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“The Killingworth Castle in Glympton Road in Wootton near Woodstock is going into 2026 on a high with a flurry of celebrations.

Recently listed as the 17th best pub in the UK by the Good Food Guide, The Killingworth Castle has just secured a refreshed listing at number 37 in the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK for 2026.

This has seen the spot move up 42 places from last year, all under the helm of new head chef Rob Mason in the kitchen.”

— Cosy Oxfordshire pub on edge of Cotswolds named among UK's best - Oxford Mail

“Opened in 1637 by Thomas Killingworth, this centuries-old public house is still enjoying the attentions of the rich and famous, and particularly those with a passion for speed - F1 stars Jenson Button and George Russell, and Geri and Christian Horner have all been spotted enjoying a pint or two”

— The Cotswolds Pubs Where You're Most Likely to Bump Into an A-Lister - Daily Mail

“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”

— Britain's Best Foodie Pubs for Autumn from inews

“The Killingworth Castle is the antithesis of bland, corporatised pub chains too - it’s full of soul, substance and understated style.”

— Trip Reporter 2025

- 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.”

— Oxford Mail

“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.”

— Oxford Mail

“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.”

— Daily Mail

“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.”

— Ox in a Box, July 2022

“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.”

— Big7Travel naming The Killingworth Castle as the '2nd best Gastropub in Oxfordshire'

“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...”

— Kelly Prince

“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...”

— The Oxford Mail

“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.”

— The Telegraph

“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.”

— Oxford Times in awarding The Killingworth Castle ‘Restaurant of the Year’

“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.”

— Hotel of the Week - Sunday Mirror

“Tuck into the sea bream with mash, samphire, fennel and tomato and you’ll never be content with a ploughman’s again.”

— Stylist Magazine

“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.”

— Oxford Mail

“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.”

— The Cotswolds Gentleman

“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.”

— Crumbs Magazine

“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.”

— The Telegraph

“Country classic with fabulous food and rooms, ace beers and happy staff. Can I make a block booking?”

— Oxford Times

“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.”

— Alastair Sawday - food critic

“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.”

— Crumbs Magazine

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