H.O. Ward, a British pensioner, who visits pubs in the South of England, is our occasional columnist. Read more pub reviews by H.O. Ward.
An idyllic setting that belies history
Situated on the edge of a New Forest village green, the Royal Oak Pub and surrounding area bely earlier origins. Between 1865 and 1923, the Schulze Gunpowder Factory employed a hundred workers producing smokeless gunpowder, using charcoal from the forest.You'd never notice that now in this bosky corner of the New Forest, beloved by walkers, riders and dog lovers (Don’t be surprised if dogs almost outnumber humans). Little remains except the factory's black letter box and Iron Wells, an artificial lake that is now a pleasant picnic spot. In medieval times the area had a holy well which was reputed to cure leprosy.
In 2005, this was voted Hampshire Life Pub of the year. It has also been CAMRA Regional Pub of the year on three occasions. Popularity (and good value) means the small dining room quickly fills up. But there are loads of picnic tables and a covered area for outdoor dining even in inclement weather. As an added convenience, particularly appreciated by walkers, the toilet block is modern clean and civilized.
Essentials
Address:The Royal OakFritham
Lyndhurst
Hampshire SO43 7HJ
Telephone 02380 812 606
Open: Monday to Saturday - 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 11 p.m., Sunday - noon to 10:30 p.m. Food served noon to 2:30 p.m., weekdays and noon to 3 p.m. on weekends.
Directions: Leave the M27 at Junction 1 and take the B3079 for Brook. At Brook take the left fork to Fordingbridge on the B3078. Take first left to Fritham and, after a fork that comes in on the right, turn right into Fritham.
To Drink
There's a good range of draught beer including Budvar, Fosters, Guinness, Orangeboom and Ringwood Best all from the cask, as well as Thatchers Cider on tap from the cask. There are usually at least seven bottled beers.A choice of six wines are sold by the traditional, small pub measure of the 175ml glass. There is also a range of classic fruit wines.
To Eat
Most of the food is locally sourced, depending on seasonal availability. For example they smoke cure the chicken breasts and all eggs used in cooking are from their own hens. If you see quite a few pork and bacon choices on the menu, that's because they also raise their own pigs.There's a summer menu and a winter menu which includes some warming soups and broths. Otherwise, look for a choice of six traditional Ploughman’s served with crusty bread, mixed Salad and pickles. There's a selection of homemade pies and quiches, which varies from day to day, homemade premium sausage with pork from their own farm, pork sausage roll and pork pie. They also serve free-range, home smoked chicken breast, wrapped in bacon and fresh, dressed, local crab. Most dishes are accompanied by cole slaw, fresh bread and salad. The pork pie and pork role can also be had with lightly salted crisps (potato chips) and an apple.What you won't find
This pub does not serve chips (french fries) or sandwiches. And come with cash ( for locals, checkbook with a valid check card) because they don't accept credit cards.
The Cost
Beer varies from Ringwood Best at £2.40 a pint to Budvar at £2.90. Wines are all £3.00 a glass except for Selaks Merlot and Sextons Wirra Chardonnay both at £3.50 a glass.All the Ploughman’s cost £6.00. Pies and quiches are £6.00, pork pie or sausage rolls cost £4.00, chicken is £7.00 and the dressed crab costs £8.50.
And if you are wondering about the Royal Oak
So many English pubs are called The Royal Oak that it's worth a brief digression to explain the name. In the 17th century, after a defeat in the battle of Worcester, the future King Charles II was on the run from Oliver Cromwell, who had beheaded his dad, Charles I. Charles II and his companion, a Major Carlis, hid inside an oak tree in Boscobel Woods. From there they watched the movements of Cromwell's army, undetected, until they could safely make their escape. The Royal Oak has been a popular name for a public house since the Restoration of the English Monarchy.The Bottom Line
On my visit to sample the food, my guests had the two cheese Ploughman’s, and the Stilton Ploughman’s, while I had a mushroom quiche. I have never had a better.With a couple of pints and a glass of wine the bill came to £25.50 for all four of us. We all enjoyed the meal. The service was quick and the staff polite. We all look forward to our next visit to this unusual pub and its fantastic setting.
