Pub boss brewing up plan to reopen

Since opening in the 1840s, The Royal Oak has had its ups and downs. After closing in 1999 the pub seemed “destined to die” but not all hope was lost.

It reopened in 2005 and since then has been transformed into a beer haven with its own built-in brewery.

The independent pub has won many an award since landlord Chris Powell took over in 2010 after being the manager of the pub for a few years.

Many of these awards are for their own brand of beer brewed on-site and named after the mischievous pub dog, Ralph.

The Twerton pub, inset, has been brewing its own beer in Ralph’s Ruin brewery in the old pub kitchen since June 2017.

There are often three of their own beers as well as up to six guest beers from other microbreweries available.

There is an interesting range of ciders, perries and bottled British and Belgian beers.

Chris said: “My aim is to produce something that makes you just want to come back for more, whether that’s a traditional bitter or a pale ale. I’m often behind the bar serving the beer I have proudly made so I’ll look forward to meeting you over a pint or two to hear what you think of our lovingly made ale.”

During non-coronavirus times, to accompany your pint there is a folk music session every Wednesday, live music most weekends and a monthly quiz night.

The secluded sun-trap of a garden is dog and children friendly. On summer evenings you will often find some of the locals cooking up a treat on the BBQ in the garden. A bring-and-cookyour-own feature.

The pub hopes to reopen soon, whilst keeping in line with government restrictions.