(The management team who brought the Royal Oak to Stittsville – l to r: Tyler Shibley, Justin Howard and Jonathan Hatchell)
It was a soft opening on the June 17 evening for the long-awaited Royal Oak on Hazeldean Road. Congratulations are in order for Tyler, Justin and Jonathan, who after months of waiting, were finally able to open the Royal Oak Stittsville patio. Of course, following of health and safety measures for the staff and the pub were forefront for the opening.
Greeting us, Tyler Shibley, the COO, took us on the tour, proudly indicating the many areas and features in the pub, including the photos of Stittsville’s past that adorn the walls. The bar is spacious, yet homey and the wall of stone that holds the double-side fireplace defines the dining room and bar area. You can see the preparation of the beer kegs held in a temperature controlled and glass enclosed room of their own. Many large screen televisions will bring you all of the sports that one could watch (when we are able to do so again).
There are banquettes and dining tables available throughout and the main dining room opens upon the spacious glass enclosed patio. The pergola is expected for installation in the next couple of weeks and the fire pit as well. Comfortable patio furniture awaits you and large umbrellas shield from the sun.
We would be remiss not to mention that the menu still bears the Oaks traditional British fare – pot pies, bangers and mash – but the mainstay Oak burger is a long-time menu item that we were pleased to see remains.
No pub would be complete without dart boards, you can find a pair tucked away in an enclave just off the main bar area and a Nu-tone jukebox that can be programmed right from a smart phone is waiting to entertain you.
As can be expected, and celebrating 40 years with this 16th location, the Royal Oak has again lived up to its reputation of bringing to Stittsville a business founded on the pillars of community, providing safe and appealing pubs, the perfect pint and quality food.
Jonathan will be happy when the entire pub is able to open to the public. If our experience at this special event today was any indication of that to come, the Royal Oak should be around for another 40 years!
The ‘soft grand opening’ is to take place on Thursday, June 18 starting at 4:00 pm. Drop in for a bite, a pint and welcome this new business and the staff to Stittsville.
