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North Gorley, New Forest

The Royal Oak

A lovely country pub with delicious food.

A 17th-century New Forest pub serving seasonal British food and Cask Marque-accredited ales.

Explore The Royal Oak ⌄
Plan your visit

Opening Hours

We are open every day from 11am.

  • Monday to Wednesday 12:00 to 15:00, 17:00 to 20:00
  • Thursday & Friday 12:00 to 15:00, 17:00 to 20:30
  • Saturday 12:00 to 20:30
  • Sunday 12:00 to 16:30
  • Bank Holidays 12:00 to 20:00
The Royal Oak North Gorley in the New Forest
Food & Drink

Relaxed dining in the New Forest

Our kitchen serves small plates, pub classics and seasonal dishes, prepared by our head chef and his team. Alongside the food is a carefully chosen drinks list of fine wines, local ales, handcrafted cocktails and English sparkling wine.

The New Forest is on our doorstep, and so are many of our suppliers. Our meat comes from New Pastures Butchers in Godshill, less than three miles away. With the coast close by, we also use fresh fish, line-caught where possible.

Sunday lunch is a Royal Oak staple, with roast beef, pork or chicken, crisp roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and proper gravy.

The Pub

A Proper New Forest Pub

Set in the heart of the New Forest, The Royal Oak North Gorley is a characterful thatched pub with a history stretching back to the 17th century. Once a Royal Hunting Lodge, it served people working and travelling through the forest. Today, ponies, cattle, pigs and donkeys can still often be found grazing just beyond the door.

Inside, the focus is on freshly prepared seasonal food, well-kept beer and a comfortable place to stop for lunch, dinner or a pint. In warmer weather there is the garden, while colder days are made for the pub and the fire. Dogs are welcome too.

Behind the bar, we take particular pride in our cask ales and are Cask Marque accredited , a nationally recognised sign of a well-kept pint. Alongside the ales is a carefully chosen selection of wines, premium spirits, more than 18 gins and a good range of alcohol-free options.

17th century Former Royal Hunting Lodge
Cask Marque accredited pub
Cask Marque Accredited cask ales
New Forest Right outside the door
Guest Feedback

Why guests return

Read more on TripAdvisor

Read guest ratings and recent feedback on TripAdvisor.

“Delicious Sunday roasts”

Had a lovely time at the Royal Oak today. Delicious Sunday roasts devoured by all five of us. Very friendly and attentive staff made the experience all the more enjoyable.

A great spot to stop at if you're coming home from the beach or having a wander through the New Forest.

TripAdvisor, January 2026

“A proper country pub lunch”

We chose The Royal Oak for lunch based on its reviews and it didn’t disappoint. Lovely country pub atmosphere with friendly staff.

The portions were so generous that we didn’t have a lot of room for dessert but did manage to squeeze in a Coffee Affogato.

Well worth stopping for a meal if you’re in the area and we’ll definitely be returning.

Google review, 5 out of 5

“The best roast we’ve ever had”

We visited for the first time today and before we’d even left we’d text multiple people telling them they needed to come here.

The roast dinner was the best we’ve ever had, the atmosphere was spot on and the service was incredible.

We will definitely be back.

Wanderlog, 5 out of 5

Dog outside The Royal Oak North Gorley
Dog Friendly

Dogs are very welcome at The Royal Oak

Whether you're walking through the New Forest or simply stopping for lunch or a drink, dogs are very welcome at The Royal Oak. With forest walks right on the doorstep, the pub makes an easy stopping point before or after a walk.

We have a limited number of tables in our dog-friendly dining area, so please mention your dog when booking. Water bowls and treats are available, and we even have our Sir Woofchester's Dog Menu.

Dog-friendly dining Limited tables available
Water bowls & treats Available for four-legged visitors
Dog Menu Sir Woofchester's available

Please let us know when booking that you will be bringing a dog so we can allocate one of our dog-friendly tables.

Celebrations

Birthdays, family gatherings and special occasions

Planning a birthday, family gathering or special occasion? The Royal Oak offers a relaxed New Forest setting for bringing everyone together over good food and drink.

We can accommodate a range of occasions, including birthdays, parties and christenings, with options for informal gatherings or sit-down meals. Speak to the team and we can help you plan something that suits the occasion.

“

Just had another fabulous meal at the Royal Oak at North Gorley. I mentioned when booking it was for my son's birthday and when we got there there was a lovely happy birthday sign over our table. Wonderful service and fantastic food. They made him feel really special. Thank you Royal Oak.

Abbey Simmons
Family celebration at The Royal Oak North Gorley
Latest News
A Proper Pour: Discover What’s on the Bar at The Royal Oak

A Proper Pour: Discover What’s on the Bar at The Royal Oak

From award-winning real ales and modern craft beers to refreshing ciders and locally produced gin, discover what’s pouring at The Royal Oak in North Gorley.

Father’s Day Feasts, New Kitchen Team and Another 5 Star Hygiene Rating at The Royal Oak

Father’s Day Feasts, New Kitchen Team and Another 5 Star Hygiene Rating at The Royal Oak

Father’s Day at The Royal Oak, North Gorley Father’s Day is nearly here, and we are getting ready to give…

Spring May Bank Holiday Weekend at The Royal Oak

Spring May Bank Holiday Weekend at The Royal Oak

The Spring May Bank Holiday weekend is nearly here, and The Royal Oak North Gorley is getting ready for a…

Celebrate at The Royal Oak

Celebrate at The Royal Oak

Whether it’s a relaxed celebration with friends or an important family milestone, the right setting makes all the difference. At…

North Gorley, New Forest

Book your table at The Royal Oak

Lunch, dinner, Sunday roast or a family celebration. Book online, or call the pub directly on 01425 652 244.

Address

The Royal Oak,
Ringwood Road,
North Gorley,
Fordingbridge
SP6 2PB

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01425 652 244
07818040908 – Text/WhatsApp
Booking Enquiry – eat@royaloakgorley.com

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