Killingworth Castle Inn

We ended up having a much better experience with the friendly, accommodating team at The Swan Inn in Islip, and I was glad Jim didn’t get any of my money. I’d gone to Killingworth Castle hoping for a nice Cotswolds lunch with my partner and parents, but was made to feel unwelcome and judged. I’m vegan, and the website said they don’t cater for food intolerances. Being vegan isn’t an intolerance: I wouldn’t keel over from cow’s milk, I just choose not to have it. I assumed, as at virtually every restaurant I’ve been to, they might adapt something like a risotto. Vegan-friendly places are hard to find in the Cotswolds, so I’d hoped this one would work. The staff didn’t even try to consider it. At our table I was told, “nothing is suitable for you.” It felt like I was being asked to leave unless I wanted to sit and watch the two meat eaters in our group eat lunch while I had nothing. I understand a restaurant can choose what it serves, but it was awful to be made to feel so unwelcome by both the junior waiter and Jim the owner. It’s a cosy restaurant with promise, which makes it a shame. I suggested putting “vegans are not welcome here” on the website instead of a vague note about allergies or intolerances.

Rachel made us feel so cared for with her warmth and attention, and the whole team helped make our stay memorable. We were there for my mother’s birthday and had a superb dinner. The homemade crisps were exquisite, and the treacle bread with cultured butter was lovely. Our room was just as good, very comfortable, with welcome cookies. In the morning, breakfast was delicious: the granola with blackberry was out of this world, and the poached cacklebean eggs were the best. The flat white was beautifully made, too. This historic pub was welcoming and beautiful, with a fireplace we loved, comfy rooms and bedding. Everything felt just right, from the food and service to the lodgings. We can’t wait to return.

The turbot was the best fish I’ve had since I first tried it at Mount St Michel nearly 50 years ago. We were so glad we made it out of Oxford for this meal. The team went above and beyond with our complex dietary requirements, which we deeply appreciated. Delicious food, charming and thoughtful service, and a lovely restaurant. Thank you.

We came from London and Surrey, and the drive was well worth it. The cosy interiors are beautiful, the service was brilliant, and they catered well for the kids. Everything we ate was delicious, from the treacle bread to the roast and dessert. The dishes had unexpected touches that really lifted them, without feeling like they were there just for show.