Restaurant Review - The Royal Oak, Paley Street
Discussion
The Royal Oak – Paley Street – Berkshire http://www.theroyaloakpaleystreet.com/
Went there last week and I thought I would jot down my thoughts for the fellow foodies here…
Menu –
A great selection of meat and fish. Having recently won their first Michelin Star they have chucked a quid or two on each dish, but it is still relatively good value due to the generous nature of the portions.
The dishes are simple but excellently executed, letting the produce do the talking yet using techniques that home cooks would struggle with.
You can really see the influence that the head chef (of The Hinds Head fame) has “brought to the table”. The triple cooked chips and traditional puds are great examples of that.
The Food –
A scotch egg whilst choosing. Admittedly not what most would consider as a pre appetiser however, this ball of loveliness was just sublime. Highly seasoned old spot pork around a quails egg (soft boiled) and the deep fried with a coating of the crispiest breadcrumbs I have ever encountered! I really wanted 6 more, but I knew that it would spoil my dinner…
To start I had a lasagne of Rabbit with a mushroom sauce. The pasta was light, the mushrooms were earthy and the rabbit’s gaminess rounded the whole mouthful off. It could have been a touch hotter, but I had to think long and hard to come up with any criticism.
A main of Scottish Halibut, with cockles, Muscles and Samphire was cooked perfectly. With the plump seafood nuggets complimenting the white meaty fleshed fish it was a joy. A side of Curly Kate and Chips were not really needed as the portion was large. My wife had the rump of Venison and was unable to finish hers. Once I had devoured the lot including the majority of the crispiest chips this side of a Dime Bar armadillo advert I was not able to hit the puds.
That did not stop me having a go on my wife’s quince crumble – tart and sweet in perfect balance.
Home made petite fours and a double espresso later and I was done.
The Décor –
It is an ex-pub, so it is confined to what it can do in terms of décor, but a roaring fire, leather sofas and a clean unfussy dining room adorned with Parky memorabilia (but not too tacky) is a pleasant and welcoming environment.
The Wine List -
Comprehensive and plenty of choice. Wines start at £27 and the sky is the limit. I went for a very nice and highly drinkable Moulin a Vent at £35
Price –
3 courses, a bottle of wine and glass of champagne on arrival - £160 inc service
Conclusion –
The surroundings and location are underwhelming, however this is not an issue in any way as the food is simply brilliant. Well worth the trip to the sticks.
Oh and my wife said – It was the best restaurant ever because Rolf Harris was on the table behind us.
Worth a vist!!
Went there last week and I thought I would jot down my thoughts for the fellow foodies here…
Menu –
A great selection of meat and fish. Having recently won their first Michelin Star they have chucked a quid or two on each dish, but it is still relatively good value due to the generous nature of the portions.
The dishes are simple but excellently executed, letting the produce do the talking yet using techniques that home cooks would struggle with.
You can really see the influence that the head chef (of The Hinds Head fame) has “brought to the table”. The triple cooked chips and traditional puds are great examples of that.
The Food –
A scotch egg whilst choosing. Admittedly not what most would consider as a pre appetiser however, this ball of loveliness was just sublime. Highly seasoned old spot pork around a quails egg (soft boiled) and the deep fried with a coating of the crispiest breadcrumbs I have ever encountered! I really wanted 6 more, but I knew that it would spoil my dinner…
To start I had a lasagne of Rabbit with a mushroom sauce. The pasta was light, the mushrooms were earthy and the rabbit’s gaminess rounded the whole mouthful off. It could have been a touch hotter, but I had to think long and hard to come up with any criticism.
A main of Scottish Halibut, with cockles, Muscles and Samphire was cooked perfectly. With the plump seafood nuggets complimenting the white meaty fleshed fish it was a joy. A side of Curly Kate and Chips were not really needed as the portion was large. My wife had the rump of Venison and was unable to finish hers. Once I had devoured the lot including the majority of the crispiest chips this side of a Dime Bar armadillo advert I was not able to hit the puds.
That did not stop me having a go on my wife’s quince crumble – tart and sweet in perfect balance.
Home made petite fours and a double espresso later and I was done.
The Décor –
It is an ex-pub, so it is confined to what it can do in terms of décor, but a roaring fire, leather sofas and a clean unfussy dining room adorned with Parky memorabilia (but not too tacky) is a pleasant and welcoming environment.
The Wine List -
Comprehensive and plenty of choice. Wines start at £27 and the sky is the limit. I went for a very nice and highly drinkable Moulin a Vent at £35
Price –
3 courses, a bottle of wine and glass of champagne on arrival - £160 inc service
Conclusion –
The surroundings and location are underwhelming, however this is not an issue in any way as the food is simply brilliant. Well worth the trip to the sticks.
Oh and my wife said – It was the best restaurant ever because Rolf Harris was on the table behind us.
Worth a vist!!
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