The Royal Oak ... near Rusper
Map | Reviews
OS Map : Landranger 187 · Map reference TQ 185 369
Description
This white-walled pub is situated on a quiet, country lane [Friday Street] surrounded by greenery - opposite a house with a large iron gate - somewhere near Rusper. It is not in Rusper itself but between the village and the A24. It is worth seeking out....
There is a narrow bar with small rooms at either end. Beers include two regulars and three guest ales. Regulars include Surrey Hills Ranmore Ale and Welton's Pridenjoy. In the summer, sit on creaky wooden benches outside under the trees....and chill out.
Update January 2008: Ruth's Beer Sampling Blog has another review of the pub.
How to get there
By car
Rusper is approximately 5-6 miles north of Horsham. It's not on a main road but you can get there on country lanes from the Capel A24 roundabout.
Cycling
Cycle north on Pondtail Road and then turn left at Pondtail Drive.
Follow the road round to the right until it reaches the A264 bypass. Cross
the bypass using the pedestrian crossing [be very careful crossing this
busy road] and then join Langhurstwood Road.
Continue north, climbing slowly, past Ambion Brick and then Broadlands business park on the left. Ignore the small turning on the right, which is signposted Rusper, and continue on the same road which becomes Friday Street. The pub is on the right and is 2.5 miles [4 km] from the bypass.
Suggested cycling routes from here
Turn right out of the pub and cycle to the next junction. Turn right again and cycle to Rusper village - try the Plough, or the Star Inn, for wooden beams and good beer.
Continue through Rusper village and cycle back to Horsham - turn right just before the Star Inn - down Hurst Hill - it's a very fast downhill....back to the A264 bypass further along from where you crossed originally. The round trip from the bypass is approx 9 miles [14 km].
.....or visit the Frog and Nightgown near Faygate on the way back.
Your reviews
Josy Wade says: 
| 30-April-08
The only disappointing thing about this great little pub is if you fail to book Sunday lunch and cannot get served! The best Sunday dinner ever with six different fresh veg (a meal on its own), succulent meat, scrummyumptious spuds and yorkshire pudding. Can you possibly survive the rhubarb crumble? Who needs a vast selection? It's quality, not quantity but in this case be prepared for both. Great staff, very helpful and cheery.
Pub landlady comments | Sara Blunden | 4-February-08
I was sorry that the last review was unfavourable but I would like it to be known that we don't try to be anything other than a traditional country pub and a traditional Sunday lunch seems to us to be in keeping. Our Sunday lunches are very popular and, as a consequence, we sometimes sell out of things; this is why booking is advised. We are predominantly a real ale house although I can only apologise if our barman made a mistake over the wine, he is normally very efficient and friendly, but he is after all only human. If anyone should wish to get in touch with me direct, I would be happy to discuss these points with them.
David and Melissa say: 
| 22-January-08
Very disappointed. The menu was lacking in effort. Only roast dinners, lamb, pork, beef and turkey. Oh, sorry, no turkey! That's your lot. Pretty poor! The barman took three efforts to get a simple drinks order right. Red wine comes out white, amazing!
Ted Smith says: | 22-August-07
What a find, a pub with a revolving dark mild pump! Add this to Ray Welton's Light Mild, Pridenjoy, beers from Surrey Hills Brewery and Dark Star, convivial traditional surroundings, and music and dance from Morris Men. A fabulous combination!
Roy Golding says: | 6-August-07
There are now seven handpumps for excellent quality real ale [and no Badger beer!] and one more for real cider. A mild is nearly always available. Also, the food is genuine homemade pub grub, and sold in generous portions. A lovely friendly pub to visit.
Alan Holland says: | 9-July-07
I've seen this pub turned around over the last few months and Sara and Clive and Emma and the staff deserve a lot of thanks for their efforts. Best cider in the area!
Older reviews
Steve says: | 8-March-07
Fantastic pub, excellent ales and food. Clive and Sara are really excellent hosts. A real Sussex pub at last.
Michael Kitt says: | 13-February-07
The new management have brought this pub back to where it belongs as a top real pub. Excellent beers, excellent friendly service, very welcoming environment, and more personal touches than you can shake a stick at!
Chris Foxell says: | 11-December-06
Attractive country pub recently taken over by Sara and Clive is now offering excellent locally brewed real ale and good simple food, also sourced from local supplers. Friendly welcome to a real English pub.
Pub score 
- No Good · - Excellent
