📷 2
Photos
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Royal Oak
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
cozyrustictraditional
About the Vibe
The Royal Oak in Orpington is a Vintage Inns pub that manages to feel like a proper countryside pub despite being just 40 minutes from London. The rustic decor with dark wood, stone floors, and low ceilings creates a cozy atmosphere that works well for both casual pub food and Sunday roasts. While it's part of a chain, the food quality seems consistent and they've made a real effort with vegan options.
Known For
- •Sunday roasts
- •vegan menu options
- •pub classics
- •honey-baked Camembert
Best For
Sunday lunchcasual dinnersgroups with dietary restrictions
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 2, 2026
A Reliable Chain Pub with Real Character
The Royal Oak in Orpington is one of those rare chain pubs that actually feels like a proper country pub. Located on High Street in Green Street Green, it's got that rustic charm with dark wooden tables, stone floors, and low ceilings that make you forget you're just 40 minutes from central London. The menu is surprisingly comprehensive - from starters like duck and orange parfait and honey-baked Camembert to mains ranging from pub classics (sausages and mash, pie of the day) to steaks, burgers, and pizzas. What really stands out is their commitment to vegetarian and vegan diners - they have an entire vegan menu available on request, which is refreshing for a traditional pub.
The Sunday roast is worth planning your visit around, with unlimited gravy and options ranging from sirloin beef to candied vegetable roast for vegetarians. Service tends to be friendly and attentive based on reviews, though like any busy pub, it can get loud during peak times. The food quality is consistently good for a chain establishment, and the atmosphere strikes a nice balance between traditional pub warmth and modern comfort. It's not going to blow you away with culinary innovation, but it delivers exactly what you'd want from a reliable local pub.