The Royal Standard

Went for a meal with a friend. The food we had was lovely. It has a great location - its a short walk through an alley to a free carpark. Fabulous service, we didn't feel at all rushed and the lady was really helpful and friendly. The pub had a good atmosphere. The toilets weren't the best but it would've got 5 stars if they were.

Let's start with the staff who are absolutely amazing,polite and efficient. The place itself is lovely but the elephant in the corner is the standard of the food. We had a table for 6 at 7.30 ish. The first choice of Sea bass was accepted then we were told it was all gone. The second choice was linguine but turned out more like Heinze Spaghetti, the other choices were passable,not brilliant,but passable. We complained about the 3 pasta courses and they were knocked off the bill,no messing,no quibble,but we all came out for a nice meal not the compromises. Finally and as everybody mentions,is the prices. Basically we had bread and olives,3 acceptable mains ,3 desserts,1 cheese and biscuits and Alcohol and bearing in mind 3 mains were knocked off the bill it was still in excess of £330. I know it was busy,I know it was a bank holiday,but we are not local and traveled to have a nice time. Unfortunately we didn't.

Only visited for a drink and a rest but the ale was very well kept and although quiet in town on the day, the pub and eating area had a nice buzz . Bay windows at the front allow for people watching and the long narrow room goes a way back for the dining ares which looks tidy and in keeping with the pub's long history. Recommend a visit especially in the daytime when we were there.