The Royal Standard of England at Forty Green, near Beaconsfield, makes a credible claim to being the oldest freehouse in England — first recorded as ‘Se Scip’ (The Ship) in 1213, with evidence of Saxon brewing on the site stretching back further still. The pub took its current name in 1663 when Charles II rewarded it for sheltering Royalist supporters during the Civil War, and has been accumulating history, atmosphere and the occasional ghost ever since. Gnarled timbers, worn flagstones, carved oak panels and rooms that haven’t entirely agreed on a century: this is a building that earns every superlative applied to it, and has featured on film and television accordingly.
The food has kept pace with the extraordinary setting — suet puddings, bubble and squeak, steamed desserts, and a beer selection that leans entirely British, including Rebellion IPA and Chiltern Brewery ales on the bar. Wednesday Steak Night in the Beer Hall uses locally sourced Belted Galloway beef from Boarstall Meats, cooked on a wood charcoal grill. Sunday roasts are worth booking in advance, the quiz nights are well attended, and the whole experience — log fire, ancient timbers, serious food, well-kept ale — is one that justifies a considerable journey.
