Royal Oak, Rye Foreign

STOP PRESS-STOP PRESS-STOP PRESS STOP-PRES

2009-07-16T11:35:00.002+01:00

This Friday (17th July) sees the return of our ever popular Bluegrass musicians who will be playing in the bar from 8.30pm. Weather permitting we will also have the barbecue fired up outside from about 9.

Annual Boules Tournament

2009-07-14T20:05:00.003+01:00

Sunday 2nd August sees our first Boules Tournament here at the Oak. This is open to anyone and everyone - in teams of 3 please. If there are any oddbods I'm sure we will be able to make up the numbers (you might have Pip on your team though - wingeproof earplugs recommended!). It's only a tenner per team which includes a free burger each from the barbecue. Starting at midday, you will need to register your team in advance, and it will be worth sticking around afterwards for the live music starting around 3pm.

New website now up and running!

2009-07-07T13:56:00.002+01:00

Our brand new website is now up and running thanks to our friends at Diligence.

Why not pay us a visit?

You'll find us at www.royaloakrye.co.uk

Join us for a Midsummer-ish Night-ish run!!

2009-06-16T18:31:00.001+01:00

A pleasant evening with a little run for fun to celebrate midsummer. This small event is ideal for those looking for a pleasant midweek evening out. The 4 mile-ish run is to and from the pub and is along the country lanes around Iden and Rye Foreign.

Competitors set off in groups of four and the times worked out later to find out our winners. Just a fiver to enter and there's a free barbecue for all runners - plus live music to finish the evening.

No medals on offer but plenty of prizes for winners and a spot prize or two.

No entry form either - but it would help if you could let us know you're coming so we can cater for hungry runners.

We look forward to seeing you!

Morris Dancing

2009-05-19T12:49:00.002+01:00

This Sunday 24th May, East Surrey Morris Men make their annual visit to our pub. They're a great crowd, and are dancing here from 6.30 onwards. Since we are their last port of call for the day they usually make an evening of it so do come along for some fabulous entertainment - music, dancing, singing, and of course.........drinking!

Don't forget the Twangs

2008-09-19T17:32:00.002+01:00

Don't forget that the fantastic Twang Dragons are appearing live at the Royal Oak on Sunday September 28th. If you like your music “a little bit country, a little bit fire-breathin' serpintine grooving rocker” then you just can't afford to miss The Twang Dragons!
The band hail from the USA and visit the UK each year - and the highlight of the tour is always the Royal Oak gig.

The music starts at 4 but why not book early, make a day of it and enjoy a pre-gig Sunday lunch?

Oh - and and don't forget your Cowboy Hat and spurs!

A Taxing Time

2008-09-19T17:31:00.008+01:00

Come along and spend a winter’s evening exercising your brain.

Our Fun Quizzes are free to enter and there’s plenty of chocolate up for grabs as well as prizes for the winning teams.

Winter 2008 Dates:

Tuesday 14th October
Tuesday 18th November
Special Christmas Quiz Tuesday 9th December
Tuesday 13th January
Special Valentine Quiz Tuesday 10th February

Why not make a night of it - and enjoy a meal before the Quiz?

call us today on 01797 230494 to book.

The Return of the Twangs!!

2008-09-19T17:31:00.006+01:00

One of the highlights of the local live music scene sees the return of the Twang Dragons this month. The band are flying in from the USA for their annual British tour – with the highlight a special Sunday afternoon gig here at the Oak.
The award-winning band has been described as “a little bit country, a little bit fire-breathin' serpentine grooving rock”. Whatever you call their music though, it's performed by top rate musicians — you really don’t want to miss them!

It's going to be a great afternoon - and we want plenty of cowboy hats and western dress please!

If you've not heard or seen the Twang Dragons, check out their website www.twangdragons.com or check them out on My Space or You Tube.

Christmas is coming

2008-09-19T17:29:00.003+01:00

It'll soon be here!!

Pip has ironed out his beard and the Christmas Bells have been through the washing machine!

More to the point, we’re already taking bookings for Christmas parties. The Oak can take groups of up to 40 and as well as great food; we can also provide any entertainment you need to make your party go down a storm.

Your Christmas Party at the Oak includes a great three course meal; a party pack of Christmas crackers and other Festive goodies.

We’re really proud of our food too with our menu cooked fresh and to order — no boil in the bag food at the Oak!

You'll find us a great choice to hold a civilised party lunch with colleagues or a festive feast with friends. We’re currently taking bookings for family groups, office and work parties of 8 or more — but, of course, you’re still more than welcome to join us for a cosy table for two, four or more!

So, why not celebrate Christmas in style this year?

Reserve your booking today 01797 230494

Come and celebrate Father's Day at the Oak

2008-06-11T12:09:00.004+01:00

The first known celebration of Father's Day was on July 5, 1908 in Fairmont, West Virginia, where it was commemorated at William Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church South – now known as Central United Methodist Church. Grace Golden Clayton is believed to have suggested it to her pastor after a deadly explosion in nearby Monongah in December, killing 361 men.

It was also during a sermon in 1909 that Sonora Smart Dodd became inspired by Mother's Day. After the death of her mother, Sonora and her siblings were raised by their father William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran. Sonora wanted to show how thankful she was to her father and, because William was born in June, she worked to have the first Father's Day celebrated on June 19, 1910.

In 1924, President Coolidge recommended that Father's Day become a national holiday. President Johnson designated the third Sunday of June to be Father's Day in 1966. It was not until 1972 that President Nixon instituted Father's Day as a national observance.

Pip is looking forward to this Sunday - he remembers the fuss made about Dads when he was a youngster. All the old boys coming back from the front used to have their powdered egg Sunday brunches. He still hankers back to that time of austerity and ArthurAskey. Sentimental old fool!!

We're looking forward to a great Father's Day on Sunday - but be warned it could be busy. So, if you want to treat Dad, why not bring him along to the Oak this Sunday?

Lunchtime or evenings - we're not proud!

At last! Pip has his very own club!!

2008-06-03T11:01:00.003+01:00

Disgruntled drinkers have been invited to band together in a revolutionary organisation that could change politics forever: The National Association of Grumpy Clubs.

The very British revolt is being organised by Stephen Potten, the president of the UK’s first official Grumpy Club. Grumpy HQ is the 300-year-old Bishop Blaize pub in Romsey, Hampshire.

Mr Potten, 57, wants pubs all over Britain to form their own grumpy clubs, and liaise with him by writing to the Bishop Blaize in Winchester Road. He said: “There is a plot in this country to stop people talking. Pubs, post offices, corner shops – all places where people talk, all going. Pubs are closing every day, post offices vanishing in their thousands, corner shops disappearing because of supermarkets.

“It’s to ensure people have nowhere to communicate, so they can brainwash you into doing whatever you are told.” He added: “Pubs should have grumpy hours. Well, they’re banning happy hours. We’re all middle class binge drinkers now, apparently.

“And another thing, people have smoked in pubs for centuries. Now they ban it…”

“And another thing” is, naturally, the official Grumpy Club motto.

The Bishop Blaize Grumpy Club, meeting every Tuesday, was formed when regulars realised just how grumpy they were. Mr Potten explained: “Not so long ago, if you asked someone for their view, they wouldn’t have one.

“After the last disastrous ten years, though, everybody voices opinions. They are so fed up with being the butt of everything and having to pay for it through their taxes.”

Occasionally assisted by (brave) guest speakers, the club has tackled big issues: Gordon Brown, the death penalty, Gordon Brown (“sadly not during the death penalty debate,”), beer prices, Gordon Brown (“well, he’s disastrous isn’t he?”). And grated cheese.

The press found Mr Potten on his Grumpy Box, railing against the evils of improperly served dairy produce. El Presidente – as he is known in the pub – stood on a soap box bearing a picture of one of the few men he truly admires: Grumpy, out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Mournfully surveying his audience - Big Ray, the brewery technician, Dapper Don, the marketing director, and 20 other regulars – he warned: “And another thing: grated cheese. I asked for a cheese sandwich this lunchtime. It came with grated cheese. More went on the floor than in my bleedin’ mouth…”

His cheery greeting over, he signaled the start of the debate, on the topic: The Trouble with the Media. Taking turns to hold the sacred 'poisoned chalice’ - actually a key fob inscribed "Everyone’s entitled to my opinion" – the regulars mounted the Grumpy Box and fulminated.

With the assistance of Messrs Ringwood Best and Adnams Explorer, there was little hesitation, much deviation. “Everyone harps on about fuel prices,” Neil Sheppard, 32, a tree surgeon, declared. “What about the price of beer?” “He doesn’t know whether to drink or drive,” observed Stuart 'Macca McCormick, 45.

Eventually, it was sort of concluded that the media destroys winners, makes the nation dumber, and “You’re all talking bloody nonsense.” (Mr Sheppard again.)

For a Grumpy Club, there seemed a lot of laughter.

Mr Potten’s sunken eyes suggested a life dedicated to genial cantankerousness. He tried insisting he doesn’t delight in being grumpy, but confessed: “I love this country. Abroad, you know it’s going to be sunny every day. Here, you can open the window and think: 'Jesus, there’s frost on the car - in May.’”

Mr Potten, an ex-teacher who started an export business when 'modern’ thinking diverged from his robust approach to classroom discipline, would have liked the wealth to form his own political party: “The Majority Party, for the 90 per cent who pay for everything through taxes.” Instead, he hopes the National Association of Grumpy Clubs can build on, but change, British tradition.

“We have a tradition of moaning, but fixing nothing. If we were French, we would be marching in the streets.”

When the formal debate ended in the Bishop Blaize, informal discussion continued. The whole pub was soon deep in conversation, managing directors bantering with delivery drivers. Mr Potten would have smiled at all he surveyed – but he had to stomp outside to smoke. He muttered: “And another thing: why are they so determined to stop us smoking or drinking?”

Grumble noted, cigarette lit, he added: “There’s a complete mix in there. All talking. By moaning, you create a community. They offer advice: 'Don’t use him, he charges a fortune. See the bloke down the road.’ People help each other. It’s great.” The corners of Mr Potten’s mouth engaged in curious upwards twitching. The President of the Grumpy Club remembered who he was. The mouth drooped to its default position.

“And another thing…”

So that's it - so we just need to sort out what time The Royal Oak's Grumpy Hour is going to be - hosted, naturally, by Pip.

We'll let you know!

Get ready for the Midsummer Hash!

2008-06-03T10:55:00.003+01:00

Just a reminder that our 2nd Midsummer Hash from Peasmarsh takes place on Thursday 19th June. Once again we'll be looking to attrcat local runners and social joggers and the event will feature a run, a free children's run, a barbecue and live music. The race starts at 7pm with sign on from 6.30.

Not strictly speaking a Hash, but a fairly easy timed 4/5 mile route through the quiet country lanes around the Oak in Peasmarsh and Iden, we ask for a suggested donation of £5 to cover food and some prizes. Afterwards, as well as the barbecue, we'll have a prize giving, with awards to individuals and teams.

Last year was great evening and this year we're looking for a healthy turnout from local runners - and, of course, non running friends and family are welcome.

You can get more information on the run from us here at the Oak or by emailing martin@nice-work.org.uk

Just down the road in Rye, Pip and I will be taking part in the Rye Summer Series which begins its 3rd year next month at the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The series of three Friday night races begins on Friday July 18th at 7.00 pm with a 10K race. Two further races over 5K take place on Friday August 22nd and Friday 12th September. You can enter each race individually or save money by obtaining a series entry.

More information from our friends at Nice Work.

Always something happening at the Oak .....

2008-05-09T16:29:00.003+01:00

Pip has been hard at work in the Oak - and you must come and see our new seating areas. The pub is now really taking on a cosy country opub feel.

As well as his carpentry and building skills though, Pip is also a wizard with the computer and his new invention to help our wine drinkers has gone down a storm.

The sun is most definitely shining today - so our outdoor drinking areas are proving popular - don't forget you can eat as well as drink in both of our oatio areas.

Entertianment-wise, we've a couple of special events on the horizon. On the Bank Holiday Weekend we welcome the Morris Men from east Surrey once again. They'll be waving their hankies around, hitting each other with sticks and combing their beards for as long as you can manage.

On June 19th its our populat Midsummer Run - for those who are looking for a social run of around 5 miles, followed by a barbecue or spit roast and live music. then, two days later, we welcome back The dawgs for a gig.

Why not come along and join us?

The sun is out - so summer's here!

2008-04-14T11:23:00.004+01:00

That nasty winter is out of the way - so we're getting into Summer mode here at the Oak.

The fire is not being lit - it helps psychologically to remove all traces of winter - and we've got some lovely spring-like additions to our menu. Our Lamb is really good at the moment - and our scallops continue to be popular. Indeed, if fish is your bag we've usually got some fresh salmon in stock too.

Remember that everything is freshly prepared at the Oak - no bought-in boil in the bag stuff here! We're also a little light on the chicken and chips, scampi and chips-type menus too. But if you like well prepared, good home cooking, you'll find our menu right up your street.

So, do please pay us a visit.

Entertainment-wise we've still got our monthly Bluegrass sessions plus we've also a couple of special live music nights. Our monthly winter quiz season wraps up on Tuesday night as well - its been great fun and we'll aim to do it again once next winter comes around.

So keep an eye on our What's On board for news on forthcoming events - and we'll see you soon hopefully.

Those damn roadworks!!

2008-03-28T08:34:00.004Z

After being plagued by the roadworks outside for almost two weeks, only for them to be removed rapidly once they were featured on TV, we've enjoyed a few days of uninterupted traffic.

Until now.

Yep - they're back and, we hear, the road is likley to be closed for another two or three days next week. Please remember that even though the road may be closed, you can still reach the Royal Oak and we will be open as normal throughout the period of road closures.

So do please continue to visit us - otherwise we'll be lonely!

Maybe we should ask our friends from Heineken to do our roadworks?

Pub ban for Chancellor?

2008-03-24T07:51:00.002Z

A campaign to ban the Chancellor of the Exchequer from the nation's pubs appears to gathering pace.

Following an Edinburgh landlord's decision to ban the Chancellor of the Exchequer from his premises after a budget that was punitive for drinkers, A Tory MSP, Alex Johnstone, is urging pubs across the country to follow suit and demonstrate their condemnation of the tax hikes on alcohol.

Mr Johnstone said "The Chancellor has raised the duty on alcohol under the pretext that it is in a bid to combat binge drinking. But by even the simplest calculations, his tax hike will do nothing more than raise money for the treasury. For example, if an individual went out and drank ten pints of cider in an evening, then Mr Darling's efforts in beating the booze culture will in fact have cost the drinker just thirty pence more. That’s hardly going to make someone think twice is it?"

"No-one underestimates the need for action in tackling the country's booze culture, it is something that needs urgent attention and a holistic attitute. This budget does nothing to address this and I'm not alone in being disappointed that the government has come up with such a simplistic response."

Mr Johnstone concluded "Barring Mr Darling from licensed premises will send a clear message, that ordinary, responsible drinkers should not be seen as a soft touch for raising money to pay for previous fiscal incompetence."

We couldn't possibly comment!!

A great day to be sure!

2008-03-18T14:50:00.001Z

We had a fabulous Sunday.

A number of our prize athletic specimens amongst the regulars joined Carmen in running Sunday's Hastings Half Marathon. After the race we entertained a healthy crowd of runners and supporters to lunch followed by a St Patrick's Day session with live music.

It was great to see the pub packed – a miserable day outside brightened considerably by a roaring fire, some great music and plenty of Guinness and Irish Stew consumed!

We hope to make the event an annual one – so if running is your game keep in touch. A reminder too that we also have our own Midsummer Run from the pub around Iden – a distance of about 5 miles. The run takes place on Thursday June 19th and your entry fee includes food and live music. More information on that soon.

A question of brain power

2008-03-18T14:49:00.001Z

The monthly series of Royal Oak quizzes are proving more and more popular. Our March event was well attended – despite those damned road works.

Our quiet, reserved quiz master once again handed out well-earned chocolate prizes to all participants – and, to the winning team, the notorious team prize – a vegetable! It is the tradition that each month's winning team brings a prize vegetable to present to the next winning team. To date we've had some great leeks, rhubarb, celeriac, sweet potatoes and very rude parsnip!

Join us at the next event on April 15th.

British Pie Week declared

2008-03-03T09:31:00.003Z

Now this is right up one or two of our customer's street!

March 1st to 7th has now officially designated as British Pie Week.

What a great idea we thought – till we saw it was sponsored by Jus-Rol! Anyway, the experts that design these marketing initiatives have also discovered that steak pie is consistently the best-selling pub dish.

The chap from the artificial pastry company said “The pie is justifiably one of the great British favourites. Being the UK’s most popular pastry dish, we felt it truly deserved its own national week and are delighted to be associated with its launch."
That's all well and good Mr Pastry but we can assure regulars here at the Oak that all our dishes our entirely home made – which means pastry properly (and lovingly) prepared by Marc or Carmen. And if you'd like to try our favourite pie-ish dish why not come here and try our notorious Steak and Mushroom Pudding?

But we're taken by the idea of a Pie Week – so we'll have a look at what our customers say in our new Poll. That's right, vote for your favourite Pie in the Royal Oak PieQuest – and perhaps we'll celebrate the winner in true Royal Oak style!

Wetherspoons introduces drink limit for parents

2008-02-18T08:48:00.002Z

The J.D. Wetherspoons pub chain has introduced a limit on the number of drinks parents can buy when taking their children to the pub. A 2-drink limit has been introduced to prevent children from becoming bored and disruptive.

A spokesman for the chain said, "We don't want a situation - and nor do many of our other customers who don't have children - where children are either sitting there or running around or maybe causing problems."

Well would you believe it?

We don't impose limits on the number of drinks that children can allow their mummy and daddy – but we do insist that they drive them home and tuck them up nicely in bed when they've finished their dinner.

And if they don't finish all their dinner, they get no puddings.

What is the world coming to!!

Scallop scallops and more scallops

2008-01-29T08:20:00.004Z

The Rye Bay Scallop Festival which starts on Friday February 15th is looking to be a great success this year. The town does get a number of visitors who come to some of the special events planned for the the week-long festival.
Rye scallops are prized by foodies and top restaurants and the idea of the festival is to promote the local harvest of the sea. A number of establishments around the town will be offering dishes featuring the shellfish and there will be a number of special events, including cookery demonstrations and a quay-side tasting session, where local fishermen will show how to prepare scallops.

We like to serve scallops when they're in season – we like them served with shredded bacon and cream – and we'll be looking to become part of the Festival programme next year. In the meantime, its always worth giving us a call to see if we have the cheeky molluscs on our specials board!

Burns Night – an evening of culture

2008-01-24T07:33:00.005Z

We enjoyed a great night last night. Celebrating our first Burns Night at the Oak with an evening of incomprehensible ramblings! After the haggis was formally blessed by our friendly Scottish friend (complete with Scotland the Brave blaring!) we settled down to an evening of fun poetry from some of our regulars.

Carmen also joined in the spirit with a little ditty about her poor deceased car!

Goodbye little car, I'll miss you so
Parked in the drive there waiting to go
Pretty, blue, never failing to start
You have a special place here in my heart

Then you started breaking and you cost me quite a lot
New pads, new brakes - it never bloody stopped
You leak oil everywhere - you ba****d little car
You're going to the scrapyard tomorrow - ha ha ha!

OK Carmen - don't call us!

Join us for the Wassail ceremony

2008-01-11T13:42:00.000Z

Its a busy week for the Oak.

Carmen is wowing the West End ... well, OK , wowing Beckley with her performance in Wind in the Willows - catch her tonight or tomorrow at either of the matinee or evening performances.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, we have one of our busiest evenings of the year - the Wassail ceremony. This ancient Sussex tradition of wassailing the apple trees takes place from around 7pm.

Wassail is an Anglo Saxon word meaning good health and the tradition of toasting the trees was often known as Howling locally.

It involves pouring cider on the roots and branches of apple trees and making loud noises to scare away any evil spirits before reciting the old wassail rhyme of "Stand fast root, bear well top, may God send us a good howling crop".

The good natured ceremony is said to ensure a good crop of apples later in the year.

Saturday's festivities will also include a traditional Mummers play and Border Morris dancing as well as music and songs in the pub.

So, why not come along and join us?

Burns Night – an evening of culture

2008-01-07T14:35:00.002Z

The Ten Great Restaurant Swindles - not in the Oak though - we guarantee it!

2008-01-04T22:28:00.001Z

We were interested in a report issued this week on the Ten Greatest Restaurant Swindles.

1. Sea bass or not?

Once cooked, the prime fillet of sea bass can be hard to identify – and there are many lookalike, imposter species being dressed up as the original. Among the counterfeit fish recently identified in Britain's kitchens by local authorities were the Patagonian toothfish – which is often sold under the moniker of "sea bass".

Royal Oak Sea Bass is ... Sea Bass. Guaranteed!!

2. Plastic salads

Supermarket bagged salads are full of additives, deteriorate rapidly, and have been vilified as an environmental disaster. But while it may be acceptable to crack open a bag in the comfort of your own home, there's no excuse for serving the stuff in a restaurant. But most pub chains do use pre-prepared salad to garnish their burgers and fries.

Our kitchen is crammed with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers - honestly!!

3. Instant egg, and other powders in a packet

According to Government food policy officer Les Bailey, the appearance of the words " made from natural ingredients" on menus should set alarm bells ringing. The officer, who oversees trading standards in British restaurants, has heard of countless examples of the less work-intensive powdered egg being passed off as scrambled. Less common is powdered potato – often conspicuous by its ever-present lumps – but still passed off by crafty caterers as genuine mash.

Powdered Egg????? John would kill us!! Our eggs are free range and laid by our local hens - just a few hundred yards from our front door!

4. Reformed ham, chicken or scampi

It's common for eateries to pass off scampi tails glued together with additives as "scampi" pieces. They can even be minced scampi that has been breaded. This is " reformed scampi", a turn-off for menu-writers.

Reformed? NO!!!!!

5. When "organic" equals factory-farmed

Foodies love organic meat, and are willing to pay vastly inflated prices in the belief that it's healthier and tastes better. But not every restaurant plays by the rules. In December, a Notting Hill eaterie frequented by Kate Moss, Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue was fined £7,500 for falsely claiming that meat it was using was organic.

When we do say Organic, we mean organic. But more often than not we serve honest to goodness meat. And we cook it well too!

6. Dodgy drinks

Drinks can account for half a typical restaurant bill, so it's little surprise that canny outlets use every trick in the book to increase their margins. Always check that the label on your wine bottle tallies with the menu – cheaper vintages are often substituted in the hope that a diner won't notice.

Check our wine list - it does what it says on the tin.

7. The fishy business of "wild" salmon

It is little wonder, given how many times we are told that farmed salmon is full of toxic nasties, that people are prepared to pay a fortune for the wild variety. However, research by the Food Standards Agency reveals that up to 15 per cent of fish labelled as "wild" is actually farmed. Its survey found that 10 per cent of "wild" sea bass on menus was farmed, rising to 11 per cent of sea bream and 15 per cent of salmon. The reason is purely financial. Farmed fish is much cheaper than wild: in markets wild salmon can cost £30 per kg, while the farmed variety can cost from just £4.20 per kg.

When we use Salmon, we always tell you the source. We sometimes use farmed salmon - which cooked right tastes just great and is priced reasonably to reflect its quality.

8. When "home cooked" means microwaved

The term " home-cooked" that is scrawled across many a pub chalkboard is meaningless. Ideally, steak-and-kidney pies, pasties and apple pies should be prepared on-site with enough genuine effort to be called " home-cooked ".

When we say home cooked, we mean home cooked. Period!

9. Boil-in-the-bag main course

The "pub grub" industry needs to produce reliable food, fast. Many outlets therefore resort to serving "boil-in-the-bag" main courses, which chefs tend to call " sous vide" – a nebulous (if gourmet-licious) term that literally translates as "in a vacuum". It is, for example, almost impossible to lay one's teeth on a freshly cooked lamb shank in UK pubs (including Mr Dancer's), because it can take up to five hours to cook. Boil-in-the-bag can be heated up in minutes.

Not even worth commenting on. Our competitors may - but we never use boil in the bag!

10. Line-caught lies

"Line-caught" conjures up images of an artisan fisher with a rod. What it actually means is that an ugly great trawler has crossed the ocean with several hundred yards of nylon and hooks hanging out the back, indiscriminately killing all sea life as well as the occasional albatross. Even then, line-caught fish is more expensive than farmed or netted alternatives, since it is normally fresher and its flesh firmer. Most consumers cannot taste the difference, and an estimated 5 per cent is mislabelled by disreputable outlets or suppliers.

We serve unpretentious food. So 'line caught doesn't enter the equation.

Phew!! Was that it?????

2008-01-03T09:23:00.001Z

Well it's all gone quiet now.

Pip has put his pinny away and Marc has cooked his last turkey of the season - and Carmen has picked the bones of the last bird in the house! It's been a great Christmas, with some terrific evenings. On Christmas Eve we had a large party booked in and, indeed, we saw a steady stream of visitors right through to New Years Eve.

Our New Years Eve night saw us welcome 2008 with a large group of friends - both old and new. We had music from John on his guitar plus some god old fashioned bopping music - and we finally wished our last guest 'Goodnight' in the early hours. Pip then went and showed us how the old can still do it by popping over to Deal to take part in a the Bra Run on New Year's Eve. Unfortunately, Carmen wasn't on the best of form having picked up the lurgy - but with a New Year and a new packet of Lemsip, she should be right as rain soon.

So, what can we look forward to in the coming weeks?

Well next week its a bit of a crazy week for Mine Host, with Carmen starring in a local production of Wind in the Willows. And on Saturday it's Wassail time, with lots of men with beards, some storytelling and lots of folky music. If you're coming along, make sure you get here early, it will get very busy!

We've Bluegrass every Thursday night. Then, on Tuesday 15th we've the third in our Winter Quiz series - with a superb vegetable up for grabs for the winning team! Be there around 8.30 for the start.

Plus, of course, Marc will be serving up his fabulous food right the way through the winter months - so do pay us a visit soon!

We ask the questions!!

2007-12-12T08:26:00.000Z

Our Christmas season is well under way and we've welcomed a number of parties already.

The Oak is offering Christmas Party menus for groups of 4 and upwards right the way through to Christmas - and we have our special party night next wednesday, with a live band and other festive goodies on offer. We do have a couple of tables still free for the evening, so do get in touch if you want to join us.

Last night, we held the second in our Winter Quiz Series. Seven teams battled it out for the honour of lifting the trophy - this month's special trophy was a giant parsnip (yes, really!) kindly donated by November winners Richard and Maggie.

A great night was had by most - and our next evening is scheduled for January 15th.

Before then, we have plenty of live music, with our acoustic Open Mic Night on Tuesday next (18th), the 1066 Rocket Men next wednesday (19th) and a New Year's Eve party with live music from John plus plenty of party dance music.

Don't forget too that our weekly Bluegrass Night takes place every Thursday - so we'll see you soon?

PS Pip has only gone and got all sporty!

Here he is running in the Swanley Christmas Caper. He didn't win the race but he did win a Christmas Pudding for his outfit!

It's our money they're spending......

2007-12-02T20:14:00.000Z

I'm going to start ranting now.

A report in today's Sunday Telegraph says (you know? I can hardly bring myself to say it)that a Government manual has been printed to offer advice on how to tell if someone is drunk.

It's true!

Our own money has been spent on printing a pile of books to tell us how to spot a drunk. I simply despair - but here's what our money has been spent on. The guide will teach our policemen how to spot drunks:

From looking out for staggering or "dishevelled" pub-goers to listening for "rambling conversation" and offensive language, the Home Office publication covers it all in minute detail. The guide is being issued to thousands of police officers who will work undercover in pubs and clubs this Christmas to catch bar staff who sell alcohol to inebriated customers.

The manual descibes ways to spot a drunk

Other tell-tale signs of drunkenness, according to the guide, include being "careless with money", exhibiting inappropriate sexual behaviour, offensive language, bumping into furniture, spilling drinks and drinking quickly or competitively, "i.e down in one". Drunkenness may also cause a loss of train of thought, difficulty in paying attention, "not understanding what is said", glassy eyes or lack of focus.

Now, I have to admit, I'd struggle to spot a drunk.

NOT!!!

The manual was condemned yesterday as "absolute nonsense" by the pub trade, which called on the Government to focus on the supermarkets that sell cheap alcohol.

A spokesman for the Licensed Victuallers' Association said: "It seems ridiculous that a trained police officer needs help in identifying someone who is drunk. If you apply all these guidelines in the average pub any customer could be classified as drunk."

The guide is being issued to 90 police teams across the country taking part in the pre-Christmas Responsible Sales of Alcohol Campaign, which started last night and will run until Christmas Eve.

Undercover officers will mingle in pubs and issue £80 fixed penalties to staff who ''knowingly" sell alcohol to someone who is drunk. Selling to a drunk customer is an offence under the Licensing Act but confusion over what defines ''drunk" has engulfed the pub trade - until now.

A spokesman for the Home Office confirmed that undercover police officers are being taught how to spot a drunkard. He said: ''As part of the Responsible Sales of Alcohol Campaign, plain clothes police officers have been issued guidelines on monitoring the sale of alcohol to intoxicated individuals. The Home Office does not make a secret of the guidelines it issues to police, which are aimed at protecting the public and staff working in licensed premises."

Well here at the Royal Oak, we believe that we could have saved the Home Office - and us, as taxpayers, a heap of money. So, here, for free, gratis, for nil payment is the Royal Oak's guide on how to spot a drunk. It has been produced following year's of careful study by Pip - so here we go:

You know when you're drunk when:

1. You lose an argument with the ashtray.
2. You have to hold onto the lawn to keep from falling over.
3 The doctor finds traces of blood in your alcohol stream.
4. The back of your head keeps getting hit by the toilet seat.
5. 24 hours in a day, 24 beers in a case - coincidence?? - I think not!
6. You can focus better with one eye closed.
7. You fall off the floor...
8. Your kids are called Mild and Bitter.
9. Your idea of cutting back is less crisps
10. The whole pub says "Hi" when you come in...
11. The pub dog looks good.
12. Pip suddenly looks really hot.
13. You have trouble speaking clearly. "Hello" comes out as "Wanna s**g?"
14. Your mouth feels all furry because you've just drunk the ash tray.
15. You can't remember what sort of car you own.
16. You can't remember what a car looks like.
17. You just spent an hour chatting up the cigarette machine.
18. You consider urinating in the wash basin, rather than waiting in the queue.
19. You urinate in the wash basin rather than waiting in the queue.
20. You urinate in the queue.
21. You can't find your left hand.
22. You try to count to 10, in 11's
23. You drive the dog home
24. You get into the back seat by mistake and call the police thinking someone has stolen the steering wheel.
25. Declaring your undying love to your best friend seems like a really good idea.
26. You can't count to 1.
27. Marinne Faithful sounds good.
28. You start showing off your willy tricks.
29. You spend your last £5 (in ten pence pieces) on a taxi back to some girl's flat, only to relise when you get there that she didn't get into the taxi with you, and you now have to walk 5 miles home.
30. The toaster can be considered an acceptable substitute for the ashtray.
31. You whisper louder than most people shout.

Think that's it - unless, of course, you know any more ....

Believing what you read?

2007-11-25T11:33:00.001Z

A couple of things have struck me about the newspapers recently.

First of all - you shouldn't believe all that you read in them.

And secondly - you should believe what you read in them.

Let me explain why.

First of all the BBC have dug up that old chestnut about the average meal cost in a British pub. And, of course, as soon as it does so, all the newspapers - looking for a bit of easy copy - go and repeat the damn thing. So, we have a story which is months old that suddenly gets front page news again. It all began when the Good Pub Guide (can't be that good, we're not in it!) reported that because of the drop in revenue caused by the smoking ban, pubs were hiking up the cost of their food to replace it. And as a result, the average cost of lunch in your local had now risen to £20.

So, we'll repeat what we've said before. We'd love you to spend £20 on your lunch here at the Oak. But there's no need - we've got a fantastic selection on our menu. All home cooked and prepared - and it'll set you back half that. So, don't believe what you read in the papers - it doesn't need to cost you anywhere need that!

But then we read another thing in the paper which got us thinking.

It all began with a report in The Times about a chap who had found a dinosaur fossil and after examination it turned out to be a completely new species of dinosaur. (Read the story here). The fossil was found not far from us and it really intrigued us.

Because it was found in exactly the same spot where Pip used to eat his lunch. And as the fossil was discovered in the 1890's - we just wondered whether it was actually something from Pip's lunch box from when he was a nipper.

We wonder .....

Coming up soon - our Christmas Party season begins next weekend. As it's the season of goodwill, we're switching the usual Open Mic date from the 1st Friday in the month to Tuesday 18th - and its a special acoustic version. Before then we have the second in our new Quiz season on Tuesday 11th. And, of course don't forget those Bluegrass Boys every Thursday.

Finally - some more of these funny beer commercials! Well, they made us giggle!

Christmas Parties - don't leave it too late!!

2007-11-21T06:47:00.000Z

We've taken quite a few bookings already for Christmas Parties - our special Party Menu is proving really popular. Parties can be booked throughout the month of December and we're offering a special menu, with plenty of festive choices. We can also cater for special requests - such as special dietary requirements - and if you want any entertainment, we can probably also help.

If you have a small party and don't want to party alone, why not join our special Christmas Party Night on December 19th? We've a special menu, live music and other festive goodies - all for a set price of £22.50 a head.

If you'd like more information, call us on 01797 230494.

We had a superb night of live music last Friday with top Blues specialists Big Blue playing a vibrant couple of sets. This week, we've got the Bluegrass chaps in on Thursday - so why not pay us a visit?

Finally, according to the BBCI see that beer sales have slumped to their lowest level since the 1930's. I think I know the answer.

Pip's on a health kick!!

Have a good week.

Happy Birthday Carmen!!

2007-11-16T16:26:00.000Z

It's Carmen's birthday this weekend - and this video thing has really caught on. Lots of birthday greetings have been received in the Global HQ of WebEd - and here's just a short selection.

This one's from John, a regular; we always thought he was from a different planet - and this proves it!!

And this one's from Pip:

Happy Birthday Carmen!!

And to celebrate we think they're re-opening the road outside the Oak - which is just in time for Big Blue who are playing live here tonight.

So, come and see Big Blue - and buy Carmen a drink for her birthday!

Top music on its way

2007-11-14T05:59:00.001Z

A modest start to the Royal Oak Monthly Quiz last night with a small but high quality field of competitors. Astonishingly Pip was part of the winning team, although his contribution was questionable!

We've got a couple of cracking live music dates at the Oak this week, with the Bluegrass Boys in session on Thursday from 8.30; and on Friday, some terrific blues from The Big Blue.

Formed in 1993, the Big Blue is a hard gigging three-piece blues/rock band playing material written by band leader/ vocalist/ guitarist, Stuart Bligh, as well as some other names with whom you may be familiar such as Cream, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and many more. The band have an impressive pedigree and have been featured on Radio 2's Paul Jones show amongst others. You can read more about the band on their website.

Hopefully we'll see you there?

Now, have we started something or what?

Following the beer commercial we posted a couple of days ago .... we've been passed a couple more. These are Australian ... so you've been warned!

Putting your brain matter to the test

2007-11-10T09:00:00.000Z

A good week for the Oak this week. It's getting chillier and talk is of Christmas Parties and Christmas Lunches - so we're feeling all seasonal.

We had another great session from the Bluegrass Boys on Thursday night - they have built up a strong following and we've had some cracking nights over the last few weeks. If your idea of a relaxing night out is sitting round an open fire listening to some top musicians then why not pop in and see us? Make an even better night of it by having Dinner with us!

The chaps will be back with us next Thursday - but before then we have a Charity Chocolate Quiz on Tuesday night - starting at 8.30. Why not come along and join in? Teams of 4 to 6 are welcome, but you can also just turn up and we'll make teams up on the night.

Thought you might like this beer commercial we found whilst pottering around on the web - made us laugh anyway!

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Think before you eat!

2007-11-05T17:07:00.000Z

We saw an interesting article on the web yesterday.

A foodie writer was suggesting that there are a number of questions you should ask of a restaurant before sitting down to eat.

Well, that's fine if you must be so intense – so we’ll put the questions to the Royal Oak test!

Here are the questions:

1. Does the restaurant use organic/local/fair trade produce?

The Oak always uses local and fresh produce.

2. Fast food is full of salt, sugar and fats – often twice the recommended daily amount.

We cook good food as quickly as we can – like we say "we don’t do Fast Food!"

3. Is the food cooked fresh or microwaved?

Our food is all cooked fresh and to order.

4. Are you looking for sparkling crystal and starched linen or plastic beakers and Formica tables?

The Oak doesn't do ‘pretentious! But we do believe in standards and quality – you’ll find our tables just about right!

5. Many burgers contain 48% chicken, water, beef fat, beef heart, rusk, starch, onion, salt, spices hydrolysed vegetable protein, etc – but no beef!

Then you’ve never eaten an Oak Burger!!

6. Is the restaurant child-friendly?

We welcome well-behaved children for lunches, snacks or early dinners.Pip eats children that do not behave!

7. Mark-up on wines can be as much as 400%.

All we can say is – not at the Oak!

8. Service charges are discretionary.

Absolutely - we couldn't agree more!

Our live music went down really well last week. First of all the Bluegrass boys had a great turnout for their weekly Thursday session. Then, on Friday, we had a great OPen Mic with Steve Stone, some regulars and some new faces too.

More live music this week with another sesion of Bluegrass on Thursday. And our next live band is on Friday week when we welcome Big Blue to the Oak. And on Tuesday we have the first of our Winter Chocolate Quizzes.

See you soon?

Don't forget that our Christmas Party menu is now available for December bookings.

What happens when there's power cut

2007-10-24T18:25:00.000+01:00

The lights went out in the Royal Oak last night - not for good I hasten to add - but just for a few minutes.And what happens when the lights go out in a pub?

Yep, that's right. Those hugging the bar start talking rubbish!

And so it was last night when the conversation turned to music and then on to some of the more bizarre songs that had been written. Which in turn, when the power came back on, led us to research some of the more ridiculous song titles. You may know that Mine Host Carmen is very fond of country music ....

So these, by common consent, are up there with the best country songs ever written!

I Wouldn’t Take Her To a Dog Fight, Cause I’m Afraid She’d Win
She Feels Like A New Man Tonight
I’m The Only Hell Mama Ever Raised
Velcro Arms, Teflon Heart
You Changed Your Name From Brown to Jones,and Mine From Brown to Blue
The Last Word In Lonesome Is “Me”
Who’s Makin’ Time with the Time Keeper’s Daughter, when the Time Keeper’s Keepin’ Time?
You Stuck My Heart In a Old Tin Can and Shot It Off a Log
And There was Grandma, Swingin’ on the Outhouse Door,Without a Shirt On
How Can I Miss You When You Won’t Go Away?
I’d Rather Pass a Kidney Stone than Another Night With You
Why Do You Believe Me When I Tell You That I Love You When You Know I’ve Been A Liar All My Life?
She Got The Gold Mine and I Got The Shaft
Come Out of the Wheatfield Nelly, You’re Going Against the Grain
My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend And I Sure Do Miss Him
I Changed Her Oil, She Changed My Life
Get Your Biscuits In The Oven And Your Buns In Bed
My John Deere Was Breaking Your Field While Your Dear John Was Breaking My Heart
Take Me To The Corn Field Honey And I’ll Kiss You Between The Ears
The Beer I Had For Breakfast Is Comin’ Back For Lunch
We Used to Just Kiss on the Lips But Now It’s All Over
You Were Only A Splinter As I Slid Down The Bannister

Let's hope the lights stay on tonight!

Talking of country though, don't forget those Bluegrass boys are back at the Oak tomorrow night - admission is free and the music gets under way at 9.

OK - lets see what you think

2007-10-17T09:33:00.000+01:00

We're thinking about this £10.50 pie business. How much would you pay for a steak and kidney pie?

Let us know by registering your vote in our Pie Poll - see left for further details.!

What planet do these people live on???

2007-10-17T09:20:00.000+01:00

The 2008 Good Pub Food Guide has just been published and, according to these so-called experts, the price of pub food has soared to an average £20 for a two-course lunch and glass of wine.

What?

They also go on to say that unless pubs rein in their prices, they risk losing customers. According to them, the price of a pub main meal, such as steak and kidney pie, costs on average £10.50.
Steak and kidney pie - would you pay more than a tenner?

Well we don't know what planet these people live on - but one thing we can guarantee you - it doesn't need to cost anywhere near that at the Royal Oak. Our current menu boasts a range of home cooked food for well under a tenner - including home made, Cottage Pie, home made Lasagne plus some great fish and meat dishes.

Why not try us out?

Christmas party bookings are now starting to come in - so don't forget to get your places booked asap. And don't forget too that its Bluegrass Night again this Thursday. The music begins around 9 pm.

See you then?

It's official - the best ideas happen in pubs!!

2007-10-11T06:14:00.001+01:00

Life for us publicans can sometimes be tough - and we sometimes ask ourselves why we do it. And, of course, the reason we do it is ... you!

That's right - we love people! Even Pip loves people sometimes!

But what really makes a slow night turn special are the conversations that we are privy to from time to time - you customers just don't appreciate how inventive you become after a pint or two of our finest ales!

Now, a book has been published with a collection of some of the weird and wonderful revelations dreamt up by pub goers. For instance, how about a phone that locks to stop you texting your ex when you are drunk?

The book, Fuzzy Logic, is published by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), with the author also throwing the gauntlet down for the public to submit their own “eureka” moments to celebrate the launch of the book.

Some of the ideas in Fuzzy Logic include:

The Asbo phone lock - sick of the cringing embarrassment of waking up to remember that text to your ex at 3am? Not anymore with this alcohol sensitive mobile phone.

The cheese Easter egg - for those who prefer savoury to sweet, try this egg-shaped cheesy treat.

Telescopic heel stilettos - ladies, never fear that agonising walk home from the pub again, with these ingenious and (possibly) stylish collapsible high heels.

The human catflap - never get locked out in the cold again.

Other pub genius ideas include socks with GPS, a homing door key and the virtual shed!

If you've an idea, you can submit it to the author via http://www.pubideas.com/

But do tell us first!

Join us for a great Christmas Party Night

2007-10-09T08:59:00.000+01:00

If you’re looking for somewhere special to celebrate this Christmas with colleagues why not join us at the Royal Oak, for our great Christmas Party Night on Wednesday December 19th?

The evening is perfect for small work parties or groups of friends or colleagues – with a minimum party size of just 4.

The Christmas Party Night includes:

Delicious 3 course menu with a choice of starter, main course and desert
Dancing to our live bandChristmas party goodies
Festive Table Quiz with Champagne to the winning party

All this for just £22.50 per person.

The Royal Oak, Rye Foreign has a growing reputation for fine food with all ingredients fresh, locally sourced and cooked to order - no boil in the bag food here!!

So why not book now to avoid disappointment?

Tables for the Christmas Party Night are limited, must be pre-booked and are available strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Demand is expected to be high – so you are advised to book now to make sure of your places.

You can phone your bookings through to us on 01797 230494.

Timings for the evening:

From 7.00 pm pre-dinner drinks
8.00 pm dinner served
9.45 pm dancing to our live band
12 midnight bar closes

Dress code: Smart

A limited number of rooms are also available for overnight stays – please ask for details.

Transport to and from your Party can also be arranged, subject to an additional charge and at least 14 days notice being given. If you would like a bigger party or would like an alternative date, then why not call us?

Well and truly Twanged!!

2007-10-07T06:16:00.000+01:00

Well they came, they saw and they rocked! The long-awaited return visit of the Twang Dragons, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday night saw a huge crowd pack the Royal Oak to the rafters. The band have certainly built up a following over here and this, their second visit to the UK saw them meet up with many old friends they'd made from tour No. 1 - and we weren't disappointed.

The band played their unique mixture of rock 'n roll and country - "Twang Rock", according to lead singer Lisa Hanson - "with a bit of Americana mixed in." Included in the set was a mixture of self-penned songs as well as some cover songs by such artists as Johnny Cash and the Eagles - not to mention a memorable country version of Pinball Wizard which cleverly morphed into Folsom Prison Blues!

The Twangs played a mammoth near 3 hour set - so we reckon we were well and truly twanged!

We can't wait to see them back here again next year!

Next up at the Oak is another evening of Bluegrass this coming Thursday and then, on Friday (2nd November), its the return of the Open Mic Night, with resident compere Steve Stone. Why not join us? If you can sing, play an instrument, recite poetry - then we'd love to see you!

New Christmas Party menu launched

2007-10-02T13:15:00.000+01:00

It's all go in Rye Foreign at the moment and we've a great week in prospect!

After a decent weekend - we were busy, despite the weather - we're into Christmas planning mode. Our new Christmas party menu has been launched and mailed out to friends and businesses in the area. If you'd like your own copy - which includes a copy of Oak News, our newsletter, email our friends at Nice Work and they'll be delighted to send you a copy.

And this week is also a special week because we've got the long awaited return of the Twang Dragons on Friday night. We're expecting a huge number of people - but don't worry we can fit you all in, just make sure you arrive early!

The Twangs are over from the States for a short tour and we're really pleased they've chosen the Oak on their itinerary. For a sneak preview of what to expect, check them out here!

We'll see you here!!

Soon be Christmas?

2007-09-20T07:45:00.000+01:00

Some great news for the Oak is on the horizon - it'll soon be Christmas!

We've been roadtesting our Christmas menu - and take it from us, it's going to be good! And we're also about to launch our new Lunchtime menu - more news here soon.

Our last Open Mic Night seems to have caused something of a stir - not least because of Mine Host Carmen's showstopping appearance with a cracking rendition of Minnie Ripperton's "Loving You"! The surprise appearance may not be the last time .... you'll have to join us at our next Open Mic night to find out!

Big news locally this week? The beak is back! Yup, Emu is making a comeback! Apparently, the latest incarnation of our most famous local resident puppet Emu is back on TV next month. His previous owner Rod Hull lived locally until his death a few years ago - and now his son is bringing the thing back.

We can't wait!

Our Bluegrass night at the Oak is becoming ever more popular and the boys will be there once again tonight (Thursday). The session begins at 9.00 pm and you're welcome to pop along and see what all the fuss is about! Tomorrow though, the Oak should see another great evening when The Dawgs hit the place. As their website says, why not say "Howdy" to The Dawgs? If your taste is Cajun or Hillbilly, you've really no excuse not to be there!

The music begins at 9 pm.

See you here?

What a stink!!

2007-09-10T15:55:00.000+01:00

The introduction of the smoking ban in pubs on July 1st has had a number of effects - some landlords claiming that they have lost business, others bemoaning the fact that the non smokers have still not returned in the numbers they promised to do prior to the legislation.

Here at the Royal Oak, we retain a strictly neutral view of smoking believing that non smokers have the right to enjoy both food and drink in a smoke-free environment - and we cater for those who enjoy tobacco, with a paved patio area with plenty of seating.

However, our eyebrows were raised when we saw a report in the paper over the weekend regarding pub smells. Apparently, some pubs are planning to pump in artificial scents to mask the smell of stale beer, sweat and drains that used to be disguised by cigarettes before the smoking ban.

The smell of ocean breeze and freshly cut grass are being tested by one major brewery in an effort to disguise the locker room aroma in some crowded venues on warm Friday and Saturday nights. One pub boss reports: “Appetising food smells have increased but others are less attractive, such as stale food and beer, damp, sweat and body odour, drains and — how do you put this nicely? — flatulence.”

Well, we can assure you that the Royal Oak has a very pleasant smell indeed - usually the smell of good, home cooked food!

Come along and try it out for yourself!

A great week coming up at the Oak. Following another successful Open Mic Night on Friday, we return to live music this Thursday with Bluegrass and then on Friday we welcome the amazing Stag Band. If you look great folk rock with some of the best musicians of this genre - then get yourself down here early!!

Excitement mounts

2007-09-01T12:05:00.000+01:00

We had a great Thursday Bluegrass Night this week. The place was buzzing with loads of people eating as well as listening to the music.

And as we start the downhill trek to Christmas and winter (sorry!!), we're getting excited about the live music coming up.

Top of the list has to be the arrival of the Twang Dragons in October. This band are flying over from their home in Milwaukee for a short British tour - and they're going to be playing here at the Oak. It's going to be a great night - and we want plenty of cowboy hats and western dress on the night please! If you've not heard or seen the Twang Dragons, check out this video of the band. If you can't wait to hear the band, you can buy any of their four albums on i-Tunes.

Before then, though, we have another live Bluegrass night next Thursday, a spectacular Open Mic Night on Friday with Steve Stone and guests - and we're also looking forward to welcoming the Dawgs and the Stag Band in September.

All in all, it's an exciting time at the Oak - come and look us up!

Clean air at the Royal Oak - if you want it!

2007-08-28T17:14:00.000+01:00

Reports suggest that cigarette sales have dropped by almost 7% since the smoking ban was introduced in England in July.

We don't moralise at the Royal Oak but we do support the right of our customers to enjoy their food and drink in a smoke-free atmosphere.

However, for those of our customers who do like to smoke, we have plenty of outdoor space with seating from which you can enjoy your tobacco.

Below - spotted last weekend

Ssshh - Bank Holiday workers in full flow - please do not disturb!!

A great Bank Holiday!

2007-08-28T16:06:00.001+01:00

We enjoyed a good Bank Holiday Weekend with a great crowd of people visiting us over the three days - it was good to see old friends and some new ones enjoying our hospitality.

Mind you, you shouldn't wait for a holiday weekend to come and sample the Royal Oak!

Our latest Specials Menu is now available - chef Mark's Liver and Bacon and his Chicken with Bacon and Brie went down particularly well at the weekend. Click here to see our latest specials menu.

Live Music Update

Just announced!! The fantastic Twang Dragons will be appearing live at the Royal Oak on Friday October 5th. If you like your music “a little bit country, a little bit fire-breathin' serpintine grooving rocker” then you just can't afford to miss The Twang Dragons!

The band hail from Milwaukee - and for a taste of their music, check out one of their You Tube vids here?

Why not book early, make a night of it and enjoy a pre-gig meal?

Oh - and bring your Cowboy Hat and spurs, we'll be handing out a prize to the best western dress.

Before then we have Bluegrass this Thursday and next - plus next Friday sees another of our popular Open Mic Nights with regular compere Steve Stone.

Coming soon!

2007-08-22T07:16:00.000+01:00

There's some great live music on its way to the Royal Oak.

In addition to our weekly Bluegrass session each Thursday night, our ever popular Open Mic Night with Steve Stone takes place on the first Friday of the month - our next one is Friday September 7th.

September also sees two great bands visiting the Oak.

On the 14th, we've some great Folk Rock with the Stag Band and Friday 21st September sees the return of the ever popular Dawgs (left). If you like your Hillbilly and Cajun music spicy, then don't miss this one! For a taste of what to expect, click here.

The Royal Oak is a great place to catch some of the best live music in East Sussex - and don't forget our full range of home cooked food is always available - so you can dine and listen!

The summer's on it's way!!

2007-08-22T06:53:00.000+01:00

Forget the miserable summer we've had - it's all going to change this weekend. The weathermen are telling us that the miserable rain and wind is leaving us and that hot sunny climes will be with us just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.

So, why not come on down to Rye this August Bank Holiday?

Rye is a lovely place to bring the family - with more culture than you can shake a stick at in this wonderful ancient town. Perched on a hill, overlooking the River Rother and Romney Marsh, Rye is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination. With enchanting cobbled streets, a medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, Rye is almost suspended in time and has a uniquely unhurried atmosphere. Compact enough to discover the key places of interest over a week-end but with plenty of secret treasures to entice you to stay much longer and to return again.

And if it's traditional seaside activities you're looking for, then look no further than Camber Sands - with one of the finest beaches on the south coast.

And when you've built up an appetite, why not come along and visit the Royal Oak for a great Bank Holiday lunch, dinner or snack? Chef Mark is working on a brand new specials menu - and we'll bring you news of that right here very shortly.

If you're visiting Rye, you'll find the Royal Oak on the main A268 road a couple of miles outside the town. If you're coming to the town from London, the A21 or the M25, you'll probably be driving right past our front door - well don't drive past, call in!!

Before the weekend though, don't forget our popular Bluegrass Night with live music on Thursday night.

A much nicer environment?

2007-08-20T08:01:00.000+01:00

According to a poll published in the licensed trade publication, The Publican, this week, 61% of smokers think bars and pubs are nicer without smoking, with 90 per cent of non-smokers agreeing.

However, the survey also showed non-smokers have not increased their “going out” behaviour as much as anticipated before the ban was imposed in July.

In a previous survey in May, 47 per cent of non-smokers indicated they would go out more often once the ban came into force - but only 32 per cent now say they actually have done so.

In other findings, 56% of non-smokers believe that bar staff appear happier since the ban - well you must come down to the Royal Oak and check out our bar staff! We're happy now - and we were happy then!

The Oak offers a pleasant smoke-free atmosphere - but for those who must, our extensive outdoor seating area allows you the chance to socialise and smoke in comfort.

Come along and see us this week - we've a great new specials menu - and we've live Bluegrass on Thursday evening.

Welcome to the Royal Oak

2007-08-14T22:21:00.000+01:00

It doesn't seem like five minutes since we moved to the Royal Oak - but it's been 12 months!

The Oak is starting to become what we really envisaged when we moved here last year - a traditional country pub - a good place for locals and visitors alike to eat and to drink.

We're also really proud that our live music evenings are proving popular. So, whilst time has flown by we've already built up a loyal customer base - all attracted by good beer, great home cooked food at sensible prices and some really special live music events.

You'll find all you need to know about the Oak right here - including how to find us and how to make a reservation.

Remember - the Oak is a great place to meet friends, family and business colleagues for a snack, for lunch or for a great dinner. If you work in Rye - we're convenient for lunch and snacks - so do call your order through to us by ringing us on 01797 230494.

If you're visiting Rye, Camber or other holiday locations on the coast - we're right on the main road into Rye, so the chances are that you'll pass right past our front door!

The Oak is a great place to stay and a great place to dine for all the family - we believe in offering quality home cooked food at sensible prices. So, if you like great food - you must pay us a visit!

Finally, remember our live music nights - Thursday is Bluegrass Night; we have live bands at least twice a month and then, on the first Friday in each month it's our famous Open Mic night with Steve Stone as your resident compere.

We'll keep you posted right here on all our live music and special events plus our new menus - so do keep visiting us.

We hope to see you soon!

Carmen and Pip
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