THE start of the visit to this pub tucked off the main road into the village could not have been better.

£2.30 for a pint of Stella in this day and age is not extortionate. However, the rest of the stay was less pleasant.

The Royal Oak is hidden behind a row of trees. It is one of those pubs that looks quaint and interesting from a distance and as you drive past you always promise yourself a visit one day.

On this occasion I should have kept driving, or at least sat in the garden.

The male toilets situated opposite the lounge bar for some reason were left with the outer door open and the smell emitted did nothing to add to the already basic food.

The other bar with pool table and darts board was probably the best bet.

Loud, but not intrusive, music blared from the speakers, which I could well imagine would become more pronounced as night approached.

There was a nice family feel to the garden, although the grass could do with a cut. Judging by the array of play equipment climbing frames, a slide and the like children were not only welcome, but actively sought out.

In fact that was the feel of the whole place.

An honest pub with pleasant bar staff, where you can leave the kids in the garden and escape to one of the spacious, if basic, bars and enjoy a pint on a Sunday afternoon.

Just remember to hold your nose on the way past the toilet.

July 3, 2002 15:00