Those damn roadworks!!

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?

Phew!! Was that it?????

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!!

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!

OK - lets see what you think

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.!

A great Bank Holiday!

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.