The Royal Oak Hotel

The Royal Oak Hotel has been welcoming travellers since the 18th century. It was an important stop for mail coaches, market traders, and anyone passing through. Weary travellers could stop here for rest and refreshment, and the inn soon became a popular hub on long routes. The inn was rebuilt in the 1740s, but parts of an older inn were kept. During renovations in the 1990s, more of the older inn was found before being covered again. Even before that rebuild, the inn is mentioned in the diaries of Quaker minister John Kelsall, who visited several times between 1724 and 1733. Many notable guests have dined here, and the name “Royal Oak” probably comes from the 1660 restoration of the monarchy, a symbol of strength.

The inn has always been part of local life. The Montgomeryshire Canal committee met here in 1792, and by 1811, a twice-weekly Royal Mail ran to Shrewsbury. Coaches such as the “High Flyer” to Chester and the “Royal Oak” from Newtown also stopped here. After World War I, tenants met here to discuss smallholdings for ex-servicemen. Owned by the Powis Castle estate for centuries, it later passed to the Price family until 2004. Since joining the Coaching Inn Group in 2015, the Royal Oak continues to welcome guests, keeping its long history alive.

The Royal Oak is a classic example of late Georgian architecture, and you can see it as soon as you stand in front of it. It’s mostly red brick, three storeys high, with sash windows lined up neatly across the front. That symmetry is very Georgian, giving it a calm, orderly look. The slate roof is simple but solid, and the wrought‑iron sign bracket by the door is a small touch that shows its age and character.

If you look closely, some of the windows are large 12‑pane sashes, while others are in groups of three, which breaks up the long brick wall and keeps it from looking too plain. There’s even a small stone porch at the main entrance, with a simple Tuscan feel to it, very much of the period. Inside, the oak staircase catches your eye. It’s wide and straightforward, with plain spindles and turned newel posts, and it climbs through a square well to the rooms above. In the dining room, you can still spot part of the timber-framed wall from the earlier inn that stood here before the 1740s rebuild.

Overall, everything is solid and well-proportioned, and timber details all make it feel rooted in history, like the kind of Georgian coaching inn that’s been welcoming travellers for centuries.

At the Royal Oak, there are a few ways to enjoy a meal, depending on the kind of experience you’re after. The main restaurant is a bit more formal, with candlelit tables and proper menus. The Bar area is more casual, so you can grab a quick bite, have a drink, chat with friends, and even bring your dog.

The food itself is Modern British, mostly using local ingredients when they’re in season. The kitchen team makes everything fresh to order, so you can ask about allergies or preferences if you need to. Brunch and lunch options are wide, you’ve got full English breakfasts, vegan breakfasts, eggs Benedict, croissants with scrambled eggs, French brioche toast, and lots of sandwiches. You can add fries or a cup of soup too.

For dinner, the menu changes with the seasons. There’s fish and chips, braised beef ragu, roasted squash risotto, burgers, and more. There are sides like bubble & squeak, roasted root vegetables, or crispy onion petals. Desserts are big and comforting, from sticky toffee pudding, chocolate cakes, bread to butter pudding, or a cheeseboard with local cheeses. Everything’s cooked fresh and portions are generous.

A Sunday Tradition

If you’re in the area on a Sunday, the Royal Oak’s roast is worth checking out. It’s classic British comfort food done properly. You’ve got roast meats cooked just right, crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings puffed up nicely, and seasonal vegetables. Everything comes with rich gravy, and the flavors are comforting and familiar but still a bit special.

The options cover all tastes. There’s topside of beef with horseradish sauce, juicy roast loin of pork with apple sauce, or a roast chicken supreme with a little pig in a blanket on the side. Vegetarians aren’t left out either. A hearty vegetarian loaf comes with roast potatoes, vegetables, and vegetarian gravy.

Afternoon Tea

If you’ve got a bit of time in the afternoon, the Royal Oak does a proper Afternoon Tea. It’s a classic British treat with finger sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam, and a selection of little cakes and pastries. You get your choice of teas, with refills, or coffee if you prefer. For special occasions, you can go for the Sparkling Afternoon Tea, which adds a glass of Prosecco to the mix. It’s a nice touch if you’re celebrating something or just fancy a bit of extra indulgence, and perfect for catching up with friends, or marking something special. Just remember to book ahead if you’re planning to go, especially for the sparkling option.

If you’re thinking about getting married, the Royal Oak is right in the middle of Welshpool and makes a nice, easy-to-reach spot. It’s a building full of character and has several spaces you can use for your big day. The main wedding space is the Powis Suite, which is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships. It’s bright and roomy, and there’s a smaller part of it or the Jacobite Room, if you’re planning something more intimate. Guests can hang out in the bar during the day, and there’s a little garden that works well for photos.

At the Royal Oak, you can choose from set wedding packages or plan your own. The Fairytale Package covers most of the day with food, drinks, and an overnight stay for the couple. The Twilight Package suits larger evening celebrations, while the Bespoke Package lets you customise everything. The event team helps with planning, menus, drinks, room arrangements, timings, and liaising with suppliers, keeping everything running smoothly so you can just enjoy your day.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Staying at the Royal Oak gives you a good mix of things to do, whether you want to keep moving or slow it down a bit. Powis Castle is just up the road, and while the rooms are worth a look, most people enjoy the outdoor paths and views around the estate more. The Montgomery Canal is just nearby. It’s a quiet waterway with a path alongside, so you can take a short walk. People often go there to relax, watch the water, or enjoy some fresh air. It’s not crowded and feels very peaceful, a nice break from the town.

If you want something more active, Lake Vyrnwy is an easy choice. Cycling is popular there, and even walking feels more energetic with the open space around you. Long Mountain is close and better suited to anyone wanting a tougher climb and wider views. The National Trust’s Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd offer heather-covered hills with plenty of wildlife, and there are walking, cycling, and horse riding paths to explore. The River Severn sometimes has canoeing and kayaking available. For something different, Corris Craft Centre and King Arthur’s Labyrinth offer hands-on activities and underground routes. A bit further afield, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Thomas Telford’s 19-arch engineering feat, carries water from the Horseshoe Falls and even has boat rides.

At the Royal Oak, there’s always something happening throughout the year, but Christmas and New Year are really special here. During the festive season, the hotel dresses up, and you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere with seasonal menus, festive afternoon teas, and sometimes live music or drinks. It’s a great way to join in local holiday traditions without leaving the hotel. Around New Year's, there are often special dinners and celebrations, making it a lively place to welcome the year. Even outside the holidays, there are themed events and local festivities,

The Royal Oak is a great place to celebrate life’s moments. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or even a wake, there are lounges, event rooms, and cozy spots for your gathering. You can keep it small and relaxed or make it bigger, and the team will help everything run smoothly. The hotel also works well for work trips. There’s space for meetings or small conferences, and with 25 rooms, it’s easy for everyone to stay on site. Its location near the England–Wales border makes it simple to get to from other towns, and the team can help organize everything so your work day goes smoothly.