THIS traditional country pub near the Malvern Hills has deep roots in the county but it is its reputation for high quality food which is really beginning to bear fruit.

The Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton near Worcester has now joined a successful group of pubs and, as the baby of the proverbial family, is already earning a blossoming reputation for great beer and 'exceptional' food, including Sunday roasts.

This is no surprise when you look at the other members of this growing family of pubs - the Rose and Crown in Severn Stoke, The King's Head in Sidbury and the Cock and Magpie in Bewdley, all now part of the same group, run by directors Andy Goodall and Matt Collins.

SUCCESS: The Royal Oak Leigh Sinton is carving out a reputation as a go to food destination amongst Worcestershire's pubs SUCCESS: The Royal Oak Leigh Sinton is carving out a reputation as a go to food destination amongst Worcestershire's pubs (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

Only recently the Rose and Crown in Severn Stoke was named as one of the best 100 pubs in Britain by top chefs and food critics including writer Tom Parker Bowles, restaurateur and television presenter Prue Leith and chef Michel Roux Junior.

Director Andy Goodall, 48, says any of these critics and chefs are also welcome to visit the Royal Oak and see how the food and beer compares.

Chef Thomas Cole cut his teeth in the Royal Navy and in hotels and, with such talent, Mr Goodall believes he can replicate the success he has driven elsewhere.

Sunday lunches are served between 2pm and 3pm with all food prepared 'fresh and home made' using locally sourced ingredients including meat from Knightwick Butchers. 

FRESH: Slow roasted Tamworth pork belly at the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton FRESH: Slow roasted Tamworth pork belly at the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton (Image: Royal)

After an extensive refurbishment (the previous decor was not to Mr Goodall's satisfaction, to put it mildly), the pub reopened under new management at 4pm on Good Friday. It was indeed a Good Friday because by 4.10pm 'you could not move in here' said Mr Goodall.

"It is the only pub in the village now and a lot of people had missed out seeing each other over Christmas," said Mr Goodall. The pub had closed on December 2 last year and left a gap which Mr Goodall was determined to fill.

But not one to rest on his laurels, Mr Goodall is always looking for things he can improve, big and small.

STUNNING: Hanging baskets outside the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton are feature during the summer months STUNNING: Hanging baskets outside the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton are feature during the summer months (Image: Royal Oak)

Living in the village, Mr Goodall has not only a business interest but a personal one in seeing the venture succeed. He estimates trade is around three and a half times higher since he and his team took it over.

The pub now has the traditional country pub vibe Mr Goodall was adamant must return and it is a beautiful boozer with plenty of crooked timbers but also some new furniture including two brand new oak bars.

CHOICE: The menu at the Royal Oak in Malvern Road, Leigh Sinton near Malvern and Worcester CHOICE: The menu at the Royal Oak in Malvern Road, Leigh Sinton near Malvern and Worcester (Image: Royal Oak)

They also serve food on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4pm and 8pm and they have a fish and chip Fridays and also serve Old Dough Hook pizzas.

Mr Goodall said one customer had been in three weekends in a row and told staff the standard of food was what you would expect to see in a fancy restaurant. 

"We're really proud of what we have done here and if we had an endless pot of money, we would do more," he said.

HISTORY: Timber frames give the Royal Oak at Leigh Sinton a historic atmosphere though blended with all the mod cons HISTORY: Timber frames give the Royal Oak at Leigh Sinton a historic atmosphere though with all the mod cons (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)

Despite any constraints, they still intend to refurbish the garden and upstairs room. 

He added: "Our focus really is on the food. The chef is exceptional. We are striving this one of the best pubs for food in Worcestershire."

Food is proving so popular that Mr Goodall says it is now necessary to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

FAMILY: The children's play area at the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton FAMILY: The children's play area at the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton (Image: Royal Oak)

The pub is open between 4pm and 10pm on Tuesdays, 4pm until 11pm on Wednesdays, 4pm until 11pm on Thursdays, between 4pm and midnight on Fridays, between noon and midnight on Saturdays and between noon and 9pm on Sundays. The pub is closed on Mondays.

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However, they are hoping to extend the opening hours in the New Year.

SECRET: The secret garden at the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton SECRET: The secret garden at the Royal Oak in Leigh Sinton (Image: Royal Oak)

Mr Goodall stocks real ales including HPA and Butty Bach (Wye Valley Brewery) but said he was keen to support other local breweries including The Hop Shed. He also has ambitions to one day serve a pint of Bathams. 

The pub does show sport on three screens but Mr Goodall said this had no impact on the food experience and it was kept 'separate'. Sport shown at the pub includes Champions League games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well as Europa League games and Premiership football games every Saturday at 12.30pm.

For rugby fans, the pub also shows the Autumn Internationals from November 2 which starts with England against New Zealand.