“Smiling staff ferry own-brewed ales to locals, dog-walkers and drinkers; the rest are here for the fabulous food – it’s fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere”
- The Scotsman Review, Sep 2024
“The Killingworth Castle in Wootton has been awarded a third AA Rosette for its culinary excellence.Staff accepted the gong at the AA Hospitality Awards yesterday (September 25) in London which was presented by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman.The AA, known for its inspections and recommendations of hotels and restaurants, only gives this high rating to a select few establishments that demonstrate an “outstanding” standard of cuisine.”
“And while the surroundings are quaint, the atmosphere warm and friendly, and the beer well kept, this rustic inn is more than just a great village tavern. It is a culinary magnet with a dynamic reputation at odds with its timeless surroundings.”
“When Winston Churchill stayed at Blenheim Palace in the 1930s, he would occasionally slip away for a spot of lunch at The Killingworth Castle.This charming inn, now with eight plush rooms in a former stable, is four miles away and Churchill is said to have enjoyed driving along the winding country lanes to get there, sometimes testing a new car in the company of his friend William Morris, founder of Morris Motors.”
“With Adam Brown now heading up the kitchens at Killingworth Castle, its food offering is once again soaring.Owners Jim and Claire Alexander brought the esteemed head chef in when they sold its sister pub The Ebrington Arms to concentrate on their beloved Killy in Wootton near Woodstock.And Adam was the right man for the job, his impeccable standard of cooking serving as a refreshing reminder of what’s possible in our country pub kitchens.”
“The Killy’, as it’s locally known, has gone from strength to strength since a refurb a few years ago. A beautiful 17th-century coaching inn with barn bedrooms for guests and a menu full of local goodies.Most of the ingredients are organic and you can taste the goodness in every mouthful. There’s even the owner’s own craft beer to sip: three ales, all brewed in the Cotswolds.”
“Immediately when you walk in you’re enveloped with a sense of cosiness. Low ceilings with exposed beams, the pub bar straight in our line of vision. Wooden stools lining the counter for patrons to take a seat. And of course, what makes it feel even cosier… a wood fire is burning in each fireplace and there’s a heavenly scent is wafting from the kitchen...”
“A SECRET assessment by undercover food critics has resulted in an Oxfordshire pub gaining two AA Rosettes. The Killingworth Castle in Wootton, near Woodstock, found out about the prestigious accolade last week...”
“This 17th-century inn offers the best of all worlds: a rural setting on the edge of a classically good-looking Cotswold village; a cosy-contemporary interior with a bar much loved by locals (the owners even produce their own beer); very highly rated food; and relaxingly stylish bedrooms.”
“While Oxford is currently bursting at the seams with fantastic new restaurants and places to eat, it was an easy decision to make… for me there was only one contender.”
“A charming 17th century coaching inn in the heart of the Cotswolds, with a huge garden and stylish yet comfy rooms… Managing to blend the contemporary with the traditional, the Killingworth feels both cosy and luxurious.”
“Tuck into the sea bream with mash, samphire, fennel and tomato and you’ll never be content with a ploughman’s again.”
“When Killingworth Castle first opened in 2012. Word spread fast that there was somewhere new, somewhere different, somewhere brilliant, somewhere affordable to eat. The great and the good flocked from far and wide.”
“There are too many places that just do a roast like it’s a burden rather than an event that should be remembered, so when someone takes a roast to the next level it is hugely refreshing.”
“A beautiful pub in a beautiful village that puts good food and a good time as the top priorities - this is a place to remember - and a reminder of why pubs are so ace.”
“Facing fields on the edge of honey-stone Wootton, the pub exudes rural tranquillity... It’s rustic-sleek with exposed-stone arches, wood floors, crackling fires and a long bar that is a very much a haunt of locals.”
“Country classic with fabulous food and rooms, ace beers and happy staff. Can I make a block booking?”
“A sprint from London: a Cotswolds pub modernised with sympathy and care. Happy staff, top local ales, the best chips in Oxfordshire and set lunch a steal.”
“You can instantly tell when the owners of a pub love what they do. It’s the little details: the Alan Partridge quotes on the wine list, the proud, hand painted signage and quirky earthenware crockery.”