Exceptional food and quality ales put this outstanding pub firmly at the top of the tree. Lying just over the border in Wales, it is one of the oldest and most attractive coaching inns in the region, a real hidden gem standing at a leafy crossroads off the A55 six miles southwest of Chester.

The Royal Oak has an enviable reputation for the quality of its food, which is served in the modern annexe of Thompson's Restaurant. Ingredients are sourced locally where possible. The choice is very varied, a few examples being mushrooms filled with mozzarella and basil with a creamed herb dressing; Thai fish cakes; pan-fried tuna with roasted vegetables, chilli and sesame dressing; T-bone, fillet and sirloin steaks; sausage and black pudding on a bed of mash with onion gravy and apple sauce; mushroom and courgette stroganoff; iced lemon charlotte with raspberry compote. Lighter snacks are available at lunchtime.

Six miles southwest of Chester off the A55/A5104.