The Royal Oak, Exmoor

The Royal Oak Winsford, Exmoor, Devon

The Royal Oak in picturesque Winsford in the Exmoor National Park was taken over by local resident Jayne Davis last year on a long free-of-tie lease. The thatched Grade II-listed pub offers four-star accommodation, with 11 en-suite bedrooms and a cottage 50 metres away.

Have you seen the accommodation side of your business change in the last 12 months?

Yes, quite considerably. One of the first things I did was to revamp the rooms, adding in some colour and textures, bringing in the natural colours of Exmoor. The pub had been pretty much closed since lockdown. When I took over there were literally no bookings on the system. We had to start from the beginning.

What extras do guests staying at your pub get?

All guest rooms come with complementary tea/coffee, fresh milk, water and biscuits (Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers) and the rate includes full English breakfast. As much as possible is local.

What’s the most common problem you find as a host?

Hospitality has been hit so badly since lockdown and being in a very remote location, it’s been a constant challenge to find the right people, which we now have in hand.

What’s the key to a great pub breakfast?

Fresh local produce, which we have in abundance here on Exmoor. A good hearty breakfast, homemade breads and, of course, a lovely smile from our team.