Review: An exquisite lunch at The Killingworth Castle

Something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time is getting back to sharing reviews on my website. When I first moved to London, it was such a focus of my blog. But as the years passed, I’ve found that I often have grand plans of reviewing where I go and then realizing it’s been months since I’ve been and that review is mildly pointless by the time I get around to it.

That mindset is a thing of the past because reviews are officially back up and running on Kelly Prince Writes.

Starting with a very wonderful adventure to the Cotswolds. En route to our overnight stay at The Ebrington Arms, we stopped into their sister pub and inn, The Killingworth Castle located in Woodstock. In terms of location it’s a lovely halfway point between Oxford and the Cotswolds.  

The Killingworth Castle 

We pulled up at The Killingworth Castle on a particularly sunny Wednesday afternoon. It would be the only properly nice day that week so we were quite lucky.

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. 

We’re a little on the early side for lunch, arriving just before 12pm. But I imagine those who start an early morning of hiking in the hills stumbling into the pub with muddy boots and walking sticks starting raring for a hearty lunchtime meal at this time. In fact, it didn’t take long at all for the pub to fill up. By the time we left, the entire main entryway was filled with lunch goers. 

We started our afternoon lunch with a glass of wine for me and a pint for Joe at the bar while I wandered around taking photos. Honestly, I think whenever I’m working, I should have a glass of wine in hand. 

Once I’d exhausting all photography opportunities we meandered through the pub around the corner (nearby the kitchens – yes!) and the perfect table. Yes, there is such a thing as the perfect table in the land of a food review and for photography. The lighting is just right. And it was.

We sat down and scoured the menus, ultimately deciding to tuck into their set menu. 

The starters

It was a one of those cold but sunny days so we choose to start our lunchtime with their soups. The set menu boasts the beetroot and honey soup alongside crusty bread to start. For variety, we asked if we could swap the one for the mushroom and thyme soup, which the staff were happy to do. I was ecstatic too… mushroom soup is my favourite.

I was surprised in the end though, because it turns out that the beetroot and honey soup was a strong contender for my affection. It was this perfect combination of savoury packed with flavour and the addition of a hint of honey sweetness took it to another level. And the mushroom soup was some of the best I’ve had, creamy and rich but uniquely, at the same time very light. 

It’s probably around now while I’m gushing, that I should mention that The Killingworth Castle’s foodie accolades. It has a AA Rosette for culinary excellence and their work towards offering an organic menu with 50-75% of their menu including organic produce. It’s part of an “Organic Served Here” awards scheme which only includes 10 other pubs and restaurants in the UK who have achieved 3 stars or higher. Which I think is pretty spectacularly cool. 

So without a doubt, don’t take my word for it. The awards and mentions speak for themselves. 

The mains

Onto the main event, our er, mains. I ordered the nut roast wellington, roast vegetables, with white wine cream sauce. It might be one of the greatest things I’ve ever eaten in my life. The nut roast was cooked perfectly and the accompaniment of vegetables, perfectly presented. It was so delicious and I said to Joe, there’s no way in hell that we’re going to be able to go months without coming back here to eat. 

I was slightly full from the soup, but I did my best in working towards not leaving a thing on my plate… I am actually still dreaming about that nut roast Wellington. 

Joe ordered the slow braised pork shoulder, mash potatoes, greens with apple Sauce. An equally wonderful choice, the pork shoulder was a melt in your mouth with every bite. And the mashed potatoes soft and light, complemented with the addition of the apple sauce.

We both felt incredibly boujee ordering these stunning dishes for a Wednesday afternoon lunch. The only unfortunate part of our experience was that we were so full we couldn’t fathom desserts! But they did sound excellent, so my recommendation is that you’ll have to explore those on your own. 

With our tastebuds thoroughly wowed, I also think it’s important to mention the price tag. For our experience of those culinary delights, I would 100% have thought that lunch would be more expensive. Especially with the strive towards majority organic produce. But the price is absolutely affordable. The menu menu starts at £15 for two courses, £20 for three. You can order from the set menu at specific times in the week so check ahead on your timing. But equally, I found the main menu prices to be just as reasonable… and for this level of quality, very impressive.

A stay at The Killingworth Castle

Post-lunch we were wholeheartedly content. I think we could have spent our entire afternoon happily by the fire. However, we had things to do and places to be. We stopped briefly to explore some of the rooms at the inn. In 2015, the Killingworth Castle’s adjoining barn buildings were converted into eight luxury bed and breakfast rooms for guests to book. Perfect if you’re heading into or out of The Cotswolds for the weekend and are looking for a place for a lovely meal and gorgeous stay. 

Our lunchtime stop was the perfect way to start our getaway. We said our goodbyes to the staff at The Killingworth Castle (who were lovely by the way) and went on our merry way off to The Ebrington Arms. Two pubs in one day? You bet!

Without a doubt, ensure that The Killingworth Castle is on your radar. 

Kelly xo

Ps. Our meal was complimentary of The Killingworth Castle but all opinions, photos and words are my own.