Press Reviews & Awards

The Royal Oak is named AA Restaurant Of The Year, England 2008/2009

Read the full Press Release here

The Royal Oak's Dominic Chapman and Gherras Mo receiving the award at the AA Centenary Awards

Good Food Guide (Best Pub Chef 2009)

Dominic Chapman, head chef at the Royal Oak in Paley Street, Berkshire has been crowned Best Pub Chef in the new Which? Good Food Guide 2009.

The award follows the pub being awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin in January this year.

5/10 Good Food Guide 2009

Guardian, March 2008

Mathew Norman awarded The Royal Oak 9.25 out of 10

“Everything about the place is spot on, from the warm and cosy décor to the expert and friendly service and nicely balanced wine list…..the undisputed headline act of this show is chef Dominic Chapman.”

Read the full Guardian article here

Awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2008 Michelin Red Guide

Evening Post, March 2008

Hilary Scott

“I’ve never tasted better pork – hell I’m starting to sound like Michael Winner but you know, it was just one of those dishes you know you’ll daydream about when you’re hungry. Get yourself there – after all, everyone’s a Winner!”

The Sunday Telegraph, 10 February 2008

Zoe Williams, The Sunday Telegraph, Stella Magazine rated 8 out of 10 February 2008

“Baked Alaska was individually piped and baked to such a beautiful gold that it looked like a fairytale crown. I really enjoyed it. I shall come back whether I am passing or not.”

See the full Sunday Telegraph article here

The Sunday Times, January 2008

Michael Winner

“I’ve never had a better meal than this in my life. This is what cooking should be. Superb ingredients, simple, done with stratospheric skill. If I was giving out Michelin stars Dominic Chapman would have 5.681”

See the full Sunday Times article here

Olive Magazine, January 2008

Dominic Chapman is listed as one of the 5 chefs to watch

‘Expect gutsy seasonal cooking made with the best British ingredients’

The Guardian, Guide Magazine, November 2008

Humayun Hussain

“Okay, so the place looks like the quintessential country pub, but Chapman’s spot-on cooking isn’t staid or self-consciously period, rather it sparkles with good British seasonal ingredients with just the right hint of adventure.”

Other Awards

Tatler restaurant awards, Best young Chef 2009

Listed as one of the best restaurants in Observer Food Monthly 2008 Awards

Listed in the Top 10 English Eateries in the South East, The Times, Knowledge Magazine, April 2008

Listed in the Top 10 Gastropubs in the South East, The Times, Knowledge Magazine, March 2008

Pub Chef Magazine Top 30 Gastro pubs in the UK 2008 (no. 6)

Finalist for the publican best Chef award 2008

Finalist for the publican best Sunday lunch award 2008