The Royal Oak

I return to the Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe which is owned by famous Top Gear presenter, James May. I also hear he has his own gin now, I’d wheelie excited to try that… I’m so sorry.

Enough of the puns. Nestled just six miles from Salisbury, The Royal Oak, part-owned by James May, is a gem I couldn’t resist revisiting. On a lovely spring day, I found myself drawn to this delightful pub, which I previously reviewed in a short video. As I approached, the birds chirping and the vibrant blooms set the stage for a relaxing afternoon. I was in a really good mood today!

The ambience of The Royal Oak is incredibly inviting, with a beautifully appointed bar featuring three real ales. Although I couldn’t indulge in the drinks due to my driving, the extensive menu made my mouth water. From snacks and sharers to starters, classics, and puddings, there’s something for everyone. I was particularly tempted by the pan-fried scallops, but I saved that delight for another visit.

For my starter, I chose the asparagus and pea soup, which came adorned with crème fraîche, herb oil, and house malted bread for £8. When it arrived, it looked like a picture on a plate, bursting with the aroma of fresh asparagus and peas. I savoured the malted bread and butter that accompanied it, though I regrettably mixed in the crème fraîche, ruining the beautiful presentation. The soup itself was a harmonious blend of flavours, needing little seasoning to enhance its natural taste.

Next came my main course, the braised shoulder of lamb for £24, served with garlic and herb potatoes, rocket pesto, and tender stem broccoli. I couldn’t help but admire its presentation; it truly was a work of art. The lamb was incredibly tender and packed with flavour, beautifully complemented by the crispy potatoes.

Every bite was an absolute delight, and I must say it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
For dessert, I opted for the honey and lavender sponge with lemon curd and poppy seed tuile with yogurt sorbet, priced at £8.50. The combination of flavours was exquisite, particularly the refreshing yogurt sorbet that balanced the sweetness beautifully.

Reflecting on my experience, I almost rated The Royal Oak a perfect 10 and in hindsight, I made a mistake not to award it a perfect 10/10. My gripe about the dessert being too small was unfair and on this occasion, I got it wrong.

The service was top-notch, the beer selection impressive, and the overall vibe made for a memorable visit. If you find yourself near Salisbury, I wholeheartedly recommend stopping by The Royal Oak—especially in summer when you can enjoy the lovely beer garden. Don’t forget to check out the letting rooms, too! Well done James May & co.