A good traditional pub located in the market square in the centre of Knaresborough. Decorated externally in the past three years, the pub enjoys a prime location and benefits from the weekly markets just outside its doors. The pub has a good reputation for food and entertainment and forms part of the more discering circuit, particularly at weekends. There are 6 high quality letting rooms in a separate former stable block to the rear, all of which have en-suite facilities. Car parking is limited, but its location close to the bus station and adjacent to a pay and display car park make accessibility very easy. Cask ales are a strong driver of the wet business, with the opportunity to further grow this market as well as enjoying an upturn in the premium draught and packaged sector.
The pub is a single bar operation with two distinct internal trading areas. The bar area has traditional décor with beams and timber cladding that projects an ‘olde worlde’ feel and gives the atmosphere a cosy and friendly impression. There are bar stools and perimeter seating with classic red upholstery that serve the bar area. The second trading space is a dining area that provides 30 covers with simple wooden furniture. This is served by a ground floor commercial kitchen that has all the appropriate appliances to provide a decent food offering. There is space for live music which is popular including regular Karaoke nights. The six letting rooms are in a detached hotel block to the rear of the pub where it has separate access from the rear car park. These rooms are all to a high standard and en-suite including a ground floor room which has a wet room for disabled visitors.
The Old Royal Oak has a well presented, enclosed rear terrace with loose and fixed seating. This provides additional external covers in the warmer months for customers who wish to enjoy their meal outside. This is a pleasant area with an attractive wooden shelter which is both lit and heated and provides a good smoking solution. A small car park extends this space and accommodates six vehicles, this is predominantly used to service the hotel rooms.