​THE ROYAL OAK
Watfords oldest kept secret.
The Royal Oak has a rich history and is believed to be one of the first sites to gain its license in the Watford area, due to being reasonably well thought of.
Prince Charles escaped from the round-heads by hiding in a oak tree. When he became King Charles II, he celebrated this good fortune by declaring 29 May (Charles's birthday) Royal Oak Day and the pub name, remembers this.
Who could not resist this beautiful, chocolate creation?
The Royal Oak has a rich history and is believed to be one of the first sites to gain its license in the Watford area, due to being reasonably well thought of.
Live Music.
This Month
Enjoy our Food.
Live Music on the last Friday @The Royal Oak from 8.30 pm.
FREE entry & great atmosphere!
Friday 26th June Superb Singer/Guitarist - Adam Temple
Friday 31st June Local Duo - Freaky Dukes
Quiz.
From Aberdeen Angus steak burger to a traditional Sunday roast, our pub food is a must on your visit! We are now taking booking for Fathers Day on Sun 21st June. Please ring to reserve your table.
Our monthly special events.
JUNE: Saturday 6th - Derby Day.
Sunday 21st - Fathers Day.
Monday June 29th - Full coverage of The Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club.
Every Wednesdays enter our pub quiz at The Royal Oak.
The Royal Oak has a rich history and is believed to be one of the first sites to gain its license in the Watford area due to being reasonably well thought of. In 1660 the site was previously a cottage occupied by Quakers. John Banham built a beer house, which in 1819 became The Royal Oak under Daniel Ford, the Landlord. It has gradually transformed, including various extensions but has retained the character and charm that it always has had.

The Royal Oak's name is steeped in history. After the Battle of Worcester (1651) in the English Civil War, the defeated Prince Charles escaped the scene with the Round-heads on his tail. He managed to reach Bishops Wood in Staffordshire, where he found an oak tree (now known as the Boscobel Oak near Boscobel House). He climbed the tree and hid in it for a day while his obviously short-sighted pursuers strolled around under the tree looking for him. The hunters gave up, Prince Charles came down and escaped to France (the Escape of Charles II).

He became King Charles II on the Restoration of the Monarchy. To celebrate this good fortune, 29 May (Charles' birthday) was declared Royal Oak Day and the pub name remembers this.
