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This unusual half-timbered 3-storey end-terrace pub, one of the oldest hostelries in the town, has something of a chequered history and has re-opened under new management in March 2024.
The interior comprises a large, open plan, single room, but with some partitioning. While recently refurbished, some old oak beams have been retained towards the rear.
The Lilley's ciders on hand-pumps are not accepted as 'real'.
Food limited to filled cobs, and simple hot meals are planned during 2024.
No pub car park, but there are public car parks nearby.
Historic Interest
Around 300 years old (rear part built ~1640?). Once connected to the Abbey via a tunnel (now blocked off) under the church. Used to incorporate a lockup for holding prisoners. As simply the Royal Oak, the pub appears to be owned by Worthington’s in a 1905 photograph; Worthington’s merged with Bass in 1927. However, the earliest surviving Branch records (1983) list it as an Ind Coope pub. It was bought by Burtonwood circa 1991/92, then became a privately-owned free-house (date not known), but re-named Duffey's Bar 1999-2002 before reverting to the current name. Still recorded as a free-house in 2007, but later bought by Punch Taverns (in 2009?) following a period of closure. One of ~1,900 Punch pubs acquired by Star Pubs & Bars (Heineken) in a deal with Patron Capital in 2017, then sold to current owners in early 2020.
This Pub serves 4 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Olde Royal Oak, Burton upon Trent
Source: National