It’s thought to be one of England ‘s oldest pubs with 1,000 years of history and its own ghost.

The Royal Oak is nestled in the heart of Winchester in Oak Passage, just a stone’s throw from Winchester Castle in a building dating back to 1002 AD.

It is believed to have the oldest functioning bar in England and staff report a spooky instance where a shadow appeared on the walls of the pub and pushed a glass off of a table before climbing onto the ceiling!

The Royal Oak, Winchester(Image: Greene King)

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The pub was originally a wedding present from Saxon King Ethelred to his Viking Princess Emma, who became the first ever crowned Queen of England and took up residence at the site.

It was named the Royal Oak in the 1600s after the English Civil War. During Oliver Cromwell’s rule, the pub was used as a haunt for Royalists who secretly wore an oak leaf to show their allegiance to King Charles. After the restoration, King Charles resided in Winchester and the pub was given its name.

These days, it boasts a delicious food menu of top-quality pub classics, including an award-winning steak and ale pie and popular fish and chips, as well as a selection of burgers, sandwiches and sharers.

The Royal Oak, Winchester(Image: Greene King)

Behind the bar, there’s a great selection of cask ales on the bar including Abbot Ale and Greene King Level Head Session IPA, plus the guest ales are regularly changed so there’s always something new to try.

The Royal Oak also offers an extensive wine and cocktail list with their signature serves including a Raspberry Tom Collins and a Mojito Spritz. Mulled wine is always a hit during the winter months.

A lovely rear beer garden has room for 40 and the Thursday evening quiz is always popular, offering a mix of general knowledge, sport, pop culture, history and music rounds.

General manager Philip Cross said: “My favourite thing about working at the Royal Oak has to be the connections we make with the wonderful customers we serve each day, and the amazing stories we get to hear from people visiting us from all around the world.”

The Royal Oak, Winchester(Image: Greene King)