Royal Oak, Broadwas lunch review

The Royal Oak lunch review

friendly country pub with good food

Broadwas on Teme, Worcester, WR6 5NE

the pub

The Royal Oak is in the village of Broadwas-on-Teme, just six miles from Worcester on the road to Bromyard. The original building has been tastefully extended allowing a large number of tables inside. The pub has a garden and a children’s play area. My son, Billy and I went for our Royal Oak, Broadwas lunch review under Covid restrictions which meant we had to eat outside. Two marquees had been set up, but it was a beautiful day so we chose one of the tables in the open air.

We were made to feel very welcome, the service was friendly and timely, and the waitresses were helpful. If only their website was as good as their service!

lunch

starters

Yet again I chose the Ham hock terrine. This terrine was tasty, the ciabatta crunchy, the salad fresh, and the onion chutney lovely. The portion size was the same as the other ham hock terrines I have had, but it was served on a large plate which didn’t look right as there was a significant empty space on the plate. A smaller plate would have worked better and is what most restaurants seem to use. See how the Royal Oak compares in my blog post the best ham hock terrine in Worcester.

Billy’s Tomato and red pepper soup was “good”, he said. Bear in mind he is a teenager, so a more descriptive response is unlikely. It was hot and he ate it all.

main course

I chose the Spiced sweet potato, cashew and apricot tart. The menu states that it comes with chunky chips, peas and a vegetarian gravy. However, as they had only opened the previous day after a long lockdown, the chips were missing and were replaced by the full range of carvery vegetables. The tart was gorgeous. The there was nothing subtle about this tart. It was a full-on taste sensation that suited my tastes perfectly. The large selection of vegetables were all cooked well and tasty. It did come with a vegetarian gravy which tasted just like – gravy.

When hungry, I tend to avoid selecting a tart from the menu as they are often small and accompanied by an artful, but woefully small selection of vegetables and potatoes which are not filling. Believe me, this meal was filling. Quantity and quality.

Three meats and ten vegetables filled Billy’s plate. His Carvery is something the pub is known for. The large serving of meat is hidden in the picture by the mound of vegetables. This is what we asked for. A great meal for a growing lad with a large appetite.

dessert

Billy chose the Strawberry cheesecake. I love cheesecake, but not boring strawberry! It came with whippy ice cream and Billy really enjoyed it. The cheesecake would have benefitted from a real strawberry or two on top. However, at only £4.95 for a dessert, it is excellent value. Other than the Lemon Roulade, the desserts are homemade. Alternatively, you could opt for a waffle, sundae or ice cream.

My Sticky toffee pudding was very good. Not heavy on the dates which is my preference. The flavour and texture was just right. One disappointment was the custard which I found to be quite bland.

menus

NOTE. I understand the menus have changed since my visit and that the carvery is no longer served during the week. The menus below simply represent part of my visit and not, necessarily, what will be on offer when you visit.

around and about The Royal Oak

Malvern is just ten miles away with many walks on and around the hills.

The Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve is less than six miles drive to the south. This reserve is managed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and it is the best of the nature reserves I have visited in Worcestershire. The Knapp combines a variety of meadow, orchard, woodland and there is a beautiful, meandering brook running through the reserve.

The Royal oak is just a ten-minute drive to the village of Martley. It is from St Peter’s church car park in the village that you start on the Martley Circular Walk. This walk is just over six miles, is a good stretch for the legs, and takes in beautiful countryside and excellent views. The waymarked walk takes you through fields, country lanes, along riverbanks, and though an apple orchard. For a few minutes, the walk follows the ridge of a hill from which there are wonderful views stretching far to the west of Martley.

The popular Witley Court and Gardens is eight miles to the north.

A six-minute drive from The Royal oak is The Firs, the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar.

facilities

parking

The pub has its own large car park at the rear.

disabled access

The restaurant has disabled access and toilets.

children

Children are welcome. There is a children’s play area, a children’s menu and high chairs are available.

toilets

Because this review was done during the Covid pandemic, I didn’t use the toilet.

take-aways

Take-away food is available.