The Royal Oak

Stop whatever you're doing right now because The Royal Oak in London is about to become your new favorite haunt, and I won't take no for an answer. Tucked away in Borough's backstreets like London's best-kept secret, this Victorian-era gem is what happens when time travel meets happy hour - and trust me, you want in on this.

Listen, I've stumbled upon my fair share of London pubs claiming to be "authentic," but The Royal Oak is the real deal. We're talking ornate Victorian fixtures that'll make you feel like you've walked onto the set of Peaky Blinders (minus the drama, plus way better beer). The moment you spot that stunning tiled exterior, you know you're in for something special.

Let me paint you a picture: It's Friday night, you've just escaped the chaos of Borough tube station, and suddenly you're pushing open a door to what feels like your own personal time capsule. The front bar hits you with brass chandeliers that catch the light just right, and there's this absolutely gorgeous ornate servery that spans TWO BARS. TWO! Because one bar of awesome apparently wasn't enough.

Y'all, the Harvey's ales here are something else. If you've never had a properly kept cask ale, prepare for your beer standards to be forever changed. They've got four rotating Harvey's options that'll make your usual pub order feel like amateur hour. And the best part? These liquid masterpieces won't empty your wallet - we're talking proper London pub prices that'll leave you with enough cash for "just one more round" (we both know it's never just one).

But wait - can we talk about the warm pork scratching dispenser for a second? I repeat: WARM. PORK. SCRATCHING. DISPENSER. This is what dreams are made of, people. Pair that with some traditional pub grub, and you've got yourself the kind of evening that starts with "let's just grab one quick pint" and ends with you making friends with a family from Cuba while debating the merits of different Harvey's brews.

The space itself is split into two cozy bars that feel like they're giving you a warm hug. The back bar's got this period fireplace that's basically begging for you to post up nearby on a chilly evening, and the historical black and white prints on the walls tell stories that'll make your Instagram feed look cultured AF. There's plenty of seating options - from proper tables to old church pews (because why not?) - perfect for everything from first dates to group therapy sessions (aka friend catchups over several pints).

Here's some insider intel: Get there early if you want to snag the prime spots near the fireplace in winter, or come during off-peak hours if you want to really soak in those Victorian vibes without the after-work crowd. They're dog-friendly too, so bring your four-legged friend (just be prepared for them to become the pub's newest celebrity).

And can we appreciate how they've nailed the whole payment situation? None of that "cash only" nonsense - they take cards, contactless, whatever you've got. Because nothing kills a good pub vibe faster than having to hunt down an ATM.

The Royal Oak isn't just in Borough - it IS Borough. It's what happens when historical London meets modern-day good times, wrapped up in a package that's both impressively preserved and refreshingly unpretentious. You'll find it surrounded by some of London's best food markets and cultural spots, making it the perfect finale to your Borough adventures.

Listen, if you're looking for shiny surfaces and cocktails with names longer than your phone number, this isn't your spot. But if you want to experience a proper London pub that's managed to stay true to its roots while keeping the important stuff (like perfectly kept beer and good vibes) on point, The Royal Oak is calling your name. Don't say I didn't warn you when it becomes your new local - even if you live nowhere near Borough.