Royal Oak, Chesterfield (Royal Oake)

A remarkable survivor in view of its town centre location – in 1967 it was due to be demolished as part of a multi million pound redevelopment and there was a plan to hoist the building onto rollers and move it to a new site – but thankfully neither plan came to fruition. The pub consists of two distinctive parts – the top part is a 16th century half timbered building and was incorporated into the pub in the mid 19th century. It houses a very small high ceilinged bar with a counter from the 1950s, newer top and fixed seating that looks to date from the 1930s. Note the small ‘Royal Oak’ stained panels high up in the exterior windows. The lower and larger bar was the original inn and consisted of two rooms originally – it was bought by Stones Brewery of Sheffield in 1897 who carried out an extensive renovation. Again the bar fittings are about 50 years old.