THE OWNERS of the Royal Oak in Hawkeridge are planning to build on the impressive reputation the pub has built up over the past few years.

The pub, which is regularly packed out in the evenings and at weekends, now has a refurbished kitchen and two new chefs.

Neil and Karen Lewis have also introduced a new specials board, which will be regularly updated with fresh fish and Italian-style meals.

Mr Lewis said: "It is already a successful pub with an excellent reputation but we are looking to build on the consistency and quality of the food by enhancing the menu slightly."

There is now a menu on each table and there is a new wine list with a range of wines that Mr Lewis says are exclusive to the area.

Popular dishes on the menu will continue, including the pub's signature steak and 6X pies, slow roasted lamb shanks, liver and bacon, pork medallions and homemade curries.

Mr Lewis said: "So many pubs say they do home-cooked food, but when people come here they know it's proper home-cooked food.

"Our mash is made from scratch, the lamb shanks are roasted here for four hours.

"We are known for our portions and our quality and that's what has made this one of the best pubs in the region."

The pub is a freehouse so has a large selection of different beers, ales and ciders on offer including Wadworth 6X, Fuller's London Pride and beers from Butcombe Brewery in Devon.

The pub is in the ideal location being sandwiched between two major trading estates; the White Horse Business Park and the West Wilts Trading Estate.

Mr Lewis says he want to attract local business customers to visit the pub for lunch with their clients or for meetings and the new kitchen will allow him to better cater for larger parties.

He said: "We have a good reputation for large parties but the new kitchen means we can be much more flexible."

FACT FILE:
  • Royal Oak, Hawkeridge (01373) 826270 www.theroyaloakhawkeridge.co.uk
  • Booking is essential for Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday roasts
  • Open Monday to Thursday 12-2.30pm and 6-11pm, Friday and Saturday until midnight and Sunday from 12-10.30pm.