Royal Oak, Cardington (Oak)

Accredited for beer quality 2022.

The Royal Oak could well be regarded as the archetypal country pub. It is ancient, dating back to the 15th century, with the wibbly-wobbly building angles that go with it, and is reputed to be Shropshire's longest continuously licensed pub. The bar is in essence the drinkers area, the lounge and a dining area, and is a place where one can feel at ease. Predictably, it is low beamed and is dominated by a large inglenook fireplace. An interlude sitting in there by the fire might include the study of the various artefacts that just happen to be in-situ. Whilst visitors may well have their own favourites, the seriously proportioned bell clappers would surely vie for pride of place! As to the beer range, the idea is to appeal to customers' varying taste by having a mix of local and regional beers. An additional hand pull for real cider adds to the offer. Cardington is a pretty village so a little loiter on the patio to the front of the pub can be pleasurable. Admittedly, the village is in the Shropshire Hills so the weather can be variable! Walk number 17 in the Walking with Offa series starts here.

Cardington is served by the 540 bus from Shrewsbury but it is no good for visiting the pub as there is just one journey a day in each direction.