Royal Inn On The Park

This pub is like Victoria Park’s manor house, a huge regal building sat in the middle of the east and west of the estate, lording over both sides. I guess you’d say it’s ‘cool’ which is why it’s always full and anybody who’s travelled through the park has probably sampled it. While it has a bit of the brash arrogance reserved in its staff for the evening’s hipsters who lead each other with the jukebox, it’s also popular with families and somewhat friendlier during the day. Everywhere needs a little attitude to keep it individual and the Royal Inn doesn’t go over the top with it. Just right, like the church style pews, heavy drapes and pictures of royalty that add intimacy to the vast space.

There’s an idyllic feel to it, whether it’s the summer beer garden scene or the rosy cheeked post walkers of winter with enough behind the bar to keep you interested. There’s Hoegaarden, Litovel and Fullers Honeydew along with Adnam’s and London Pride among the draught beers. The food is simple hearty British pub classics reliant on good ingredients and the Sunday roast is an expense worth having.

There are board games to be played and whether this is local to you or not it’s the kind of place that’s worth setting aside an entire afternoon for, with the reminder once again that the park lies beyond its ample garden.