It’s been a while since one of our Sunday Lunch Challenge outings, and we decided this weekend, to put this right. Father’s Day provided the ideal excuse too…
For once, and feeling adventurous, we ventured over the boundary into Purton, to the Royal George. It meant we had a nice walk over the fields and through Restrop, working up a good appetite on our way.
First impressions
It’s about thirty years since I last ventured into the Royal George. It was what you might call “a proper pub” back then. It still is, but with an area to the back that is more contemporary and set out as a restaurant.
There’s a small bar area, but the staff were friendly and drinks were well priced. So, overall, a pleasing first impression.
Menu choice
Admittedly, we didn’t explore any a la carte possibilities. This was Sunday Lunch, and so we were always going to go straight for the roast.
We were told there was a choice between beef (two servings left) and gammon, so not a wide choice. Boy was offered a smaller portion of the same. Pudding-wise, there is a choice of typical desserts; cheesecake, spotted dick and ice cream were all possibilities.
Quality of food
On the whole, good. My gammon was near-perfect. Boy and the Other Half enjoyed their beef, although, for some people, it may have been a bit too well-done.
Where the Royal George did score, was on the vegetables. Great selection including caulifower cheese and leek mornay. Nice big Yorkshire Puddings too, and a decent gravy, although it did come already added to the meals so probably not so good if you don’t like gravy!
We opted for cheesecake and ice cream. They were fine, usual “pub meal” desserts, quite nice but not terribly inspiring. At £5 for the cheesecake, I had expected something a little more different than a nice-but-not special vanilla cheesecake.
Service
Friendly, relaxed. But at times too relaxed. The dining area was spotlessly clean, so plus points there. But we waited a good ten minutes whilst the waitress cleaned tables, and we thought longingly about desserts. In the end, it was too much anticipation. I ended up asking. Coffees were not offered.
Value for money
Not bad. Our bill for two adults and a child came to £47, for two courses and drinks. The roast at £7.95 was definitely good value, although the puddings at £5 struck me as a little expensive for what they were.
The drinks were quite good value. Definitely cheaper than the Sun Inn, but then there isn’t the choice….not a problem for beer drinkers, but I missed my selection of nice wines.
Tripadvisor
The Royal George has a score of 4.5. The comments, generally, are fair and reflect my overall impression. However, I’d say the food is good, rather than great.
Food Hygiene Rating
The Royal George has a score of 5/5. It certainly appeared clean and well cared for.
The Verdict
A good local Sunday roast, with extra special vegetables. Definitely one up from the standard chain pub meals, this is a quirk charming pub with a genuine sense of community and welcome. It was child-friendly, without going overboard. We’d certainly give it another go. But probably best for a relaxed family lunch than a special meal or when you’re out to impress.
For reviews of our other Sunday Lunches, see-
The Sun Inn, Lydiard Millicent
Nicky’s Pantry, Toomers, Stone Lane, Lydiard Millicent
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