The Royal Oak -Braithwaite

My partner and I had dinner here and stayed the night. The waiter was so lovely and really accommodating, and the food was great. The Cumberland sausage and pie were 10/10. Thanks for such a memorable start to our trip!

We chose the Royal Oak for a long weekend motorbike trip in the Lake District with six friends, Friday to Sunday, and it turned out to be a brilliant decision. None of us knew the area beforehand. The staff were amazing, the rooms clean and tidy, and the evening meals lovely. We were in the middle of our Four Peeks Riding challenge, and the stay became a real highlight. I only wish we’d booked longer. We were initially concerned there was no breakfast, but a wonderful cafe was just 100 yards down the road. I’d happily recommend the area and its friendly locals. Take care on the mountain roads, they’re very narrow and can be challenging, though the scenery is amazing.

The staff here are always super friendly and can’t do enough for you. I’ve seen some poor general reviews, but honestly, I’ve never had anything like that experience. I’m in the Lakes hiking a lot, and this has been my regular pub for the last year or so. I’ve hiked nearly all the surrounding fells just to start or finish here with a lovely pint. Last night, Friday 14th March, I finally tried the food with my son. I had Cumberland Sausage with mash and veg, and he had the steak pie. Both meals were top notch, piping hot and proper quality, with no complaints. The pub was nearly full, but the food came in good time. Prices are about the same as other pubs in the Lakes, and this is not a Whetherspoons, so no complaint there. Thanks, Royal Oak, for the great food, beer and service. I’ll be back soon.

It looked pleasant from outside, but it was cramped as soon as we went in. One member of bar staff was pleasant enough, or at least professional. The other seemed annoyed with us from the start. I only asked whether food was being served, then went to order while bar staff 2 was serving, but they rolled their eyes and walked off. When I asked where the toilets were, I got barked at. I have no idea why simple questions made them so angry with us, especially when they were perfectly nice to other customers. Maybe we reminded them of someone. Either way, we looked over the not-great menu, had a weak coffee and left. The owner's highly defensive, passive-aggressive response showed me another side of the place. I don’t feel I need to reply further.