just walked out of the Royal Oak and four of us had a lovely Sunday lunch after a long walk around the forest. Three beef roasts and one pizza. All lovely food, no complaints and no issues with any of our meals. We were here about 3 or 4 years ago when it was owned by someone else. It’s a little bit run down now and not much available on the menu, but the food we did have was lovely. Also if you’re visiting Bedgebury forest, I’d recommend parking here and walking into the forest, but only if you plan on having some food or drink in the Royal Oak as you have to register your car on the tablet inside the pub. Staff were all nice and the other punters (locals) were also nice and friendly.
We arrived at 1.30pm on a Saturday, on our way home. The first sign was, the car park was empty, but we have always given smaller pubs a chance. Boy, were we wrong. We walked to the side door where an older chap, turns out he was the landlord, saw us through the window by the door. He promptly shut the inside door in our face. This could have been to stop the two small whippet type dogs from getting out, but I'm sure he could have done that without being rude. Even a smile from him or the older woman (through another window inside the pub) would have been nice but no, very cold and unwelcoming. The young lady behind the bar (and the other lady from the kitchen) were lovely, and that's why there is a star on this reviewo otherwise, I would have liked to given no stars. The aspalls apple cyder was not on and, according to Mr Grumpy (who was struggling to light the coal fire as the room was so cold, you could see your breath) hadn't been on for a long time and neither had another one of the taps. Whilst this was going on, the two small dogs, who were lovely, were trying to greet my wife and I and were very welcoming. We ordered a pint to give the pub a chance, but there was zero atmosphere. My wife used the ladies, but everything was wet in there due to the condensation and the freezing temperature (it was, we later discovered, warmer in the car park). I highly recommend that you don't go here, if you do, don't say I didn't warn you. It's a shame for the barmaid and cook as they were lovely but the owner(s) were unwelcoming and colder than their pub.
The lady behind the bar was fabulous, and couldn't do enough to minimize the problem of the 'missing chef'. The menu is extensive and varied, so it was a shame the chef had gone AWOL. However, another chap who worked there was able to make us delicious fish & chips. If I were the owners, I would do everything possible to keep these two employees... they saved the day!
A 2 month old venture, with a previous period out of use, was enjoyable. The drinks are not over expensive, well-kept, and correctly served. Attached to a fish and chip takeaway, which I had used previously, I chose fish. Which was well presented with a small bowl of tartar sauce and wedge of lemon. The chips were cooked in untainted oil and arrived hot and crisp. The restaurant menu was not enormous (always a good sign). But catered for vegans and vegetarian requirements. A slight delay confirming it was all freshly cooked. Takeaway pizzas, dog friendly, a large venue with a dance floor and small garden. The toilets were spotless with no unpleasant smell. The hosts were very naturally friendly. There is a large car park with easy access directly from the A21 London to Hastings Road. Certainly, we will revisit.
I brought fish and chips for the family today and was very disappointed. A couple of months ago the fish and chips here was great - some of the best I’ve ever had. Something has changed since the pub opened. It seems the fish and chip shop now uses oven chips and bulk-purchased supermarket cod fillets. Can’t believe I paid £14 for 2 pieces of fish that I could have purchased for a couple of quid at a supermarket!! Such a shame as this was a really great place before the pub part opened. Avoid and go to a supermarket instead!
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Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5
4.7/5
Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5
4.6/5
Warming, comfortable and with a hint of quirk, our bar is the kind of place where long evenings begin. Where they end is never certain.
Ticehurst, Wadhurst, TN5
4.6/5
