Inside James May's charming country pub

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 25 сер 2023
  • It has been a few years since James May decided to co-own the Royal Oak pub in the tiny village of Swallowcliffe. It has had a bit of a refresh since you guys last saw it, so let James take you for a quick tour around his pride and joy.
    Check out the pub here: www.royaloakswallowcliffe.com/
    Sync ID: MB01VWOGZXAYRBK
  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 753

  • @daygon128
    @daygon128 8 місяців тому +2994

    Imagine watching Top Gear in the 2000's and being told that Jeremy would end up owning and operating a farm, Richard would own an auto shop, and James would own a pub. Legends.

    • @michelvanbriemen3459
      @michelvanbriemen3459 8 місяців тому +487

      I reckon most people would've thought the complete opposite, that Jeremy would open a pub, Richard would open a farm, and James would open a classic car restoration shop.

    • @daygon128
      @daygon128 8 місяців тому +62

      @@michelvanbriemen3459 totally agree. It's very surprising given their personalities.

    • @GGdude
      @GGdude 8 місяців тому +4

      I would think that someone from the future was trying to make sure the future became as it is because breaking from it would become ww3. So here we are..

    • @joelpabalinas7457
      @joelpabalinas7457 8 місяців тому +25

      Clarkson used to say he hates manual labor

    • @Rockercaruthonyoutube
      @Rockercaruthonyoutube 8 місяців тому +1

      I suppose internet trolls don.t have a life outs8ide of their obssessions. Sad.

  • @coulterbruce
    @coulterbruce 8 місяців тому +1742

    James May is the smartest of the 3.
    Hammond - Car workshop. Lots of hard work.
    Clarkson - Farm. Even more hard work.
    May - Pub. Hang around drinking and relaxing.

    • @jackbicknell4711
      @jackbicknell4711 8 місяців тому +135

      I know this is a lighthearted comment, but Clarkson has it right. For all the hard work, farm life sounds like some of the most invigorating, rewarding work that one can do. Imagine how much sweeter the pints must taste to him.

    • @coulterbruce
      @coulterbruce 8 місяців тому +59

      @@jackbicknell4711 Maybe 30 years ago but Clarkson is 63 and not the healthiest. Farming is a lot to take on when you're close to retirement age.

    • @StockportJambo
      @StockportJambo 8 місяців тому +26

      @@coulterbruce Gerald is in his 80s and he's still going.

    • @jackbicknell4711
      @jackbicknell4711 8 місяців тому +31

      @@coulterbruce Alot to take on indeed, but that is the point of life - to keep the fire alive. When you stop, that is when you begin to waste away and enter a period of managed decline. 63 and still going. A happy man.

    • @marchutch
      @marchutch 8 місяців тому +15

      I wonder how much James May is involved in the day to day decision making. Running a pub looks like an exhausting job to me!

  • @rckrckrckrck
    @rckrckrckrck 8 місяців тому +396

    Stayed there for almost a week. The manager, chef, and staff are so lovely. Amazing food and hospitality.

    • @guth21776
      @guth21776 8 місяців тому +13

      Did you see James

    • @Cinderella170
      @Cinderella170 7 місяців тому +2

      Can absolutly agree.

    • @rckrckrckrck
      @rckrckrckrck 7 місяців тому

      @@guth21776 missed him by a day sadly

  • @JohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJo
    @JohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJo 8 місяців тому +277

    Lovely pub there Jimbo

  • @benshallcross3596
    @benshallcross3596 8 місяців тому +378

    Made a special trip to the Royal Oak from Norwich. It was worth every mile of the journey. Love the pub. Staff were amazing and the food outstanding, best chips in the country (no hyperbole)!

    • @LeHazy
      @LeHazy 8 місяців тому +18

      if I go and the chips are bad, not just not the best, but bad. Would you be happy to put money against that claim?

    • @mataskart9894
      @mataskart9894 8 місяців тому +4

      @@LeHazy Considering as everything with food it's probably a matter of taste I don't think he would lol.

    • @danmar007
      @danmar007 8 місяців тому +17

      I would make the trip if I didn't have to cross the Atlantic.

    • @sianwarwick633
      @sianwarwick633 8 місяців тому +1

      I don't cross the ocean to eat chips

    • @marchutch
      @marchutch 8 місяців тому +3

      I often travel the length and breadth of England in search of excellent chips.

  • @berca76
    @berca76 8 місяців тому +432

    I didn't expect the pub would look this incredible! Loving it James!

  • @wideshadyy
    @wideshadyy 8 місяців тому +107

    I literally came here 3 days ago, now I see this. It is a truly lovely pub with very kind waitstaff and we only stayed for drinks but they were quick and delicious.

  • @ShooterPat
    @ShooterPat 8 місяців тому +16

    James May and the people he surrounds himself with are gems. Everyone is so genuine and fun loving. Just brings up that quote anout James May being the most interesting uninteresting man in the world

  • @uzairharoon4862
    @uzairharoon4862 8 місяців тому +48

    I stopped by this pub in June while I was visiting England. Loved the pub. It was clean and very cozy. Wish I was able to meet James May, maybe next year!

  • @fredbrackely
    @fredbrackely 7 місяців тому +13

    I must say, next time I'm back in England, I'll be paying May's pub a visit. Definitely a better experience than Clarkson's Farm Shop. During my visit last year, I queued in the mud for 3 hours, only to buy a potato for 20 quid, to get a free t-shirt, and my ol' mom told me the cider I bought from the farm exploded in the shed last month!!

  • @magnusfranzonuvebrant9519
    @magnusfranzonuvebrant9519 8 місяців тому +9

    My dear wife and i arrived for one night on 4th of Dec. last year, ended up staing for longer ’cause it was so ruddy brilliant!
    Guest at the bar, drink, food, and the staff, all 🌟 Managed to bring a few bottles of James Gin back to Sweden to boot! 11 out of 10♥️
    Magnus & Annika.

  • @ScreaminEmu
    @ScreaminEmu 4 дні тому

    Loved our overnight stay! Our little sausage dog, Ruby, really appreciated the dog menu and doggy welcome gift. Staff were incredible; kind and accommodating. Bed was comfy, bath was fantastic… best fish and chips I think I’ve had in England. We’ll be back!

  • @relaxingbuilds1098
    @relaxingbuilds1098 8 місяців тому +12

    My mums side of the family grew up near there. A beautiful pub, never thought it would be owned by the legend James May

  • @1katotter
    @1katotter 6 місяців тому +8

    Dont know how, what for or why but we need a series of James’ pub. Game nights, cooking, gin tasting and more.

  • @kat13man
    @kat13man 8 місяців тому +18

    James May is an old hippy. 1962 may have been before he was born but he's from that time. The Pub is quite Posh. May's time in Italy has turned hime into a rock star. Rock stars are hard to come by lately. Thanks for updating us on the Pub. I was wondering how it was doing. It looks really nice. Much success to you and the Pub.

  • @X2yt
    @X2yt 7 місяців тому +24

    I've never drank a drop of alcohol in my 30 years of life, but I can't express how much I wanna go there and just sit outside sipping tea and watching the trees outside.

    • @raven_of_zoso455
      @raven_of_zoso455 6 місяців тому +2

      How can you never have had any liquor when you're 30? Genuinely asking.

    • @tinktinkputra2316
      @tinktinkputra2316 5 місяців тому

      probably religious thing, most of them are odd

    • @Mr_Fancypants
      @Mr_Fancypants 4 місяці тому +1

      ​@@tinktinkputra2316 i'm allmost 30 and just don't like it. I tried different alcohol and even made my own but can never get myself to like it. I dispise cigarettes but i like cigars. It's a strange world.

    • @tinktinkputra2316
      @tinktinkputra2316 4 місяці тому +1

      @Mr_Fancypants Atleast you've tried it, then you decided you don't like it. That's normal

    • @TNTahir
      @TNTahir Місяць тому

      Some people don’t want to drink. People from my generation treat it like poison.

  • @HenryBrooke1998
    @HenryBrooke1998 8 місяців тому +10

    My godmother and I had a drink here last October. Absolutely fabulous location.

  • @jackstrawjr2963
    @jackstrawjr2963 8 місяців тому +16

    That is a proper back garden.

  • @krispykremes2482
    @krispykremes2482 3 місяці тому +4

    James morphing into Billy Connolly in his later years was unexpected but I'm okay with it. Love the pub, classic rural English goodness.

    • @camwinston5248
      @camwinston5248 2 місяці тому

      I can't decide if it's Billy Connolly ,Robert Plant ..or dame Edna ?😆😉..or a combo of all three.

  • @TomEntwistle
    @TomEntwistle 8 місяців тому +4

    We visited for a lunch in August (2023) and I rate the meal as top class, we really enjoyed it.

  • @Lysimachus
    @Lysimachus 8 місяців тому +18

    It sounds like it hasn't quite turned out the way he was envisioning (it has a TV, shows sporting events, has a quiz night, and it's still a more primarily focused on food, not drink). But despite his image as a crusty old traditionalist, he has always demonstrated a willingness to adapt, so that's probably what happened.

  • @drackkor725
    @drackkor725 8 місяців тому +26

    It's about time a show worth watching and winning a guest appearance on :)

  • @rikkidee
    @rikkidee 8 місяців тому +16

    What a beautiful pub. Could definitely see myself spending a few nights there. I'd have to leave Australia first. However, bucket list.

  • @amochswohntet4434
    @amochswohntet4434 2 місяці тому +2

    Top Gear was a spectacular success. I’m happy to see you’re enjoying your fortune from it.

  • @susanyamini
    @susanyamini 7 днів тому

    How beautiful thank you for saving this old pub and making into this 6:25 tasteful place. Gary said the food is 10 out of 10. Definitely planning to visit this place.

  • @Benspi
    @Benspi 8 місяців тому +6

    Having an AED by the door is a nice touch, well thought out

    • @CricketEngland
      @CricketEngland 8 місяців тому +5

      It’s their incase Clarkson visits as he will have a heart attach once he sees that they don’t serve his over advertised larger

  • @lucashenriquepedrosocabello
    @lucashenriquepedrosocabello 8 місяців тому +23

    loved the pub, congratulations James

  • @corynsboy5814
    @corynsboy5814 8 місяців тому +5

    you absolutely can grow coriander in the UK. and you should use that bit behind the stacked up tables and garden furniture with all the long grass as a herb bed. Your chefs will thank you.

  • @korzonas
    @korzonas 8 місяців тому +54

    Beautiful pub. The most important thing for me is handpumped or gravity-fed cask ales. After that, everything is icing. I love all the outdoor seating & as an amateur astronomer, I welcome you keeping to dark skies rules. I also appreciate the farm-to-table menu (within 50 miles).You should be able to grow corriander… I’m growing it in the suburbs of Chicago (zone 5b).

  • @BenDover-qj5mt
    @BenDover-qj5mt 8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for the tour, James. You have a lovely pub.

  • @Cinderella170
    @Cinderella170 7 місяців тому +8

    We have been there in april. It's an amazing , lovely pub. We had a marvelous time there. Wonderful room and excellent food.

  • @Wooley689
    @Wooley689 8 місяців тому +2

    Even from where I sit, the place has a fabulous feel exuding from it. Perhaps one day when I have the extra funds I can travel there.

  • @DisruptedSinner
    @DisruptedSinner 8 місяців тому +5

    It looks amazing, James. I hope to visit one day.

  • @ac2244
    @ac2244 8 місяців тому +2

    James May is living the dream. I love this man.

  • @masterprattu
    @masterprattu 6 місяців тому +1

    Wow. The pub looks absolutely amazing.

  • @mattys1467
    @mattys1467 8 місяців тому +1

    I definitely want to have a visit. Looks fabulous

  • @caryeddy6928
    @caryeddy6928 8 місяців тому +1

    I like everything about this! Looks very charming .

  • @edwardwilcox6606
    @edwardwilcox6606 8 місяців тому +41

    What a nice pub! That `Oak Room` looks terrific & matches all the other improvements made. The frontage looks particlarly inviting & I wish all concerned the very best success in making it a viable & enjoyable business.

  • @Mark-lj1dj
    @Mark-lj1dj 8 місяців тому +6

    Gorgeous pub. If I'm ever in the area I'll pop in for a pint

  • @tessahall797
    @tessahall797 8 місяців тому +15

    I love the flowers. Such a cozy and inviting pub. I hope to visit one day.

  • @tessahall797
    @tessahall797 8 місяців тому

    Love the garden!!!

  • @PMMPDMBOX4376
    @PMMPDMBOX4376 7 днів тому

    what a beautiful looking place 🙂 James, Chris & their team are clearly doing a fantastic job running the pub. I wonder if James has allowed any Morris dancers in yet LOL

  • @CountDankula0
    @CountDankula0 8 місяців тому +2

    It has such a nice feel to it. It's like drinking in an old home. Would love to try it someday

  • @lunamiku4166
    @lunamiku4166 6 місяців тому

    Man it looks so cozy and bright!!

  • @dianehepper8764
    @dianehepper8764 4 місяці тому +1

    Love that you are shopping locally, 👍

  • @manaspawar3749
    @manaspawar3749 8 місяців тому

    this is so relaxing and pretty. great work

  • @user-lk4jk5ex9l
    @user-lk4jk5ex9l 8 місяців тому +2

    From cars and big trips to a farm, an autoshop and a pub. Still the best.

  • @stephendodd606
    @stephendodd606 8 місяців тому +1

    James may you have a nice countryside pub Love the look of your pub ❤️🇬🇧👍

  • @wallie1994
    @wallie1994 8 місяців тому +8

    Was here last week, also stayed the night. Loved it, also best food I had in ages. The boules competition was fierce, even when spectating

  • @richards7909
    @richards7909 8 місяців тому +8

    What a great looking pub!

  • @williamjfrancefilm
    @williamjfrancefilm 8 місяців тому +1

    Was here for a wedding last week and its absolutely lovely.

  • @frankpickrell
    @frankpickrell 8 місяців тому

    Beautiful pub!

  • @portman2396
    @portman2396 8 місяців тому +33

    English country pubs are just the best.

  • @nickipedley5
    @nickipedley5 8 місяців тому +1

    Very nice. There are some lovely walks in the area too.

  • @camithomas8219
    @camithomas8219 8 місяців тому

    We are visiting the pub in December. Can't wait!

  • @bobthejober8025
    @bobthejober8025 7 місяців тому +3

    Played a wedding gig here a few weeks ago, such a nice pub!

  • @user-es1xp5wp7s
    @user-es1xp5wp7s 8 місяців тому

    very nice, James. I hope someday i will visit this place!

  • @johnkennedy3602
    @johnkennedy3602 2 місяці тому

    3:03 the blanket that matches May's iconic shirt.😂 Classic.

  • @J44Y196
    @J44Y196 8 місяців тому +4

    I used to go to this pub regularly with my parents. Bring back the wooden skittles in the garden!

  • @TheGrenadier97
    @TheGrenadier97 7 місяців тому +1

    Absolutely fantastic.

  • @robertcarr4172
    @robertcarr4172 8 місяців тому

    Gorgeous pub!

  • @Invad3rDiz
    @Invad3rDiz 8 місяців тому +3

    can i just say.. that is a beautiful pub

  • @ebiekem
    @ebiekem 8 місяців тому +2

    Absolutely beautiful

  • @cozysouth
    @cozysouth 8 місяців тому

    Can’t wait to stop by when we visit the area 😁

  • @MJJ1390
    @MJJ1390 8 місяців тому +1

    A quiz night is exactly the thing I'd expect from a James May pub

  • @hoffmanrider2007
    @hoffmanrider2007 8 місяців тому +1

    Been here. Absolutely unreal, its worth hours of driving just for dinner.

  • @jaygomesphoto
    @jaygomesphoto 8 місяців тому +2

    I'm over here in the United States planning a trip to the UK one day and I really want to have a beer at his pub!

  • @OctoberOctopusM
    @OctoberOctopusM 3 місяці тому

    It is beautiful and the art is tastful. Well done!

  • @zagonialpar9208
    @zagonialpar9208 8 місяців тому

    Thanks for showing us this May. I like Richard's workshop!

    • @zagonialpar9208
      @zagonialpar9208 8 місяців тому +1

      The pub is actually cool to be honest.. I like the garden.

  • @pbfamous07
    @pbfamous07 8 місяців тому +1

    coolest thing ive seen inn 2023. love it to shreds.

  • @iraklirazmadze5391
    @iraklirazmadze5391 19 днів тому

    Awesome. Well done sir ❤🎉🫡 and best wishes from 🇬🇪Georgia.

  • @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv
    @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv 4 місяці тому +1

    Lovely place to eat and look at the beautiful artwork

  • @jchristophem4406
    @jchristophem4406 8 місяців тому +1

    I want to stay there. Looks great.

  • @st0atmaster
    @st0atmaster 8 місяців тому

    I am heading there soon, so timely!

  • @botrbro
    @botrbro 8 місяців тому

    Stayed there in 2022. Dinner and breakfast were great. Several James Gin were a treat as well.

  • @MrDkusa
    @MrDkusa 6 місяців тому

    James congrats my friend. I know this is your passion and im glad you're living it. Thank you for the many years and continued laughs

  • @MrOkiparker
    @MrOkiparker 8 місяців тому

    Been many times, great place and excellent food. Cracking local.

  • @black8art
    @black8art 8 місяців тому +1

    Didn't realise, I've been near there so many times! Just up the road at Fovant, there used to be the WORLD'S foremost expert and producer of parts and tuning expertise, for the Yamaha XS650! (motorcycles!) Tony Hall was the proprietor's name, and his company's name was Halco Tuning! Unfortunately he died in the early 2000's and his company folded, but his legend still lives on!

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 7 місяців тому +3

    Thanks for a lovely update on a historic local countryside pub. Now it is a bit of a destination...but for the best of reasons.

  • @Rye271
    @Rye271 8 місяців тому +7

    Its a great pub, perfect ratio of modern and traditional 👍

  • @killsquidengage5517
    @killsquidengage5517 8 місяців тому +3

    Since my local burnt down, this is now my local pub...Still haven't run into May though

  • @WiredForFlight
    @WiredForFlight 8 місяців тому +2

    I definitely want to visit and also see if I can arrange a flight at the local airport. What a fun holiday that would be.

  • @Marc_von_Hoffrichter
    @Marc_von_Hoffrichter 8 місяців тому

    Very nice James, very nice.

  • @UnexpectedJourney59Eng
    @UnexpectedJourney59Eng 8 місяців тому

    The roll down chalk on thingy is a great idea!

  • @billflynn6903
    @billflynn6903 8 місяців тому

    Something about real LIFE and real BIZ is that it is daily a surprise. Thank You James for your very candid view of 'Not the Farm'. Tough to keep up with you youngsters.

  • @christophermaer8880
    @christophermaer8880 8 місяців тому +1

    I think James had done well with his pub and l hope to visit his pub in the future

  • @danthemaninapan
    @danthemaninapan 8 місяців тому +1

    6:05 As a Yorkshireman, I'd just like to note that "I need to hoover t' garden" translates to 'I need to hoover to the garden'. If we wanted to hoover the garden, we'd say "I need to hoover' garden".
    We replace "the" with a glottal stop. We replace "to the" with a t'.

  • @andrewwhite1305
    @andrewwhite1305 8 місяців тому

    Beautiful outdoor seating btw.

  • @kamuigamer1426
    @kamuigamer1426 8 місяців тому +1

    what a nice little pub... my kind a place... maybe i ll visit next time i am in the uk...

  • @Samrat-hm2qu
    @Samrat-hm2qu 7 місяців тому +1

    It's cozy man i would love to have great experience in that amazing pub. Beer with mates. 🍺

  • @jessthebasspie
    @jessthebasspie 8 місяців тому

    I went in June on a trip visiting Salisbury and Stratford upon Avon. It was lovely!

  • @susanmundy8037
    @susanmundy8037 24 дні тому

    Beautiful James ❤

  • @jamainelapsleyWM
    @jamainelapsleyWM 6 місяців тому

    I love clarkson, may and hammond, theyre pretty much all set for life and have still opted to go back into everyday jobs. Pubs, farms & car workshops, legendary trio of mates

  • @dimestoretrophy6233
    @dimestoretrophy6233 7 місяців тому +1

    Looks like a comfortable place 🙏

  • @theprodigalstranger5259
    @theprodigalstranger5259 8 місяців тому +1

    I can not wait to have a drink and a stay at your pub. Do drop by that night and treat me to dinner lol!

  • @chrisstearns10
    @chrisstearns10 8 місяців тому

    It's on my bucket list to visit your pub one day. I currently live in San Diego, California.

  • @Big.ham91
    @Big.ham91 5 місяців тому +2

    If I come to the UK I would definitely visit your pub, brilliant pub tbh.

  • @NS_first
    @NS_first 8 місяців тому

    Looks like a nice place. Hope I can visit someday

  • @captainslow3767
    @captainslow3767 8 місяців тому +4

    Very nice think I might have to pay a visit

  • @alexbarlow8029
    @alexbarlow8029 8 місяців тому +13

    Lovely pub in a nice part of the world , stayed there a few times now, excellent food , excellent service , lovely rooms and you never know who you might bump into , last time we stayed a group of wandering German rally drivers walked in , great bunch of lads , look forward to visiting again👍😀