A punter who dined at James May's Royal Oak pub in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire, has declared it superior to Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog in Oxfordshire, praising the food and service while highlighting the challenges of running a hospitality business.
Diner's Experience at the Royal Oak
The Reddit user posted three photos showing the exterior of the Royal Oak pub, the lunch menu, and their meal. "I walked in for lunch today. No queues. Plenty of room," they wrote. They ordered a roasted aubergine with cashew nuts and hummus, along with a low-alcohol cider, but did not list everything they had eaten.
The diner then broke down the cost of a £37 item on the menu, estimating the ingredients cost about £10. They explained the high price by noting that James May likely pays rent, needs expensive staff, and faces a 20% VAT in the UK, compared to lower rates for hospitality in Spain and France. They also cited rising staff costs due to minimum wage increases, pension contributions, and employer National Insurance.
"It's pretty horrendous for hospitality businesses. Pubs are at the thick end of that. Most pubs are owner operated because they can't make money. Only the super pubs with over 100+ seating are making any cash," they added.
Comparisons with Jeremy Clarkson's Pub
Jeremy Clarkson's The Farmer's Dog pub in Oxfordshire serves 100% British food and drinks, including Hawkstone lager brewed on site. While some fans prefer Clarkson's pub, this diner was impressed by the Royal Oak's atmosphere and menu, despite the high prices.
One commenter noted that the pub's location is "not cheap for that part of England," while another said: "Normal pub restaurant prices in the south of England to be honest." Another fan shared an encounter with James May at the pub last year, describing a drunken woman complaining about the cod, but overall calling it "a nice pub with a really nice atmosphere."
James May's Motivation for Buying the Pub
The Grand Tour presenter bought the Royal Oak in 2020 for "purely selfish reasons" because it was his local pub and he "couldn't bear the thought of it closing and being turned into a house." The 18th-century pub proudly serves local produce and James May's own line of gin.
Despite the administrative fees and a £115 cote de boeuf for two to share, some diners found the menu reasonably priced. The Reddit user's post sparked a debate on the economics of running a pub in the UK, with many acknowledging the financial pressures on hospitality businesses.
