The Royal Oak
Lee McMurray
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Set in lush West Sussex countryside, with first-class fare and superb accommodation, The Royal Oak is more than just a country pub.
Just an hour's drive out of London, on the edge of the Goodwood Estate, is the Royal Oak. From the outside it seems like a typical country pub, but since buying the property three years ago, Nick Savilland and his wife have transformed it into a well-regarded gastro pub, with high-class accommodation.
The décor and design is everything you'd expect; exposed brick, white washed ceilings and timber beams, but there's a modern flair and mod cons mixed in with the classic English charm. In among the rooms' plush, wooden beds, quaint furnishings and sumptuous red leather sofas, you'll find high-spec audio and video systems, and contemporary furniture and fittings.
If you're feeling flush, The Royal Oak rents out a self-contained flint cottage at the rear of the pub, in which you'll find more cosy leather furniture. The cottage also has fantastic views of the North Downs, and comes complete with a spacious wet room.
The jewel in the Royal Oak's crown, though, has to be the restaurant, which is nearly always packed to the rafters with locals and guests. A huge variety of dishes are on offer, from traditional Sunday roasts to more adventurous seafood dishes, like skate with prosciutto and potato salad. Wine lovers will be spoilt for choice, as the Royal Oaks cellars are filled with some pricey but exceptional vintages.
And if the views of the English countryside from your bedroom aren't enough, you can always jump in a plane at the nearby Goodwood Flying School and take in the surrounding area from 2000feet up in the air. The school is keen to give all comers, including complete beginners, a chance to gain mastery of the cockpit.
Room rates :
Single £55-60; Double £80-99; Cottage £90-100 (all mid-week- weekend)
Phone :
01243 527 434
Address :
Pook Lane, East Lavant, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0AX
Map :
link to Multimap
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