Reopening in May, The Royal Standard has returned to the pub format it had two decades ago. This seems more suitable for the building, with the extensive garden at the back perfectly suited for the family-friendly pub the establishment pitches itself as. Daily Info decided to head on down one Friday evening to see if the new Royal Standard can live up to its previous iteration.
The pub is split into two halves, with a more traditional area for regular punters giving way to a warm and inviting restaurant area. Their menu is simple, with a host of pub classics as well as daily specials (and a Sunday Carvery that sounds rather appetising). As opposed to a separate menu, the Royal Standard offers smaller portions of each dish for children. This worked nicely in keeping our daughter included in the meal, and steering her away from the usual choice of chicken nuggets and chips.
Menu perused we went for steak and ale pie for my partner, pasta bolognaise for my daughter, whilst I went for sausage and mash. Even though the pub became increasingly busy during our meal, this didn't impact the service we received, with the waiting staff proving friendly and attentive, as well as being approachable enough for me to chat about how the newly-opened pub is doing.
Our food came and it proved to be fabulous. My daughter broke off her playing to wolf down her pasta, a sure sign that it was the right choice for her. She also managed to help me with sausages, which were nicely spiced and accompanied with a hearty amount of potato and greens that were cooked just right. My wife's pie was packed with filling and was the perfect meal for the autumnal night we visited the pub. The food really is exceptional at The Royal Standard and makes me eager to go again.
Gladly there was room for dessert, so we were able to try out their appetising sweet treats. I went for the baked American cheesecake whilst my partner chose an Eton mess. Both fulfilled what we were looking for, with the cheesecake being well-presented and positively scrumptious (so much so that I would happily have had a second portion) whilst the Eton mess was a delightful sundae, packed with fruit and cream. Together they capped an exemplary first meal at The Royal Standard.
Another aspect that makes The Royal Standard a standout venue is how the new owners have adapted it into more that just a pub. During the day it turns into a coffee shop, with a large array of toys brought out, as the pub becomes a hub for parents and guardians. These soft toys are accessible in the evening, making The Royal Standard one of the most endearingly child-friendly pubs in