Kings Head Inn

Built sometime in the 16th century, The King’s Head Inn has been serving the folks of Bledington for centuries. It began as a cider house made of local materials, particularly Cotswold stone for its walls, and oak for its beams and timbers. Over time, it became the only surviving inn in Bledington, outlasting even the ones that were established in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In our current era, the inn has been acquired and carefully restored byArchie and Nicola Orr-Ewing. They took over back in 2000 and elevated King's Head's reputation for wonderful food, warm hospitality, and comfortable accommodations, all while retaining its heritage charms. Their dedication has been acknowledged with accolades such as the Good Pub Guide's Inn Of The Year for both 2020 and 2021.

The King’s Head Inn in Bledington is a fine example of the vernacular medieval architecture found in the Cotswolds. It was also built during the 16th century, when England's architectural landscape was transitioning from Gothic and Tudor influences to the emerging Renaissance styles.

The exterior of the inn is built with locally quarried Cotswold stone, giving it the characteristic warm, honey-coloured appearance that complements the surrounding green fields and hills. The structure is held up by these thick stone walls and exposed old oak beams, while the flagstone floors keep the walking surfaces smooth and stable.

The inn's interiors embrace its historic aspects rather than hiding them. One prominent example is the inglenook fireplace at the bar, providing a thematic and functional source of warmth. On the opposite wall is a modern freestanding fireplace, creating a wonderful contrast that blends the old and new. Careful and gradual restorations have ensured that the original timber and stone features remain visible. The accommodations are fitted with contemporary furniture and beddings, yet are also themed to harmonize with the original architecture, treating guests to a stay that represents timeless hospitality.

Dining at The King’s Head Inn takes you back in time and lets you experience the warmth and flavors of traditional English pub cuisine. The kitchen makes use of fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal produce that best represents British country cooking. Look forward to dishes made with Bledington beef, local fish, and regional game. The menu is lined with classic comfort dishes and refined seasonal specials. Try their signature items, such as the devilled lamb’s kidneys or the beer-battered haddock. They also have hearty Sunday roasts and inventive vegetable options. For the drinks, King's Head is partnered with Cotswold Brewing and Hook Norton Best for its beers, while their vintages are curated by Oxford Wine Company and Haynes Hanson Clarke.

All of these are delivered in a relaxed gastro-pub style and setting, whose quality of service has won it the Good Pub Guide's Pub of the Year award for 2018.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Though Bledington is a quaint, sleepy village out in the Cotswolds, it's also well-situated to many of the region's best cultural attractions and nature spots. You can start off by checking out the community events, such as the Bledington Music Festival, held every summer in June. If you're looking for a place to enjoy leisurely nature walks, the Foxholes Nature Reserve provides a small yet enchanting woodland setting right next to the River Evenlode.

The other communities around the Cotswolds are also hiding their gems, waiting to be discovered. The Cotswold Falconry Centre, over at Batsfor,d is an outdoor aviary with an education center teaching about raptors and other birds. Burford is home to the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, a former country estate that has been converted into a wildlife park, along with gardens and mini-locomotives. Speaking of estates, one of the finest examples in the country is Blenheim Palace, home to Winston Churchill's family, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With such a long history, King's Head Inn has also hosted all sorts of occasions throughout its many years. The inn gladly welcomes bookings for all sorts of private events, from simple gatherings for a sports game to lively birthdays, anniversaries, and reunions. The venue can be set up in the restaurant or the bar, providing a historic setting for your milestone. Click on the button below so we can help you get in touch with them.