Oxford. A historic pub dating back to 1756, it was originally built as a forge and blacksmith shop by wheelwright John Morris, who rented the land from St. John's College. The name is probably derived from an old oak tree on the property, although there is also the famous story relating to Charles II (there are 389 pubs in the UK named Royal Oak). Back in the day it had the nickname "Doctors Lounge" due to its close proximity to the Radcliffe Infirmary, acting as a popular watering hole for doctors, hospital staff, and local academics. Although it has undergone a recent refurbishment it still features exposed beams and brickwork, wood paneling and floors, and open fireplaces. There are many separate rooms (including a couple of nice small ones) around a small bar that opens to two rooms, and there is seating out front on the sidewalk and out back in the beer garden. It is owned by Mitchells and Butlers but is basically a free house. I chose an Allsopp's Pale Ale (Burton Upon Trent) and sat at the little front window nook, observing the students of Oxford going to and from class.