Review: The Killingworth Castle

I was lucky to sample the brilliant Festive Menu at The Killingworth Castle in the delightful village of Wootton, near Woodstock.

Coventry legend and Chef Adam Brown delivers ‘the culinary goods’ yet again! What utter brilliance he shows. You’ll also get the warmest of welcomes anywhere in the Greater Oxfordshire and Cotswolds area – Jim, Nick & Raj are the ultimate hosts and so authentically engaged and professional.

Hats off to owners Jim & Claire Alexander for finally masterminding this year’s beautiful red bow building wrap. It’s an idea they’ve envisaged for many years and despite Storm Darragh, nothing can possibly blow away the charm of this 3 AA Rosette restaurant near Blenheim Palace.

Anyway let’s get onto Adam’s “food wonderful food”…

Gluten free rolls with beurre noissette and fresh churned house butter was just wowza! The organic muscat pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed pesto & Granny Smith apples sent my tastebuds into overdrive and the salmon was a hugely creative interpretation of the classic Festive starter.

My turkey & stuffing pie served on a bed of mash in a rich gravy with greens extraordinaire could not have been more brilliant or tasty and such a hearty interpretation of the traditional Xmas lunch. The gilt head bream, braised leek with cep in a cuttlefish ragout was simply divine for those wanting something lighter but equally tasty and heartwarming.

Adam’s latest blackberry soufflé with stem ginger ice cream is his finest yet although they’re all absolutely stellar & mouth tingling to be fair. The Clementine iced parfait with refreshing clementine sorbet brought the meal to a perfect climax.

You won’t be disappointed – I never have been in almost a dozen visits now.

The cosy pub with its roaring fire & comforting homely decor offers the perfect food and refuge at this festive hour – not a Brussels sprout or dried out turkey breast in sight! Adam’s Xmas food is both exemplary and creative. With an extensive wine list (do try the Semillon) and a cracking range of cask beers from Stroud Brewery, you might just be praying to get snowed in. Gluten-free and vegetarian is also well covered.