Pub of the week: Watford Heath's The Royal Oak

Tim Harman, 36, partnered with Michael to take over The Royal Oak in Watford Heath last May, carrying the mantle from previous custodians Sam and Lee Colbert.

Tim and Michael Harman (Image: The Royal Oak) Reflecting on the experience so far, Tim said: "It's going very well and we feel that we've really solidified ourselves in the community."

The brothers are both career chefs, something they're hoping to utilise as part of the boozer's offering.

Tim has promised an "overhaul" of the menu this year, as well as events that he hopes will make for a "lucrative" 2025.

The brothers took over the pub in May 2024. (Image: The Royal Oak) This includes seasonal and event menus - such as for Valentine's Day next month - and the prospect of events, such as a summer beer festival in conjunction with other local pubs.

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Despite the big plans, Tim told the Watford Observer: "I am a little bit apprehensive going into this year because of the situation with the economy and changes to National Insurance."

The boozer is located in Watford Heath. (Image: The Royal Oak) In spite of these challenges, the brothers are pleased with 2024, feeling it has given them a solid foundation to build on for their first full year.

"We've got a good group of regulars and we have been getting really good feedback from regulars," Tim said. "The hardest thing to do is to keep customers returning but we've been pretty good at doing that so far."

He added that he is "proud" of what has been built during their short time at the helm.

Both brothers are career chefs. (Image: The Royal Oak) The Royal Oak does not show any live sport, with Tim arguing that this is a benefit because having it on can be "distracting".

He said: "Pub means 'public house' - I think it means that it should be everyone's front room and everyone is welcome."

When asked about his vision for the business, Tim said that he envisages The Royal Oak as a "traditional, family-friendly pub" with a focus on roast dinners, family events and its ever-changing menu.

The Royal Oak currently boasts an average rating of four stars on TripAdvisor, taken from 279 reviews.

Roast dinners are the jewel in the crown of the pub's menu. (Image: The Royal Oak)