July 2026. Chesterfield.
“A Top 100 pub ! ANOTHER one ?“.
Why not ? The Royal Oak was the highlight of July, a “Wow” moment that Thursday afternoon in floral Chesterfield.
The Shambles may not have the fudge and Harry Potter tat of York, but the Royal Oak has always looked the part,
without the beer to justify a return to the GBG.
But though you might come to gawp at the beams and the benches,
and debate the age of the building,
it’s the beer that should get this revitalised boozer back in the book (alliteration bonus point).
Thanks to “Prop Up The Bar” Nick I now know it re-opened last year under independent owners. You know, the independents that CAMRA likes.
The local Ashover Poets Tipple, the beer of choice here, is a rich and chewy 4 (VERY GOOD), but the magic comes from the regulars, sitting around the wall sorting life’s problems. So much laughter, so much joy.
It’s a magic moment watching it unfold, a bit like the Cutlers in Rotherham.
And, just for Blackpool Jane, they’ve got a low-alcohol craft beer on tap.
A remarkable pub.
retiredmartin 