We are thrilled to announce that The Killingworth Castle has been awarded with 3 AA Rosettes, a prestigious recognition of culinary excellence!!
Oxford inn and gastropub awarded three AA Rosettes
The AA Rosette Award recognises the crème de la crème of UK culinary establishments
(London) 25 September 2023:
Last night, The Killingworth Castle, the historic pub with rooms in Wootton near Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, was awarded three AA Rosettes at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards.
One of the industry’s most highly anticipated events, the glittering awards ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House London was hosted by much-loved TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, celebrating the UK’s top hotels, restaurants, and pubs and the people behind them.
Nestled within the picturesque village of Wootton, Oxfordshire, The Killingworth Castle has eight luxury en-suite rooms with exquisite food that focuses on seasonal, wild & organic fare from the Cotswolds. Establishments with three AA Rosettes are all outstanding restaurants achieving standards which demand national recognition well beyond their local area and The Killingworth Castle is one of only 7 new inns with rooms in the whole of the UK to be awarded a third rosette in 2023 at the AA’s annual Hospitality Awards last night.
The AA, which has long been a marker of leading restaurant and accommodation venues, celebrates the crème de la crème of UK hospitality. Following a visit from an anonymous inspector, the hotel was reviewed against nine quality assessment areas, ranging from standards of service to cleanliness and quality of food. The inspector described the establishment as ‘well run in a personalised way with very good hospitality from a customer-focused team which made for a welcoming atmosphere throughout the stay’.
The Killingworth Castle’s owner, Jim Alexander, commented:
“We’re extremely proud to have been awarded three Rosettes by the AA. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to producing exceptional food and unparalleled guest experiences each day.
“Our talented team consistently go above and beyond to ensure that hotel residents and local diners alike enjoy a memorable visit.”
Claire Alexander, The Killingworth Castle’s co-owner added; “After a few challenging years, it’s particularly rewarding to get the recognition of being in the top few per cent of food providers in the country. It’s a huge motivator for us as an independent, family run business in an ever-increasing environment of pubcos and chains and we’re over the moon.”
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media said:
“Every year we present awards to the very best AA-rated hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK. The AA Rosette award, first awarded in 1956, was the first nationwide scheme for assessing the quality of food served by restaurants and hotels. AA Rosettes recognise culinary excellence and dedication to ensure consistent quality of the highest order. For further information about the AA Hospitality Awards 2023, please visit: https://aahospitalityawards.com