The Royal Oak

'Popular and stylish', Charles Ullmann's 200-year-old flint-stone inn is in a village on the edge of the South Downs near Chichester. 'Excellent; it may look like a pub but the bedrooms are very comfortable and well fitted,' wrote a visitor this year. They are in the main building and in a converted cottage and barn which overlook fields behind the inn. They have inglenooks, exposed beams; modern bathrooms have 'lots of nice touches'. 'Our room, although fairly small, was smart.' In the restaurant (popular with locals, and with visitors to the Chichester Festival Theatre and Goodwood), the chef, Steve Ferre, serves modern European food on his seasonal menu. Typical dishes: red onion tarte Tatin with melted goat's cheese; slow-braised shoulder of lamb, celeriac and potato mash. There is a blackboard list of daily specials. The linentable napkins were 'particularly appreciated'. 'Very good food,' said one visitor; another guest, with 'traditional tastes', commented that 'few vegetables were served'. Breakfast, which has 'lovely fresh fruit, accompanying a good choice of cereals', is 'excellent'. (John Bickerdike, Dale Vargas)

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  • Really excellent. Looks and feels like a pub but rooms are very comfortable. Every detail thought of. Food is first class but vegetables charged extra.

    Dale Vargas, 11/11/2011

  • A popular and stylish pub/hotel/restaurant in an attractive and peaceful village location. Cheerful, efficient and willing staff. Our room, although fairly small, was stylish and comfortable. The breakfast, with lovely fresh fruit and good choice of cereals, was excellent. The dinner menu didn't appeal to our 'traditional' tastes. Few vegetables are served, and those we ordered as an extra were very lightly cooked. But we enjoyed our stay.

    John Bickerdike, 06/08/2011

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Local attractions

Arundel Castle
Built at the end of the 11th century and situated in magnificent grounds, overlooking the River Arun.
Chichester Cathedral
Despite being nearly 1,000 years old, Chichester Cathedral is famous for its modern art, including a window by Marc Chagall, a tapestry by John Piper and a painting by Graham Sutherland.
Fishbourne Roman Palace
One of the largest collection of in-situ Roman mosaics in Britain.

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Discount Vouchers

This hotel accepts the following discount vouchers:

  • Online vouchers

    These entitle readers to a 10% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night's stay

    Print voucher

Contact Details

The Royal Oak

Pook Lane EAST LAVANT West Sussex England PO18 0AX

Telephone

01243 527434

Website

www.royaloakeastlavant.co.uk

Discount Vouchers

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 10% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night's stay

Further Information

Bedrooms

5, 3 in adjacent barn and cottage, 2 self-catering cottages nearby.

Open

all year, except 25 Dec.

Facilities

bar/restaurant, terrace (outside meals), small garden, unsuitable for disabled.

Background music

jazz in restaurant.

Children

all ages welcomed.

Dogs

not allowed in bedrooms.

Credit cards

All major cards.

Prices

[2012] B&B £70-£142.50, full alc £50, winter breaks, New Year package, 1-night bookings refused weekends.