2 courses £24.00 / 3 courses £29.00
The team at The Royal Oak, Hillcommon, are thrilled to be taking part in Exmoor Food Festival 2024. Having opened the doors for the first time just before Christmas, it’s fair to say the past few weeks have been a whirlwind!
When the Orchard Inn (now The Royal Oak) closed its doors in the summer of 2023, the loss of their pub left a gap in the local community. Happily, two local businesses came together to step in and fill the void.
Bloodstock agent Tom Malone saw huge potential in the pub and its location – he’d enjoyed being able to walk to his local and didn’t want it to go. Tom approached Jon and Millie, known for their successes as owners of The Bear Inn, Wiveliscombe and The Martlet Inn, Langford Budville, and through their collaboration, the all-new Royal Oak was born.
First, the pub’s name was changed from The Orchard to the original name, ‘The Royal Oak’ – which was warmly welcomed by locals. Next up, a complete refurbishment of the building took place. Tom’s brother Dave carried out the work, creating a spacious, free-flowing space with a brighter, welcoming bar and restaurant.
As a nod to both Tom and the local region’s equestrian connection, there are racing-themed touches throughout the pub. The wonderful garden area to the rear will be completed before spring with plenty of al-fresco dining tables alongside comfy undercover seating.
Jon and Millie stepped in with their magic. The pair instinctively know the importance of preserving a pub’s history and its significance to the locals. As with their other pubs, Jon and Millie set out to make The Royal Oak accessible to all. They explain:
‘Good pubs are much more than a place to eat and drink. A successful pub holds its community at its heart and values every person who walks through the door – customers and staff alike. It also needs buzz. The soul of the business translated into an atmosphere that’s vibrant, eclectic, and interesting. Every pub is unique and should reflect the community it serves.’
The Royal Oak has been designed with all of this in mind; there are plans for regular music sessions, dining events, and other activities to bring people together.
Outstanding local chefs Robin Lear and Grahame Dewar were brought in to work their wonders. Their menu is like the best home cooking with professional twists and tweaks that elevate dishes beyond standard pub fare yet remain faithful to the ethos of tasty, honest cuisine.
When asked about their food, the chefs always return to the provenance of their ingredients; there’s an abundance of fine producers in Somerset.
‘We use high-quality local produce from suppliers we’ve got great relationships with, like Tim Potter, the 2024 Butcher of the Year. We’re lucky to be located in this fantastic corner of the world. Grahame’s desserts alone are worth the trip to see us!’
With bells ringing out to mark the occasion, The Royal Oak opened its doors for the first time on the 15th of December, 2023.
It’s a warm and welcoming place to meet for a drink, a tasty meal, or even a morning coffee.
Two screens show racing and sport in the front bar area, which also has a pool table. The spacious restaurant towards the back, with its cosy log burner and garden views, provides a peaceful, relaxing setting for a special occasion or a nice meal out.
As part of Exmoor Food Fest 2024, we’re offering a set-priced two or three-course menu that will run alongside our main menu. The Food Fest menu will be available for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday through February.
Jon, Millie, and the whole Royal Oak team look forward to welcoming 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 778178 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 