The Royal Oak has been recognised for its exceptional community engagement and fundraising efforts. The pub has won several accolades, including the Marston’s Community Pub of the Year, Marston’s Venture Pub of the Year, and Entertainment Pub of the Year. It has also been featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the last 11 years, with landlady Emma being crowned the CAMRA Mild Merit Champion.
Situated with a spacious car park and a newly added large covered area and fully stocked outdoor bar, the pub can comfortably serve up to 130 people. The pub has become an integral part of the community, always adapting to meet the needs and preferences of its patrons. The Royal Oak is not just a traditional ale pub but a community-designed music venue providing a welcoming environment for all, especially on match days for Wolverhampton Wanderers fans.
The Royal Oak is known for its inclusive atmosphere, attracting a diverse range of customers from different backgrounds. The pub is a place where anyone can walk in and feel at home, make new friends, or enjoy the music in the outdoor beer garden. The pub actively involves its customers in decision-making processes, seeking their input on new ideas and continuously improving their experience.
The Royal Oak’s community efforts extend beyond its walls. The pub sponsors a local hockey club and is beginning a journey with a local football team that lost its sponsorship due to Covid. Plans are underway to establish a future academy with junior and kids’ teams. The pub has raised over £38,000 for various charities, including the Midland Freewheelers Blood Bikers, through various challenges and fundraising events.
Over the past four years, the pub has undertaken multiple challenges to support the Midland Freewheelers. These include a 24-mile walk around Midlands football grounds, a large relay from Ross on Wye to Wolverhampton involving 72 people, and a virtual Lands End to John O’Groats challenge completed in five days, raising £2,000. The musicians who play at the pub have also recorded a charity single, soon to be released. Landlord Terry volunteers as a coordinator for the blood bikers, dedicating at least 20 hours a week, and will soon be joined by his father-in-law as a rider.
The Royal Oak Chapel Ash exemplifies the powerful role a community-focused pub can play in fostering local support and engagement. By winning the hearts of the local community through consistent and impactful fundraising efforts, the pub has demonstrated its dedication to supporting diverse groups and fostering community spirit. The Royal Oak’s inclusive and welcoming environment continues to benefit the people of Chapel Ash and beyond.
