Historical version 4 of Royal Oak, SE1 4JU (view current version)
- 020 7357 7173
- 44 Tabard St (map of this place)
- SE1 4JU
- Brewery: [Harvey's]?
Smallish, cozy, excellent beer and friendly owner/staff. There are two areas, both fairly similar, with the bar in the middle. Occasionally it does get a little crowded, usually just after 5-6ish, but mostly it's fairly easy to get a seat. The regulars are also friendly.
The pub food is good, & reasonably priced - their chips are excellent (& you get a nice big basket of them), & I have heard many good things said of the various sandwich type efforts (also nice large portions). Unfortunately chips are the only vegan option on offer; there are veggie sandwiches, though.
It's opposite [Simply Indian, SE1 4LA]?, which is also rather good. Usefully, the Royal Oak are happy to sell you a jug of beer to take across to the restaurant (in an actual glass jug, so make sure you take it back afterwards), which is in my opinion a truly great thing.
It's just been voted CAMRA London Pub Of The Year (as of Dec 2003) and will be going forward to the regional Pub Of The Year finals.