About The Royal Oak, Crockham Hill
Nestled in the Kent countryside between Westerham and Edenbridge, The Royal Oak is a historic country pub in the heart of the village of Crockham Hill.
Surrounded by rolling countryside, woodland and some of Kent’s best-loved historic attractions, The Royal Oak combines everything you would hope to find in a traditional village pub with a distinctive Anglo-French approach to food and hospitality.
At the heart of the pub are Sue and Oli. Oli brings his French heritage and love of seasonal cooking to the kitchen, while Sue leads front of house, creating the warm and personal welcome for which a great country pub should be known.
The result is a relaxed place to eat, drink and unwind, whether you live locally, are visiting nearby Chartwell, exploring the Kent countryside or simply looking for a country pub near Westerham for lunch or dinner.
With seasonal menus, locally sourced ingredients where possible and the character of a building with centuries of history behind it, The Royal Oak is proudly independent and unmistakably local.
Meet the team behind The Royal Oak
Meet Oli
Oli is the chef behind The Royal Oak’s distinctive Anglo-French menu, bringing a touch of his French heritage to the heart of the Kent countryside.
With years of experience in local kitchens, Oli’s cooking is rooted in the classics but never constrained by them. His menus change with the seasons and with the best ingredients available locally, combining the generosity of a great British country pub with the technique and flavours of French cooking.
For Oli, good food doesn’t need to be overcomplicated. It starts with quality ingredients, proper cooking and dishes people genuinely want to eat. From a beautifully prepared Sunday roast to more classically French dishes, his food is designed to make a visit to The Royal Oak feel that little bit special.
You’ll usually find Oli where he is happiest, in the kitchen, creating the food that has helped turn this little village pub into something of a local hidden gem.
Meet Sue
Sue is the welcoming face of The Royal Oak, overseeing front of house and making sure the pub retains the warmth and personality of a proper village local.
With years of experience in local pubs, Sue believes that hospitality is about far more than simply serving food and drink. It’s about remembering faces, looking after the details and creating the kind of atmosphere where newcomers feel welcome and regulars feel at home.
Since taking on The Royal Oak with Oli, Sue has helped breathe new life into this historic Kent pub while keeping its place at the heart of village life.
Whether she’s welcoming guests for dinner, looking after a special occasion or simply catching up with someone at the bar, Sue brings the personal touch that defines The Royal Oak, warm, relaxed and genuinely hospitable.
Over 500 Years of a Historic Pub
The story of The Royal Oak stretches back far beyond the modern village pub. The buildings that make up The Royal Oak are thought to be at least 500 years old, with the site having once served as a beer and cider house.
Crockham Hill itself sits in a landscape shaped by centuries of travel and settlement. The old Roman route between London and Lewes passed through the surrounding area, while The Royal Oak has its own remarkable connection with another historic journey.
A 35-foot well once stood within the inn and is said to have provided water to pilgrims travelling towards Canterbury and the shrine of Thomas Becket. Remarkably, centuries later, the same well was recorded during the 1950s as a potential source of safe drinking water in the event of atomic warfare.
The surrounding village has its own important place in British history. National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill lived nearby at Larksfield from 1884 and chose to be buried at Holy Trinity Church in Crockham Hill following her death in 1912.
Today, The Royal Oak continues a tradition of hospitality on this spot that stretches back through generations. While much has changed around it, it remains what it has long been: a place for travellers, villagers, friends and families to meet, eat, drink and rest in the heart of Crockham Hill.
What to Do Near The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak makes an ideal place to stop for lunch or dinner while exploring Crockham Hill, Westerham and the Kent countryside. From historic houses to woodland walks, there is plenty to discover nearby.
Visit Chartwell
Just outside Westerham, National Trust - Chartwell was the much-loved family home of Sir Winston Churchill. Visitors can explore the house, gardens and surrounding estate before heading into Crockham Hill for something to eat or drink.
There is even a four-mile circular walk from Crockham Hill to Chartwell, making The Royal Oak a natural starting and finishing point for a day exploring the area on foot.
Walk Through Toys Hill
For walkers, nearby Toys Hill offers woodland, countryside and far-reaching views across Kent. The National Trust maintains several waymarked routes through the area, ranging from shorter walks to longer trails connecting with the surrounding countryside.
The area also has a fascinating connection with Octavia Hill, whose desire to protect places such as Toys Hill helped inspire the creation of the National Trust.
Explore Emmetts Garden
Set on one of the highest points of the Kentish Weald, National Trust - Emmetts Garden is an Edwardian hillside garden known for its views, seasonal planting and woodland.
It can also be combined with Toys Hill on a 2.5-mile National Trust circular walk, making it an excellent choice for visitors looking to spend a morning or afternoon outdoors before visiting The Royal Oak.
Discover Westerham
The historic town of Westerham is only a short journey from Crockham Hill. Alongside independent shops and cafés, visitors can discover Quebec House, the childhood home of General James Wolfe.
Explore the Kent Countryside
Crockham Hill sits amid beautiful countryside, with footpaths running through woodland, fields and the Greensand landscape surrounding the village.
Whether you are visiting Chartwell, walking around Toys Hill or simply exploring the villages of West Kent, The Royal Oak offers a welcoming country pub near Westerham and Chartwell at which to finish your day.
What to expect from The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak is a traditional country pub with an Anglo-French twist, offering seasonal food, drinks and genuine hospitality in the heart of Crockham Hill.
Seasonal Anglo-French Food
Chef Oli regularly changes the menu according to the season and the ingredients available locally. His French influence sits naturally alongside British country-pub favourites, creating food that feels accomplished without losing the relaxed character of a village pub.
Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, an evening meal or a traditional Sunday lunch, the emphasis is on freshly prepared food, quality ingredients and proper cooking. View our menu here.
A Proper Village Pub
You don't have to be dining to enjoy The Royal Oak. At its heart, this is still a village pub, somewhere to meet friends, enjoy a drink and escape the pace of everyday life.
Locally brewed real ales sit alongside wines, spirits and other favourites, with the historic surroundings providing a cosy setting throughout the year.
Sunday Lunch
Few things suit the Kent countryside quite like a Sunday roast. The Royal Oak welcomes guests for Sunday lunch in Crockham Hill, whether you're gathering the family around the table or looking for somewhere to eat after a morning walking around Chartwell and the surrounding countryside.
A Pub for Walkers and Visitors
With some of West Kent's finest countryside on the doorstep, The Royal Oak is ideally placed for walkers, cyclists and visitors exploring Chartwell, Westerham, Toys Hill and the wider Kent Weald.
Muddy boots after a country walk, a drink after visiting Chartwell or a long lunch with nowhere else to be, all are equally at home here. Find out how to reach us here.
A Warm Welcome
Above all, The Royal Oak is about hospitality. Sue, Oli and the team want it to feel like the sort of pub where regulars are recognised, newcomers are welcomed and good food is served without unnecessary formality.
Historic surroundings, Anglo-French food and the warmth of a proper Kentish village pub, welcome to The Royal Oak, Crockham Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Royal Oak?
Is there parking at The Royal Oak?
Yes, parking is available with a car park at the reat of the building and street parking in front of the pub.
Can I eat outdoors at The Royal Oak
Is The Royal Oak dog friendly?
What food does The Royal Oak serve?
We serve home-cooked seasonal food with a French twist. Visit our Menu page to see our current dishes and prices.
Is The Royal Oak accessible?
Does The Royal Oak serve Sunday lunch?
Yes, The Royal Oak serves Sunday lunch from 12 noon to 3.30pm.
Are children welcome at The Royal Oak?
Yes, well-behaved children of all ages are welcome at The Royal Oak in Crockham Hill.
Does The Royal Oak offer vegetarian and vegan dishes?
Yes, we offer vegetarian dishes. For gluten-free options or any other dietary requirements, please get in touch before your visit to discuss your needs with the team.