Have You Been To… The King’s Arms Woodstock, Oxfordshire

The King’s Arms pub is tucked into the centre of historic Woodstock, Oxfordshire – home to the famous and impressive Blenheim Palace. On a rainy Tuesday afternoon in August I headed out to the King’s Arms for a midweek lunch with friends.
 
The pub is well placed in the middle of a bustling and thriving community and tourist destination. I arrived and stood dripping in the doorway of the King’s Arms, drenched in summer rain shaking my umbrella. Immediately I was warmly greeted by a man behind the bar and received a friendly quip about my rain sodden appearance. For me a greeting like this is everything. Feeling welcomed and at ease is surely at the very heart of what a good pub is all about and a large portion of what makes for a positive experience in my books. It’s a balance of course, like most things.
 
I was shown to our table and the first to arrive. I was pleased as it gave me a chance to scan the room – specifically the décor and table layout. For many the décor and tables might be low down the list of pub priorities. But, for me, when I see they’ve employed effort and thought inside I feel it bodes well for what might appear on your table. I wasn’t disappointed, I loved the quirky style. There was a mish mash of pictures and objects to keep your eye interested, bare brick, dark cosy colours in corners with standout stylish wallpaper and soft furnishings. All placed harmoniously by someone who knew what they were doing. There were also enough tables to give the pub atmosphere but not so many you’re dragging your chair into your neighbours back – everyone hates that.
 
My friends arrived and we ordered our food and drinks, the service was timely and professional with a gentle splash of humour that kept things relaxed. There were dogs milling around with a good mix of locals and tourists alike. I found myself feeling content, happy and at ease – and I was only drinking water.
 
I ordered Pan Fried Gnocchi with tenderstem broccoli and a blue cheese glaze. It worked; really, really well. I enjoyed the contrast between the doughiness of the gnocchi and the tang of the blue cheese sauce. The portion size was spot-on, it was a rich dish and anymore would have been too much. I finished up my lunch with a single scoop of tasty orange sorbet which is a guilt free dessert in my eyes. I felt I’d had a very adequate light lunch but could see there was plenty on the menu if I wanted something more substantial.
 
You should definitely drop into The King’s Arms, it’s plush enough to feel like it’s special but relaxed enough to feel like you can kick back and unwind. Ideal for a date night, a post dog walk Sunday lunch, or to replenish your energy on the tourist trail. There are rooms available too for those looking for stopover.
 
Find out more at https://www.kingshotelwoodstock.co.uk/
 
Or call 01993 813 636

‍