Royal Oak

Hello, since my last review I am now happy to say at last things have been turned around now.

I wandered in there on Saturday evening to sample the beer. I tried the Farmer's Blonde and it was excellent. It was the only beer I tried and I was more than happy to stay with my choice for several more.

Hello, I visited the Royal Oak, or The Pond as we locals call it, and as usual I asked for a pint of Carling. I ask for that as I know that the beer in this pub is hardly ever worth trying, as it is badly kept.

Last night in particular was a classic example of how this pub is managed. It has at least four beer pumps on the bar and three were out of action, as there was no beer. The one pump in action could not be used, as the beer had not settled and was being pulled cloudy. There was, as I was informed, no Guinness, either.

The bar staff had to ring the licencee, who was sat at home, to bring down a barrel of John Smith's to serve. Not everyone likes Smith's, I for one do not, but I do know it travels well and is usually a good standby if you just want a quick drink and be on your way.

I use this pub to meet up with friends two or three times a week, as the only other pub open when I want to use it is full of younger end and loud music, not my thing. Sadly I shall have to find another watering hole and a landlord that deserves to have my hard-earned cash.

We have added a basic listing for the Royal Oak pub on Eckington Road in Coal Aston. Known locally as "The Pond", it is renowned for its real ale offerings.