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Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Royal Oak
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
modernspacioussocial
About the Vibe
The Acorn (formerly The Royal Oak) on Longbridge Road is Barking’s most talked-about pub transformation. After a £600,000 refit in 2023, it’s now a sleek, modern space with high ceilings, dramatic lighting, and a massive outdoor area that can seat 200. The manager says it’s “right up there with the nicest pubs you can walk into,” and honestly, the design does the heavy lifting—but the Sunday roast lamb and beef are legit reasons to stick around. If you’re looking for a place that feels current without losing its pub soul, this is it. The outdoor terrace is perfect for summer evenings, and the fresh food (90% of the menu) keeps things interesting. Skip the old “Flyhouse” name in your head—this is The Acorn now, and it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Known For
- •£600k refurbishment
- •Sunday roast lamb and beef
- •200-person outdoor terrace
- •high ceilings and modern lighting
Best For
Sunday lunchsummer eveningsgroup gatherings
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 9, 2026
A Bold Transformation That Delivers
The Acorn has completely shed its old skin. If you remember it as The Royal Oak or The Flyhouse, you’re in for a surprise: this place is now one of the most polished pubs in Barking. The £600,000 refurb didn’t just freshen things up—it redefined the space with high ceilings, moody lighting, and a design that actually feels intentional. The outdoor area is the real star, though: a stretched tent with heating and wicker furniture that can handle 200 people, making it ideal for big groups or summer nights.
Food-wise, they’re serious about freshness—90% of the menu is fresh, and the Sunday roasts (especially the lamb and beef) are the kind of dishes that make you want to come back weekly. It’s not a tiny, hidden spot; it’s a destination that’s earned its reputation through sheer effort and investment. If you’re tired of pubs that feel stuck in the 90s, this is your new go-to in the borough.