Inside James May's charming country pub

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  • Опубликовано: 15 окт 2024
  • 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.royaloaksw...
    Sync ID: MB01VWOGZXAYRBK

Комментарии • 828

  • @LewisMcGrath
    @LewisMcGrath 2 месяца назад +157

    I’m one of the locals at this pub, born and bred in the local nearby village. James is honestly such a wonderful man and down to earth, he gets involved with the locals and has a brilliant sense of humour. I see him and speak to him weekly. He’s been amazing for our village, saving our pub, speaks to all the locals and would do anything for anyone. He’s currently repairing an old Hornby Train for me. We’re lucky to have him! I was obsessed with Top Gear growing up, seems so weird that he was on that show, he’s just one of us locals now. Thank you James 💙

    • @bored.in.california2111
      @bored.in.california2111 Месяц назад +4

      Please stop. You're making us all very jealous.
      But seriously thats awesome. Always liked celebrities that remained "human" and kept living a normal life after their busy years.

    • @BraveInstance
      @BraveInstance 12 дней назад +1

      As a kid I always found him the boring one on Top Gear. Growing up is realising James was actually the most interesting of the trio. I love the series where he goes abroad to Japan and Italy. Must've seen it 3 times.

    • @Joshwaheazo
      @Joshwaheazo 8 дней назад

      That's because Hammond and Clarkson told you he was.....You were probably quite young, James was clearly always the talented one.

  • @daygon128
    @daygon128 Год назад +3512

    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 Год назад +566

      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 Год назад +76

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

    • @GGdude
      @GGdude Год назад +5

      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 Год назад +33

      Clarkson used to say he hates manual labor

    • @Rockercaruthonyoutube
      @Rockercaruthonyoutube Год назад +1

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

  • @coulterbruce
    @coulterbruce Год назад +2023

    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 Год назад +171

      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 Год назад +70

      @@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 Год назад +33

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

    • @jackbicknell4711
      @jackbicknell4711 Год назад +45

      @@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 Год назад +16

      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 Год назад +544

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

    • @guth21776
      @guth21776 Год назад +13

      Did you see James

    • @Cinderella170
      @Cinderella170 Год назад +2

      Can absolutly agree.

    • @rckrckrckrck
      @rckrckrckrck Год назад

      @@guth21776 missed him by a day sadly

    • @TheFlygonproductions
      @TheFlygonproductions 4 месяца назад

      I'd wager it's quite spenny? Not that that's an issue when it's a nice Wiltshire pub I was just thinking of making plans there.

    • @semiedgv
      @semiedgv 4 месяца назад

      ​@@TheFlygonproductions It's about 180 pounds

  • @benshallcross3596
    @benshallcross3596 Год назад +441

    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 Год назад +19

      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 Год назад +7

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

    • @danmar007
      @danmar007 Год назад +21

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

    • @sianwarwick633
      @sianwarwick633 Год назад +1

      I don't cross the ocean to eat chips

    • @marchutch
      @marchutch Год назад +4

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

  • @berca76
    @berca76 Год назад +472

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

  • @gangsterbroccoli
    @gangsterbroccoli 3 месяца назад +31

    Pubs like this are something I wish we had more of in the US

    • @jazzingpanda3190
      @jazzingpanda3190 2 месяца назад +2

      My local is a few hundred years old, it’s a bit more run down than this place but still it’s lovely

    • @louise7552
      @louise7552 2 месяца назад

      I adore them. ❤

    • @richthofendejesus3819
      @richthofendejesus3819 27 дней назад

      you, do, on the east cost mostly :)

  • @wideshadyy
    @wideshadyy Год назад +131

    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 Год назад +28

    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 Год назад +60

    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!

  • @JohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJo
    @JohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJohnJo Год назад +340

    Lovely pub there Jimbo

  • @magnusfranzonuvebrant9519
    @magnusfranzonuvebrant9519 Год назад +18

    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.

  • @relaxingbuilds1098
    @relaxingbuilds1098 Год назад +16

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

  • @TomEntwistle
    @TomEntwistle Год назад +8

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

  • @krispykremes2482
    @krispykremes2482 8 месяцев назад +12

    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 8 месяцев назад

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

  • @edwardwilcox6606
    @edwardwilcox6606 Год назад +42

    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.

  • @kat13man
    @kat13man Год назад +25

    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.

  • @Cinderella170
    @Cinderella170 Год назад +8

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

  • @drackkor725
    @drackkor725 Год назад +28

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

  • @MrDkusa
    @MrDkusa 11 месяцев назад +2

    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

  • @freddym99
    @freddym99 4 месяца назад +9

    An Amazon Prime series called "May's Pub" would be awesome😂

  • @juliekostas7322
    @juliekostas7322 Месяц назад +1

    All the way here in NYC we're hearing about how delicious and delightful this pub is! I cannot wait to try it out next time I'm in the UK! Bravo Mr. May and Co.

  • @tessahall797
    @tessahall797 Год назад +15

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

  • @wallie1994
    @wallie1994 Год назад +10

    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

  • @amochswohntet99
    @amochswohntet99 8 месяцев назад +6

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

  • @JAXBusinessReview
    @JAXBusinessReview 2 месяца назад +3

    Beautiful place, love that it supports other local businesses.

  • @rikkidee
    @rikkidee Год назад +16

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

  • @Kindred-o8n
    @Kindred-o8n 4 месяца назад +3

    Beautifully charming and quite impressive

  • @portman2396
    @portman2396 Год назад +35

    English country pubs are just the best.

  • @korzonas
    @korzonas Год назад +55

    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).

  • @Benspi
    @Benspi Год назад +10

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

    • @CricketEngland
      @CricketEngland Год назад +6

      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

  • @pbfamous07
    @pbfamous07 Год назад +2

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

  • @lucashenriquepedrosocabello
    @lucashenriquepedrosocabello Год назад +25

    loved the pub, congratulations James

  • @Lysimachus
    @Lysimachus Год назад +19

    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.

  • @bobthejober8025
    @bobthejober8025 Год назад +3

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

  • @GuanoLad
    @GuanoLad Год назад +3

    Very nice. If you like this sort of thing, this is the sort of thing you'd like.

  • @Wooley689
    @Wooley689 Год назад +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.

  • @corynsboy5814
    @corynsboy5814 Год назад +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.

  • @ebiekem
    @ebiekem Год назад +4

    Absolutely beautiful

  • @HenryBrooke1998
    @HenryBrooke1998 Год назад +12

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

  • @jamainelapsleyWM
    @jamainelapsleyWM 11 месяцев назад

    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

  • @MJJ1390
    @MJJ1390 Год назад +3

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

  • @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv
    @JenniferNefdt-tm5cv 9 месяцев назад +1

    Lovely place to eat and look at the beautiful artwork

  • @fullsenderman8291
    @fullsenderman8291 27 дней назад

    Im an American but i certainly appreciate the ways of our friends across the pond nice pub james 👍

  • @РинатФ-я7о
    @РинатФ-я7о Год назад +4

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

  • @jackstrawjr2963
    @jackstrawjr2963 Год назад +19

    That is a proper back garden.

  • @susanyamini
    @susanyamini 5 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @J44Y196
    @J44Y196 Год назад +5

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

  • @ac2244
    @ac2244 Год назад +3

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

  • @masterprattu
    @masterprattu 11 месяцев назад +1

    Wow. The pub looks absolutely amazing.

  • @Big.ham91
    @Big.ham91 10 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @TheGrenadier97
    @TheGrenadier97 Год назад +1

    Absolutely fantastic.

  • @gandalfkenobi007
    @gandalfkenobi007 Год назад +18

    What a beautiful venue. Down to earth yet sophisticated. So many stories are going to be created there.

  • @dianehepper8764
    @dianehepper8764 9 месяцев назад +1

    Love that you are shopping locally, 👍

  • @fredbrackely
    @fredbrackely Год назад +17

    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!!

    • @janelleg597
      @janelleg597 4 месяца назад

      sure what you were expecting.. 🤷‍♀️

    • @Ionabrodie69
      @Ionabrodie69 28 дней назад

      So..🙄🇬🇧

  • @CJFLUX
    @CJFLUX Год назад +2

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

  • @williamfrancecamera
    @williamfrancecamera Год назад +1

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

  • @jaygomesphoto
    @jaygomesphoto Год назад +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!

  • @Mark-lj1dj
    @Mark-lj1dj Год назад +7

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

  • @richardcarr6493
    @richardcarr6493 16 дней назад

    Maybe one day I'll be fortunate to go visit it looks fantastic

  • @black8art
    @black8art Год назад +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!

  • @lunamiku4166
    @lunamiku4166 Год назад

    Man it looks so cozy and bright!!

  • @botrbro
    @botrbro Год назад

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

  • @DisruptedSinner
    @DisruptedSinner Год назад +6

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

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 Год назад +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.

  • @liammasters4605
    @liammasters4605 10 месяцев назад +2

    James is at the age he was always meant to be

  • @ashleytofte1385
    @ashleytofte1385 5 месяцев назад

    I’m travelling to Plymouth in October and said to the better half we need somewhere half way to spend a night or two and break up the journey. Somehow this video popped up and it’s around half way so booked straight away. Looks great.

  • @X2yt
    @X2yt Год назад +29

    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 Год назад +3

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

    • @tinktinkputra2316
      @tinktinkputra2316 10 месяцев назад

      probably religious thing, most of them are odd

    • @Mr_Fancypants
      @Mr_Fancypants 9 месяцев назад +3

      ​@@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 9 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @jessthebasspie
    @jessthebasspie Год назад

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

  • @CountDankula0
    @CountDankula0 Год назад +2

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

  • @nickipedley5
    @nickipedley5 Год назад +1

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

  • @ScreaminEmu
    @ScreaminEmu 5 месяцев назад

    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!

  • @stephendodd606
    @stephendodd606 Год назад +1

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

  • @mach_030
    @mach_030 3 месяца назад +1

    James sir! You look AMAZING!!!

  • @safaridice
    @safaridice 9 месяцев назад +2

    All three men were immensely talented. James can pilot, so can hammond, clarkson is funny all around. James plays music, hammond is an amazing radio jockey, clarkson has boat license. They are each centers of excellence, all of their achievements xan be attributed to absence of social media and distractions. In today's world, it's difficult to achieve something like this without any motivation

  • @Rye271
    @Rye271 Год назад +7

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

  • @shannono8397
    @shannono8397 Год назад +10

    My soul knows James Gin tastes even more enchanting there!
    Absolutely loved the Art tour, every piece is so beautiful!
    Yay, we too have a light restriction in Vermont (U.S.) and all adore the star filled skies.
    Your Pub is very cozy looking and I can't wait to visit it one day & relax among those flowers

  • @danthemaninapan
    @danthemaninapan Год назад +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'.

  • @christophermaer8880
    @christophermaer8880 Год назад +1

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

  • @camithomas8219
    @camithomas8219 Год назад

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

  • @1katotter
    @1katotter 11 месяцев назад +8

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

  • @alexbarlow8029
    @alexbarlow8029 Год назад +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👍😀

  • @kevinak-d1x
    @kevinak-d1x 8 месяцев назад +2

    "door does still fart" great quote

  • @kamuigamer42
    @kamuigamer42 Год назад +1

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

  • @OctoberOctopusM
    @OctoberOctopusM 8 месяцев назад

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

  • @richards7909
    @richards7909 Год назад +8

    What a great looking pub!

  • @Samrat-hm2qu
    @Samrat-hm2qu Год назад +1

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

  • @WiredForFlight
    @WiredForFlight Год назад +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.

  • @iraklirazmadze5391
    @iraklirazmadze5391 5 месяцев назад

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

  • @tobyg2377
    @tobyg2377 Год назад

    Ide love a nice easy to watch show about James May's pub just about the every day tasks to run a pub and abou the different events held there.

  • @CharAznableLoNZ
    @CharAznableLoNZ Год назад +1

    The beams in the oak room split like crazy.

    • @CricketEngland
      @CricketEngland Год назад

      I”m sure it’s all ok and passes Heath and safety laws

  • @jonathaniler
    @jonathaniler Год назад +1

    If I ever make it out that way I plan to stop by here for sure.

  • @roviwoteap2375
    @roviwoteap2375 Год назад

    Look forward to visiting The Royal Oak when we move down to Wiltshire in a couple of months time. 🙂

  • @andyrcampbell
    @andyrcampbell 8 месяцев назад +1

    Used to deliver bread to this place when I was a kid 40 years ago !

  • @MrOkiparker
    @MrOkiparker Год назад

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

  • @xavilend
    @xavilend 11 месяцев назад

    I wish that was my local, what a lovely spot!

  • @Invad3rDiz
    @Invad3rDiz Год назад +3

    can i just say.. that is a beautiful pub

  • @killsquidengage5517
    @killsquidengage5517 Год назад +3

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

  • @UnexpectedJourney59Eng
    @UnexpectedJourney59Eng Год назад

    The roll down chalk on thingy is a great idea!

  • @enriquefernandez5353
    @enriquefernandez5353 Месяц назад

    The place looks fantastic, wish I were closer, but I live in Denmark now, maybe one day