The Cirencester Brewery purchased the Royal Oak (with ‘agricultural buildings’) on 11th February 1920. The Royal Oak, at the bottom of Gumstool Hill, is the finishing point of the annual Woolsack Races.
Stroud News & Journal, 18th February 1999 – Teams set the ball rolling to raise cash: Skittlers from across the area joined forces to take part in a ball-rolling marathon to raise money for Tetbury’s run down Malt House.
The Malt House was used by the Brownies, Guides and playgroups , who all helped to organise the event, but the historic building had to be closed down for urgent repairs which could not be afforded. Teams were put together by local businesses and pubs to take part in the 12-hour skittle stint at the Royal Oak in Tetbury.
Proceeds raised by team sponsorship, fines for playing especially well or badly and a raffle have been combined and have enabled the Rotary Club to write out a cheque for £1,000.
Stroud News & Journal, 25th May 2000 – Skittles still played: Reference was made recently to the approval of planning alterations at the Royal Oak, Tetbury, which could result in the closure of the skittle alley. SN&J report that there are no immediate plans to close the skittle alley and skittlers are still welcome at the Royal Oak.
Stroud News & Journal, Wednesday 25th February 2015 – Pub owners toast to their award success: Pub owners in Tetbury are celebrating after winning a pub of the year award. The Royal Oak Tetbury has been given the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year 2015 for the GL7 and GL8 postcodes. Kate Lewis, who is joint owner with her husband Chris York, explained that when they took over the pub in 2012, their aim was to improve the quality of real ale. “To have some recognition from CAMRA is a real achievement because we set out to be a real ale pub,” Kate said.
Gloucestershire Live, Monday 17th April 2017: Dining Review by Emma Luther (edit): A hearty, thriving pub packed full of chatter and laughter is one of the best places to spend the afternoon. And so it was my partner and I swung open the Royal Oak in Tetbury, to be met with a very busy bar indeed.
While we waited enthusiastically for our meal we took in he cheerful yellow walls of the pub – which seem to add to the energised feel of the place. I admired an Art-Deco style piano, while my partner took a shine to an enormous and well behaved shaggy dog sitting next to his owner, who was enjoying a pint at the old wooden bar. I noticed bar staff kept s big glass jar full of biscuits for dogs, making sure thy are just as well looked after as their owners – with a dish of water brought out to them to lap up from the old wooden floorboards. It’s certainly a friendly, welcoming place.
We were sat in a green leather booth with strings of pinecones hanging above us from chunky wooden beams. An old juke box on the wall added to the traditional feel of the place while candles in lanterns on the bar gave a warming glow to the atmosphere. Music from the 40’s and 50’s filled the air with Ella Fitzgerald’s rich vocals to Fever, a few tracks from the old crooner Frank Sinatra and lots of big band music drifting out from white Bose speakers in the corners of the rooms. More modern tracks from Nora Jones created a nicely chilled out vibe.
With a well-priced menu with vegan and organic options, the new trendy modern menu has given an old fashioned pub new vitality. It’s all well thought out .Mixing old with new and making a real effort in being creative have combined to create a real success story.
From the Royal Oak website:
“There’s a classic saloon bar with upcycled furnishings, cosy booths, a beautiful Art Deco piano and a vintage jukebox and outside we have built ‘The Tavern on the Green’ for a heated, covered, Covid-compliant space to drink. Stylish dining as well as private dining for gatherings and celebrations can be enjoyed in the restaurant in the rafters.
With six lovely en suite rooms including the show-stopping Oak Lodge, and three dog-friendly rooms, The Royal Oak is a fun and relaxed getaway from which to browse the chic boutiques of Tetbury or explore the beautiful Cotswolds.
Ample patrons’ parking is available immediately to the rear of the pub on Herd Lane. Tetbury’s free long stay car park is also located a minute’s walk away next to the Tetbury Goods Shed Arts Centre.
Dogs are welcome downstairs in the pub where the full food menu is served. Please let us know when booking if you will be bringing your furry friend with you! Water bowls and treats are available, and we also have three dog-friendly rooms, making The Royal Oak the perfect place for a dog-friendly break.”
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Reverend T.G. Horwood (leased to Cripps & Co., Cirencester Brewery)
Rateable value in 1891: £12.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Reverend W. Thomson (Leased to Cripps & Co., Cirencester Brewery)
Rateable value in 1903: £15.5s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 11pm
Owner in 1920: Cirencester Brewery
Landlords at the Royal Oak include:
1830,1844 William Lewis
1856 B. Purnell
1885 Samuel Beard
1891,1902 Henry Beale
1903,1906,1919 Charles Jones
1927,1939 William Jones
1993 Lyndon ‘Lyn’and Judy Parry Booth (moved to Ormonds Head)
1999 Patrick, Sandra and Luke
2003,2004 John and Glen Seer
2012 Chris York and Kate Lewis
