The British public has long been fascinated by pubs owned or frequented by celebrities, from Jeremy Clarkson’s country venture to James Blunt’s London favourite. These establishments carry a unique charm—the idea of sharing a pint in a place touched by famous personalities adds a special allure.
Unlike the flamboyant fanfare of some celebrity pubs, such as Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog or the subtle nod at Ian McKellen’s The Grapes, James May’s Royal Oak remains refreshingly understated. Located in the rolling Wiltshire countryside near Swallowcliffe, The Royal Oak was originally May’s local pub. In 2020, faced with the prospect of its closure, May stepped in to save it, driven by a simple yet heartfelt reason: it’s the only pub within walking distance of his home in Ansty.
“My hope is that it can survive,” May said when he took ownership. “We’re not turning it into an upmarket gastropub or destination experience, just a nice spot for locals and walkers.”
Though the pub offers rooms—with a mid-level stay costing around £175 per night—some visitors initially questioned the price. TikTok user Phil Carr noted, “It’s pricey, but the area is highly desirable.” Despite the cost, the experience of the countryside pub remained authentic and welcoming rather than commercialized.
The atmosphere differed notably from Clarkson’s bustling Farmers Dog; The Royal Oak is quiet and relaxed, a true community hub rather than a tourist spectacle. Following a leisurely eggs Benedict breakfast included in the stay, one guest summed up the visit perfectly: “Not a place for a long holiday or honeymoon but certainly worth a night’s stopover if you’re travelling through the West Country or visiting Stonehenge. James May did a fantastic job preserving this community pub, and it shows in the quality and charm of the experience.”