Helen Browning's Royal Oak

Pub · Bishopstone

Helen Browning's Royal Oak

Pub · Bishopstone

Cues Ln, Bishopstone, Swindon SN6 8PP, United Kingdom

Highlights

Organic farm-to-table dining with rustic inn charm

Cues Ln, Bishopstone, Swindon SN6 8PP, United Kingdom Get directions

helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk

@helenbrowningsroyaloak

@iescape

Helen Browning's Royal Oak, Wiltshire, UK - Explore & Book

"In the pretty hamlet of Bishopstone, tucked at the foot of the Wiltshire Downs, Helen Browning (Soil Association CEO and organic farming pioneer) has created a little haven of good food, sound sleep and healthy outdoor living, with help from her partner Tim Finney and a wonderfully enthusiastic young team. This is far more than a pub. A second building houses 12 quirky bedrooms with farmy artworks, blissful mattresses, clawfoot tubs and the odd designer piece; plus a 'Wallow' room for table football, old vinyls to spin, and a wide-ranging honesty bar. There are shady gardens and sheltered outdoor dining spots to relax with a book, or a pint of golden Arkells, or a plate of succulent home-grown pork belly with salsa verde and fresh picked salad. A small shop sells organic produce (mostly their own), while down the lane lies a private campsite by a secluded brook, and grassy picnic spots where you can graze on one of their lovingly crafted hampers. Around you are 1500 hectares of mixed working farm to explore, ideally as part of a guided farm safari. Spot rare corn buntings, trilling skylarks, wheeling kites; visit rewilded hedgerows and experimental fruit orchards; watch piglets snuffle at your feet. Or head off along the ancient Ridgeway trail to the White Horse and Iron Age fort of Uffington. This is a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from devices and reconnect with nature. Highs We love the friendly, low-key vibe which Tim and his team have created: a warm, sincere welcome, including dogs and muddy boots Our farm safari was an unexpected highlight: James' passion ranges from yellowhammers to riverine ecosystems Dinners and breakfasts are simply delicious: you can't beat the meat for freshness! The location is ideal for a weekend break from London, Bristol, or the Midlands: all within 1-2 hours' drive Superb value too, with rooms starting from £100 or less Lows In terms of services, this is more pub than hotel (no reception desk, for example); but there's always someone around to help No drawers or wardrobes for storing belongings, which could be annoying for longer stays Apart from Uffington's White Horse and hillfort, there are no stellar 'attractions' here: just miles of beautiful rural countryside" - Michael Cullen

https://www.i-escape.com/helen-brownings-royal-oak

View Postcard for Helen Browning's Royal Oak

JaMarcus Joe

Google

I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the restaurant. It was my first time coming here. A friend of mine recommended we come here and I'm glad I did. The food, drinks and service was great! The staff was attentive and most enjoyable. Louise took our orders and was delightful to engage with. The ambiance and the lighthearted talks with the staff made it worthwhile. As an American and a first-timer visiting the UK really made me enjoy my time. I hope to be back!!

Quinonostante

Google

Simply sublime stay at this perfectly placed gem of a small hotel.||Booked literally last minute when our flight was delayed and it was too tiring to complete our onward journey home. ||Our room upstairs had a huge bed and two super comfy easy chairs. Spacious shower room.||Everything here is designed for your comfort and relaxation, great mugs for your morning coffee with fresh milk! Fluffy towels, plush pillows. Great attention has been taken when it comes to detail within these individually designed rooms. ||We wiled away a pleasant hour in the comfy wallow. ||Fresh breakfast, great produce. ||Super friendly folk! ||Love this place.

JoJo Archer

Google

Just back from an overnight stop over to this beautiful place. Supper was divine, food of highest quality, majority of the food from their farm and prices match the quality. The staff were extremely attentive and friendly, the locals we met were talking to us giving us routes for walks, talking about how friendly the village is. The breakfast we had the next morning was the tastiest bacon roll I have ever eaten! Fresh soft roll, bacon that tasted like bacon, all washed down with a latte. What is nice is that we sat outside for both meals as the weather was beautiful. The birds singing in the trees, the sun rising above the vast countryside is just stunning. We will certainly be back, never been made to feel as welcome anywhere like we were here! I do not have enough words to recommend this pub, you have to see for yourself! Thank you so much for a beautiful relaxing weekend

erictG9460MG

Google

At a loose end in Bristol, so decided to return to this scenic pub which specialises in fantastic food. |On arrival I could hear the strums of Careless Whisper , Jazz style being played by a Jazz band in the pub garden. |Being a soup buff, I started with the splendid soup followed by an incredible beef burger which was just bursting with beef, the addition of cheese and bacon was immaculate.|Jürgen the energetic and friendly chef and his band of helpers do grand job from their on location shack under the watchful eye of the entertaining Tim .|An array of youthful waiters do a mighty fine job keeping the ale flowing and tables stocked with food orders to keep the punters happy.|This is a must for people to visit , can't praise it enough, and I will be back.

Charles Lee

Google

Remarkable pub in an idyllic setting as part of a butchery on site. Friendly and welcoming staff. Wonderful menu, highly recommend the sharing platter which is a hearty and locally sourced 2-3 course menu. They also have a unique "Pork and Ride" service where one of the staff will collect you from your home/work in a Defender 130 and return you at the end of the night, for a small tip! Seats 10 so great for medium/larger groups!

Brendan Rogers

Google

Stayed for a night in early July of this year. Excellent stay, it's exactly what we needed and and absolutely up to our expectations. It was all nice and easy going. Would definitely return and hope to do so.

Ste_NJ

Google

Sunday lunch should have been busy and wasn’t. I had beef roast. Some elements of the food were great, others a little odd (small squishy tough roast potatoes, horseradish sauce). Vegetarian tart excellent. Ambience out of character with an old pub. Young service staff worked hard. Many better value choices around. Too much price difference for me.

Picpoul

Google

You cannot fault the endeavour here which offers accommodation, entertainment/events, farm shop, cafe, organic produce and excellent heritage in a great location.The service and welcome was brilliant as well. Excellent drinks range and cask beer. My slightly lower rating is down to some of the lunch menu offerings and variety. Seasonal asparagus sings for itself but on toast? with dry cabbage? - didn’t really wow. You’d expect oustanding meat here but the gammon was underwhelming, some said ‘chewy’. Ok they do offer pulled pork and grilled mackerel (and of course pizzas and burgers), and they could be fantastic. I know I seem nit-picky, but the bill was above average for a wine-free offering and I hoped for a little more zing. Won’t stop a return visit though or a recommendation.