Helen Browning's Royal Oak

If you like an old fashioned relaxed pub/restaurant/hotel go no further!! Wish I lived closer to this quirky shabby chic pub in a chocolate box village of thatched cottages. Staff were attentive and the evening meal was innovative and I knew it would be tasty when I saw the chef who was on the meaty side 😎

Helen Brownings Royal Oak provided a warm and welcoming environment where I was looked after amazingly. The food is great, being fresh, organic and locally produced, you definitely notice the difference. Tim and the staff work hard to make sure you're given a fantastic experience, and it was great to meet all the lovely people working there. Thanks for the wonderful stay, I will be back! Lucy :)

This was our fifth stay here and it was as wonderful as it always is - we’ve visited in spring, summer, autumn and now winter and it’s so much fun whatever the season! Brilliant people, food, room, wine, beer and walks. Looking forward to visit number six already!

My husband and I first stayed here for two nights after our wedding last December (separate review for that). We both agreed that after the most wonderful two night stay, we had to come back for our first anniversary. The staff are all so incredibly welcoming - truly. They cannot do enough for you. Tim is brilliant - he's very down to earth and makes time to speak to as many guests as he can. I've seen comments about rudeness and to be honest, I think people need to chill out a bit. These days, people get offended by the slightest thing! We thoroughly enjoyed our chats with him. The food is just delicious - really good. The Christmas burger was huge and we both agreed it was the best burger we've had (and I've had a lot of burgers!).. Juicy beef - slightly pink as it should be. Thick, melting brie and cranberry sauce. I've seen comments with regards to prices. You get what you pay for! This is their own organic produce. Everything locally sourced or homemade. I'm not sure what people expect for this kind of quality? Staff were very attentive, same as our previous visit. Nothing was too much trouble. The rooms are beautiful, with super comfy beds. Spotless.. Thoughtful extras in the lounge area. We'll definitely be back. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but please, I implore you: before you leave a negative review for this beautiful pub, ask yourself this question first- did you mention your issues at the time, therefore giving the staff the opportunity to resolve the issue? Nobody can help if they don't know that you're unhappy.

We enjoyed our stay here enormously, its a great location if you need to go to Swindon or the surrounding villages. Also lovely to park very near the rooms. We were greeted warmly by the person in the farm shop which was fill of goodies such a beautiful deep purple grapes that had been picked not far away that morning! We were shown to the communal area of the accommodation first which has lots of space, fresh milk and much more, this forms part of a pretty courtyard. Up a flight of stairs to our lovely very large room, double vanities which delighted my daughter and I. It was lovely to have so much space! We ate at the restaurant, the outside space was very "cool" and I imagine a really great venue for parties and the like. We walked past an outside kitchen with delicious aromas wafting through the garden, so delicious in fact that I ordered a burger (I only ever normally eat the ones I make myself to BBQ) so I surprised myself that one I ordered a burger and two that I enjoyed it so much! We have a lovely meal. The night was so peacefully quiet and we slept very well indeed. Breakfast was fresh bread and local honey etc. We enjoyed the omelette and would have liked some fruit. Overall we had an excellent stay and are delighted that we now have a new place to stay in this area of Wiltshire.

Really just average was expecting better food.beef was a bit tough & roasting boiled new potatoes is a no no couldn’t get the knife to cut them.place & atmosphere is excellent as are the staff just the food let you down today

This hotel stop was a last minute stay, but so glad we spotted it online. We stayed in Kate follies room. Everything about it was just right! Spacious, clean, good quality extras, comfortable bed and a lovely bath! Accommodation is all centered around a courtyard which also has a lounge area with an honesty bar, table football and soft chairs. This hotel is part of an organic farm with an organic shop onsite. They have maps available which tell you about the various walks you can do in the neighbours. Location was perfect in a picture postcard village just off of M4 ! Breakfast was amazing with fresh organic products and dinner was fab. Service was friendly and efficient.

We popped in here for supper last year and we're so impressed we came back to stay Stayed in the fabulous Cuckoo Pen room which has both a risque shower ( won't spoil the surprise) and a roll top bath. Everything was spotless and lovely organic products in the bathroom. We had pork belly for Sunday lunch (which is what Helen Browning is famous for), but there was also lamb, beef and a veggie option available. The charcuturie shared starter was gorgeous and generous. Would definitely recommend. Breakfast was good, again all organic and mostly from the farm. The small farm shop is delightful and we couldn't resist their own local organic gin to bring home, as well as some of bathrooms products made with Irish sea****. Lovely walks and helpfully there are clear maps to follow that tell you the length of each. The best thing about this place (and there are so many excellent things) are the staff. Fabulous welcome from Amanda on arrival at the shop. Staff serving lunch and breakfast were simply delightful. We felt really relaxed and well looked after. Would highly recommend and we will definitely be returning soon. 😍

From the moment we arrived everyone was welcoming and provided excellent service. We were walking the ridgeway so the welcome was really appreciated. The food both in the evening and for breakfast the next day was spot on. Would thoroughly recommend, and the dog enjoyed it too.