Royal Oak

Cozy Haven with Yummy Mac and Cheese!

After several polarized whispers about The Royal Oak fluttered through my inbox, curiosity—and the allure of its acclaimed mac and cheese—thrust me towards this bustling spot nestled in Harrow's heart. Stepping in, the pub envelopes you in a delightfully dim ambiance, replete with cozy nooks and the gentle hum of patrons lounging in shared camaraderie. It's a bit like entering your slightly eccentric aunt's parlor—familiar and welcoming yet harboring an undercurrent of jolting peculiarity that begs you to forcefully pry. Highlights include lively Wednesday night pub quizzes led by the effervescent Sophie, whose sprightly banter adds a competitive yet breezy charm to the evening.

It's a venue that's fostered a peculiar attachment among regulars—some hook line and sinker for its faultless Guinness draws and smiling staff, like the amiable Dan and Yoni, who display legendary deftness behind the bar. Menu-wise, they're nailing classic assemblages with a playful lift, crisp nachos and sumptuous beyond meat burger being case in point. It does have its wrinkles though—service ebbing from engaging to nonchalant, teased further by erratic wait times, whether the pub stands raucously full or hauntingly sparse. But that mellow Old Fashioned standing proud on the cocktail list, chased perhaps with robustly battered fish and chips, almost wills those minor annoyances into easy forgiveness. All things considered, amidst heated murmurs of mixed service affinities, the relaxed dread of dodging dietary challenges, and climbing pint prices, one can't deny, The Royal Oak defines an eager shove out the door, piquing enough neural sparks to remit loyalty. — Milo Tastemaker