The Bobster revisits the Royal Standard in Forty Green, Buckinghamshire.

 It was a beautiful, crisp, sunny winter's day today, January 29th 2020. I had already gone for my morning walk, trod the local park, which was bitter cold in the shade, before heading up the A40, through Beaconsfield and on to the Royal Standard, Forty Green where I knew I would receive a warm welcome - I'd been here before.  I remember.  Actually, I always remember well the places where I've eaten but, I remember also the smell of flowers around the carpark and the woods beyond. I think there is rosemary and other herbs planted around some of the small trees which line the carpark. And there were flowers in bloom, even in January.

The Royal Standard is the oldest Pub in Britain and as you open the front door it creaks like a hundred cavaliers' stooping kneecaps - least that's how the human described it, and she wasn't even drinking!!!
 The interior is dark and atmospheric, so it's no surprise that it has been used in film and Tv (e.g. Midsomer Murders, The Theory of Everything ) but it is very welcoming with cosy fires, and friendly staff. AND, they love dogs (Get in!)

 I've read on the Royal Standard's website that one of the fireplaces is the Edmund Burke fireplace, though I'm not sure which one. As we imminently approach Brexit Day I note one of his quotes on politics,
"The public interest requires doing today those things that men of intelligence and good will would wish, five or ten years hence, had been done." I guess time will tell, whatever your stance on Brexit, whether things will turn out all right.

 The Food on offer is just excellent, so booking is a necessity. I highly recommend it. It's worth a visit, especially if you want to bring visitors from overseas. This is a place steeped in history. It seeps through its walls, quite literally, if you are to believe some of the ghost stories on their history pages of hauntings but we found nothing but good vibes here and friendly people among the staff and clientele.

 Our visit was made ever more enjoyable by the friendly Barman, who was very charming and looked very dapper indeed. Thank you, Sir! You made our day.