2 courses £24.00 / 3 courses £29.00
We are thrilled to be taking part in the Exmoor Food Fest this year. Having opened our doors for the first time just before Christmas it’s fair to say that the last few weeks have been a whirlwind! As we’re new on the scene we’d like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about who we are and how we got here…
When the Orchard Inn (now The Royal Oak) closed its doors for the last time back in the summer of 2023 it left a gap in the local community having been trading as a pub for many years. Happily a new collaboration of two very differing local businesses was soon underway – Bloodstock agent Tom Malone not only saw huge potential in the pub, but also very much enjoyed being able to walk to his local and didn’t want to see it gone – he met with Jon and Millie (The Bear Inn, Wiveliscombe and The Martlet Inn, Langford Budville) and the concept of the all new Royal Oak was born.
Having traded as The Orchard Inn for 20 years one of the first decisions made was to return the pub to it’s original name ‘The Royal Oak’ and this has been warmly welcomed across the local area. A complete refurbishment of the building ensued with Tom’s brother Dave carrying out the work – he has created a truly stunning setting within the pub itself – creating a spacious and welcoming environment combining some beautiful racing-themed touches within well designed bar and restaurant areas. The wonderful garden area to the rear will be completed before Spring with plenty of al-fresco dining tables alongside comfy undercover seating.
We are now up and running having opened our doors for the first time on the 15th December 2023. Jon and Millie focus on preserving the individual history and local feel of their businesses and always strive to be accessible to all and to provide venues that are truly at the centre of their local communities; ‘Good pubs are so much more than a place to eat and drink – a truly successful pub is one that holds it’s local community at its heart and values every single person that walks through the door – customers and staff alike. Alongside this there needs to be a ‘buzz’ – the soul of the business is translated into it’s atmosphere and this should be vibrant, eclectic and interesting. The Royal Oak has been designed with all of this in mind, we’ll have regular music sessions along with dining events and more, and our excellent team love nothing better than welcoming customers, old and new, with open arms.’.
The kitchen team is headed up by local chefs with Robin Lear and Grahame Dewar and it’s fair to say they are working their wonders – the menu offers good home-cooking with professional twists and tweaks that elevate their dishes beyond the realm of standard pub-meals whilst also remaining true to our ethos of tasty, honest cuisine. When asked about their food the chefs will always come back to the provenance of their ingredients – ‘we use high quality local produce from suppliers that we have formed amazing working relationships with while cooking in this fantastic part of the world.’. Grahame’s desserts on their own are worth the trip to see us!
In essence The Royal Oak offers a warm and welcoming place in which to meet for a drink or a meal – even just for a morning coffee. There are two screens showing racing and sport in the front bar area which also holds a pool table – and the spacious restaurant at the back of the property has a log burner and provides a peaceful and relaxing setting for a special occasion or just a nice meal out.
As part of the Exmoor Food Fest 2024 we are offering a set-priced two or three course menu that will run alongside our main menu. The Exmoor menu will be available lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday throughout February. We hope to welcome you soon!
Exmoor Food Fest offer:
2 courses £24.00
3 courses £29.00
Thursday 1st February until Saturday 2nd March 2024
Lunch & Dinner Monday – Saturday
Lunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Dinner: 5pm – 9pm
To book please call 01823 401330 or email info@theroyaloakhillcommon.co.uk and quote Exmoor Food Festival.
Address: The Royal Oak (formerly the Orchard Inn), Hillcommon, Taunton, TA4 1DS
Facebook: @theroyaloakhillcommon
Web: www.theroyaloakhillcommon.co.uk
Exmoor Food Fest 