When The King’s Arms in Woodstock closed last year, locals were concerned that the popular pub might shut for good, but after a significant and extensive refurbishment by Fullers brewery, which has seen investment in all 15 bedrooms as well as the main bar, restaurant and all areas of this beautiful Georgian building, it is very much back in business.
“The 15 en-suite rooms are stylish, luxurious and all named after kings”
As well as a full redecoration, The King’s Arms now has stylish new furniture and feels warmer, cosier and more welcoming than before thanks to its lockdown makeover. The bar and dining areas are spacious but also offer quiet relaxing corners.
The 15 en-suite rooms are stylish, luxurious and all named after kings. The attention to detail has extended to stunning paint colours, beautiful wallpapers, fabulous bed linen and gorgeous bathrooms.
At the helm is the new General Manager Colum Ryan. He told us: “The King’s Arms is a fantastic site and the perfect base for exploring the Oxfordshire countryside and the delightful Blenheim Palace.
“The refurbishment has brought the physical building up to an exceptionally high standard, which is matched by the great team of people working here.
The bar and dining areas are spacious but also offer quiet relaxing corners
“We have a delicious menu, and an outstanding range of beers, wines and spirits. Whether you are looking for a quick pint after work, a romantic weekend away, or a family get together over a beautiful Sunday roast, The King’s Arms is the perfect place. My team and I are already enjoying welcoming locals and visitors to enjoy the charms of The King’s Arms.”
Colum is a graduate of Fuller’s Management Training Programme, and this is his second managerial appointment, having previously run The Pilgrim Inn at Marchwood, near Southampton.
With fabulous new décor throughout and plenty of dining options for anything from a quick lunch, to a cosy supper or a catch up with friends and family, The Kings Arms is looking good, but does it have a menu to match?
The kitchen at The King’s Arms has plenty of seasonal favourites on offer, and after being seated in the stunning new dining room at the back, we began with the excellent and moreish chargrilled Wykham Park Farm asparagus with truffled mayonnaise and parmesan.
We also opted for the delicious and juicy Isle of Wight tomato, caper, black olive and basil bruschetta. Both very seasonal, beautifully presented and the perfect start to our weekday lunch.
The King’s Arms is most definitely back in business and looking and tasting better than ever
We followed with the exotic sounding Miso glazed tofu with orange, pine nut, brown rice and sesame seed salad, which was unusual and really enticing (no mushroom risotto here) and the gently cooked, moist roast salmon with watercress, grilled lettuce, celery and agreen olive and raisin salsa. Both were eagerly consumed and declared triumphs.
Having chosen light but flavoursome mains we felt compelled to sample the pudding menu and the bakewell tart with toasted almonds, preserved raspberries and vanilla custard and the caramelised mango crumble finished our long lunch off perfectly.
A lovely lunch and the perfect way to wile away an afternoon. We highly recommend it.
The King’s Arms is most definitely back in business and looking and tasting better than ever. To book go to http://www.kingshotelwoodstock.co.uk
SARAH EDWARDS
