The Royal Oak

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Speak to us on +44 (0)20 8161 0100

Overview

Located in a classic Sussex downland village at the foot of the South Downs, this countryside inn combines high-quality dining with cosy bedrooms and a relaxed bar and terrace garden; the perfect getaway for those seeking peace, quiet and an indulgent escape from everyday life. For more than 200 years, The Royal Oak has provided much needed sustenance to weary travellers, a tradition continued to this day.

There are five en suite bedrooms and three cottages, mostly looking out over farmland or the Sussex Downs. Chichester Harbour, Goodwood, the South Downs Way and the Roman town of Chichester are all on The Royal Oak's doorstep, making us a great base for sailors, race-goers, motorsport enthusiasts, walkers and culture lovers alike.

Rooms from

Classic: £100
Feature: £110
Family: £130
Cottage: £160


Good to know

  • Accepts Visa and Mastercard
  • Parking available
  • Dogs are very welcome in the bar area
  • A few of the rooms are dog-friendly - do enquire on booking

Fine dining
The menu reflects The Royal Oak's passion for love seasonal, contemporary British food, and every dish is crafted a unique twist to enhance its flavour.

Outdoor adventures
Located in a classic Sussex downland village at the foot of the South Downs, The Royal Oak is a great base for sailing, race-going, motorsport enthusiasts and walking all on offer in the surrounding area.

A touch of culture
For those interested in cultural sight-seeing, the Roman city of Chichester, Arundel Castle, Boxgrove Priory, and the Weald and Downland Living Museum are all to be found nearby.

Crown collection
Part of the original Epicurean Collection, you can earn and redeem Crowns here if you are one of our Crown members.

Rooms

Five en suite rooms, decorated in a cosy country style with big comfy beds and leather chairs, offer everything you'd come to expect from a boutique hotel, from the fluffy bathrobes to the flatscreen TVs.

The contemporary en suite bathrooms feature power showers and local aromatherapy toiletries, and when slumber calls you can slip between Egyptian cotton sheets for a refreshing night's sleep. Also available are a trio of smart self-catering cottages - one one-bedroom and two two-bedroom - perfect for families and longer lets.

Restaurant & bar

The Good Food Guide described The Royal Oak as "very much a dining destination" - and we'd have to agree. Everything on the menu is dedicated to seasonal, contemporary British food. Field-to-fork is very much the kitchen's ethos and every dish has its own unique twist to allow the natural flavours to sing.

Using local suppliers wherever possible - think fresh fish caught from the South Coast, smoked salmon and Selsey crab, venison and pheasant, ice-cream and cheese, even the ale is brewed locally near Arundel - but recognising we live in a global community, The Royal Oak will source further afield if necessary to bring diners the best food from West Sussex and beyond.

The wine list features more than 100 wines from both the Old and New Worlds, and the bar offers a wide range of ale, cider and spirits. Whether you choose to sit in the contemporary dining area, relaxing bar or attractive outdoor terrace, you will enjoy the best food and drink on offer.

Experiences
Things to do

The Royal Oak lies in East Lavant, a pretty village with flint-walled thatched cottages and a 13th century church, at the foot of the South Downs National Park which provides fantastic opportunities for walking, mountain-biking, riding and other outdoor pursuits.

The South Downs Way, which stretches for more than 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne, passes just a few miles north of the inn. The coast, including Wittering Beach and Chichester Harbour, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are also close by.

For golfing, horse racing and motorsport events head to Goodwood, which is a short drive away, but if culture and heritage is more your thing the Roman city of Chichester, Arundel Castle, Boxgrove Priory and the Weald and Downland Living Museum are all within striking distance.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Chichester
Taxi from station: less than 10min
Drive: 50min from Southampton, 1hr from Brighton, 1hr 40min from London

Address

Pook Lane, East Lavant, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0AX

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