December 2023 by scubajo2014
We booked two months ago for Sunday lunch on Christmas Eve. The plan was to have lunch and stay for the live music. We specifically wanted Sunday lunch not tapas and we booked the restaurant. On arrival we were sat at the end of the restaurant and basically ignored for around 10 minutes. When we asked for the menu we were told Sunday lunch was not being served they had decided to serve it on Boxing Day and tapas was our only option. They went on to say they had called me yesterday to inform me of the change. They were so insistent I had to show them my telephone call list. They then told me it had been posted on social media. I do not follow the new Royal on social media but when I check there was no post. We declined food and stayed for a drink, a thriving fabulous place is ruined. They were offering people 10% discount on their next visit I cannot remember Nigel ever having to do this
December 2023 by Rebecca P
We have been going to the Royal for tapas and cocktails for years. While we have previously had good service and good customer satisfaction our recent trip was left with the complete opposite. We had booked our annual Christmas party at the Royal and were really looking forward to it until we had pulled up outside... We had received a message as we got there stating our party had been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions (however, it had been the same weather all day). We then telephoned asking we be found a table inside the venue and were told that this was OK as we had already arrived. When we went inside we were told that we would be seated outside in the tipi, despite gale force winds and rain. We were seated outside while the tent was literally blowing down around us. On escalating to the manager we were just dismissed. We asked for a heater putting on and was told by 2 members of staff that they would sort it until we were told honestly by another member of staff that it was out of gas and we were given blankets to wrap around us. Usually I would have given the Royal 5 stars but on this occasion felt massively left wanting and let down, ruining what should have been a fabulous time in the run up to Christmas. On a plus, there were no queues at the bar as the weather was abysmal and there was only ours and another group there. The staff members that served us were fabulous shame the management can't follow their example.
November 2023 by Shiggins666
I understand The Royal has changed ownership in the last month and thought we?d give it a try for Sunday lunch today. New owner has reduced the prices but not the quality. We had a sharing roast platter at a great price - and this included a drink each. Service was great - staff friendly and attentive. Best Sunday roast out in a long time and great value for money. Meat cooked to perfection and good selection of veg. Would recommend and will definitely be returning.
November 2023 by 358hughf
We have eaten at the Royal for years and always raved about it and taken friends. The last few times have been disappointing, but we have persisted. The service has got progressively slower and less attentive despite having the same staff. The last time we went, the place was freezing and the meal was rushed. We took friends who were visiting tonight and were all left disappointed. Our booking had not been recorded, although they did find us a table. The food was awful. Overcooked and tasteless. Unfortunately, we have now had 4 bad experiences in a row, and this will be the last. It's such a shame as we loved this pub.
November 2023 by Annika M
Came for tipsy tapas it was beautiful food. Georgina behind the bar has been fantastic and is such a hard worker. Thank you for making by best friends hen do special.
November 2023 by M801BJkarenc
Me and my husband called in for lunch Saturday afternoon. I have been in with friends before, but it was my husbands first visit. We hadn't booked but as it was early we could get a table for two. The lady showed us to our table and went through the menu with us. Even though my husband was not drinking we decided the better option was still the tipsy tapas for us both. 3 tapas each and a choice of bottomless drinks for a hour and half. The waitress brought me a large glass of sauvignon blanc and my husband a pint of shandy. I was then brought another glass of white wine to see if I preferred that. Enjoyed both, but did prefer the second glass. No problem was given that for the remainder of the time. Now the food...beautiful!! We both picked 3 plates each and enjoyed every one. My favourite had to be the ham, cheese and quince board. Lovely, friendly and attentive staff. Will be back soon.
November 2023 by Desiandco
We booked at The Royal for a special anniversary meal for 5 of us. What an amazing meal, we ordered lots of different dishes, too many really although all we left were 3 pieces of patatas bravas. The goats cheese was out of this world, I woke up thinking about it this morning. The belly pork and mussels were delicious, as was everything but they definitely stood out . Everything came hot and the staff were lovely. How we managed a pudding I don?t know but they were all great as well, I had the almond cake which was lovely. I?d not been for years but we will be going back again soon. I also want to mention the live music that was on last night (Friday) the 2 men were really good and it made a nice change to hear live music on a night out.
October 2023 by LeanneH811
Booked for 7pm on a Saturday evening - waited for 30 minutes for a glass of wine and pint after being seated (the restaurant had 4 tables in use)- We were not asked over the next hour if we wanted any more drinks- flagged down a waitress to ask for another drink after an hour and then after a further 25 minutes paid our bill and left after chasing said second drinks and nothing happening - Seems the primary focus is to serve the bar area rather than the restaurant - very disappointing as the food was good. Won't be returning
October 2023 by GoPlaces802335
We have been visiting this the royal for a number of years and always struggled to get a reservation but today we got booked in , no peoblem on line . Walked in , the place was empty which is unusual , had to wait 1 hour to be served after asking for service 3 times . Then to be told that the food would be another 30 mins. Don?t bother booking, they have changed hands and you can tell.
September 2023 by GoPlaces56583080235
Delicious tasty food! Every dish was hot and yummy! We were a group of 4 and ordered different dishes between us so we had lots to compare. Not one complaint about the food, each dish consistently good and good portions too. The pate and coffee cheesecake are a must! Service at the start was slow and we waited quite a while for our drinks order to be taken and then only because we called over a waiter, then they never arrived and we had to ask again! Initially this was a little off putting as it was our first visit however it was busy and the food arrived in good time so this was soon forgotten. We all said we would go again without a doubt!
September 2023 by Trudy H
Excellent food and service, topped off with winning the quiz! Will definitely return for the food, belly pork was beautiful!
August 2023 by JonnyIrish2014
The most authentic Spanish tapas we?ve tasted since living in Spain. Every dish was excellent and great quality ingredients. All dishes were served piping hot and good portion size. We cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. We?ll done to all the staff, see you soon.
February 2023 by Katie H
Excellent evening for my 40th Birthday. The staff and the food were outstanding and nothing was too much trouble. The communication and organisation was perfect, Nigel and his staff made sure our evening ran smoothly. Highly recommend The Royal for a meal or special occasion
February 2023 by AndreaC623
I have eaten tappas here quite a few times over the past few years, so I was looking forward to my last visit on a Thursday evening. The place was quiet, with only 2 other tables in use on our side of the restaurant. Food was not good, and service was very slow My Husband accidentally spilled half a pint of lager all over the table and floor where he was sat, and despite pointing this out to the waitress, no one came to clean it up, so he sat for half an hour in a puddle of lager! several of our favourite tappas were sold out, and this on a quiet weekday evening. Meatballs were in a bland sauce that tasted of tinned tomatoes only, and they were burnt, literally black on top. Despite asking for the dessert menu, no one came to ask if we wanted a dessert, and a portion of chips/patatas fritas ( if you can call 20 chips in a tiny basket a portion), came after all plates had been cleared at the end of the meal. God knows how they cope on a busy night. Food was expensive and some portions too small ( lamb chops) given the price £11. The mushrooms in garlic and parsley sauce were very salty, and the paella was small and again bland. One good point, the pate was nice, and a decent portion, but the rest Meh. No one came to ask if we were happy with the food either. Could not wait to pay and leave, and unfortunately, we will not be back.
December 2022 by Vivienne H
We visited for Sunday lunch and enjoyed it so much we went for Tapas the same week. Fabulous friendly staff and super food. Good sized portions in both cases. Highly recommend the Xmas specials. A super range of cocktails 2 for £12 so good value. Music on Friday and Sunday evenings. Lots to like!
