THE LOWDOWN

Sitting pretty in one of the most winsome market towns in the Cotswolds, The Kings Head is a boutique hotel dating back to the 14th century with Roman roots, and claims a grand position in the middle of Cirencester.

With 66 individually styled bedrooms and 10 apartments, take a peek outside your window and you’re in for a treat. Many of the rooms have stunning views of the pastel-hued high street and restored, cobbled piazza that buzzes with a regular Farmers’ Markets.

If you love a bit of atmospheric bell-ringing as your backdrop (one of my favourite things!) you’ll be in heaven, the hotel has a ringside seat onto the town’s honey-stone parish church, one of the most picturesque settings of any Cotswold town.

One of the big USPs of a Kings Head getaway is you get real bang for your buck – it’s kinda like a mini holiday resort with so much on offer.

We’re talking the following; a relaxing spa with an amazing Thermal Suite, two restaurants – including the MBB Brasserie for delicious all day dining – the cool Vaulted Cellars where you can catch a comedy night, a Deli & Wine Cellar Shop to browse full of amazing artisan goodies and world and local wines, and direct access to the Corn Hall with its regular weekly antique and craft markets.

As a semi-local myself always in and out of this fantastic town, I can attest there are lots of car parks close by. But at a small extra cost you can bag a space in the KH garage, and there’s also a handy loading bay outside so you can offload the bags / kids / dog before you find a space.

THE VIBE

Sashay through the double glass doors, and you enter an oasis of calm from the bustling high street. The look is sophisticated and open plan, with a sprawling lounge set out on different levels. There’s a curvaceous bar area perfect for a cocktail or three, low slung rustic tables, studded leather sofas and velvet armchairs.

It has a really welcoming feel, with the reception desk set away, intelligently, from the bar and lounge, so you don’t have to fight with bar flies to check in which I really liked.

Heritage chic is strong here, from a display of colourful wool looms – a nod to Ciren’s bygone wool trade – to polo sticks mounted on the wall and a grand stone fireplace.

The Kings Head floats on a smorgasbord of Roman remains (Cirencester was once the super-important town of Corinium) so if you’re a history nerd like me you’ll love it here. Seek out the see-through glass floor by the check in, where you can peer down on tantalising slithers of a giant Roman mosaic – still buried under the hotel. It’s a Time Team fantasy come true.

The Kings team works hard to give the place a relaxed and informal feel. Tourists are equalled by a steady stream of locals meeting friends for a cocktail or chat at the bar. It’s attentive without feeling pounced upon, Guest Relations Manager Jo couldn’t have been more friendly, I spotted her making a big effort to give guests a friendly hello throughout the stay.

SCOFF & QUAFF

In recent years the hotel has expanded into the Corn Hall here (there are secret tunnels all over Cirencester including the Kings Head!), creating a new direct access for guests from the hotel to the MBB Brasserie.

The arrival of new Executive Chef, James Edwards, along with new, experienced General Manager Jean-Benoît Burloux, has brought with it an elevated food offering. There’s now a tasty, affordable, table d’hôte menu, alongside the usual à la carte one (as well as a revamped afternoon tea we hear). The emphasis is now on using local, sustainable ingredients, with 80% coming from a 30-mile radius, which is great.

Edwards spent six years under Michelin star chef Michael Caine and has worked with Gordon Ramsay and Tom Kerridge – impressive stuff – so he brings an exciting fine-dining flourish to the Kings Head’s new all-day dining dishes.

All the kitchen’s a stage at MBB, there’s a very cool open plan kitchen which sits in the middle of the restaurant and gives strong Chicago The Bear vibes.

I pulled up a stool and marvelled as the chefs whipped up sizzling steaks, delicious desserts and shook cocktails. I love an unstuffy restaurant with loads going on, so it makes for a cool, buzzing backdrop to your meal.

The menu is modern British fare with a local Cotswold twist and you can plump for the new Summer Table d’Hote menu, seven days a week, for lunch or dinner, competitively priced at £19.95 for two courses or £24.95 for three.

Never one to turn down a pre-dinner cocktail, we necked the new Spicy Margaritas – made to your hotness spec madam and with giant chillis on the side – I went mild and my husband loved his extra spicy one. Top summery cocktails and highly recommended!

The menu is small, well curated and screams summer, it’s just beautifully seasonal.

For starters we had the Lemon and Mint Ricotta on Sourdough with Smashed Peas, Herb Salad and Lemon Oil. All the citrusy flavours were utterly delicious, just the right amount of cheesiness and so zingy, a lovely choice on a warm afternoon.

There are four options on the Mains, spanning from hearty meaty choices to a juicy-sounding Mediterranean Stack (V). I made a beeline for the Catch of the Day which was freshly caught Cotswold Rainbow Trout, with Quinoa and a Nicoise Salad. I absolutely loved this dish, it felt substantial yet very virtuous at the same time – a sweet spot to hit.

My husband went for the Bavette Steak with Frites and Shallot Jus, which we watched being seared to order, tender and totally melt-in-the-mouth it’s a great, filling dish. There are sides you can order, such as chunky chips or buttered seasonal greens, but to be honest each course was nicely self-contained so you can easily get away without them.

There are three dessert choices on the menu, I chose for the Mixed Berry Eton Mess which was light, fragrant and delightfully tart, a top summery dish.

However the Croissant Parfait with Caramelised Bananas ran away with my heart. OMG, whoever invented that delight?! It is pure heaven on a plate; a warm, sweet doughy underside, with a crispy banana on top, my only complaint is that it wasn’t twice the size! Just utterly delicious.

You can of course just dip into the Main Menu too, which has a really tempting, wide selection of modern global dishes to pick from, such as Hokkaido Scallops and Wild Boar Rigatoni.

Likewise, there’s a wide wine and spirit menu to keep you happy, the only improvement would be to have a few fabulous local Cotswold wines added to the excellent world wine offering, although local beers such as Hawkstone are readily available.

The hotel’s second restaurant (above) had a stylish refurb recently, and I loved the eclectic gallery of paintings lining the walls. It’s where you’ll head for breakfast, which had a good full selection of scrumptious pastries, fruit and cereals, and includes anything off the cooked menu too, which looked delicious. You can also tuck into an Afternoon Tea here for £36pp.

THE SPA

Small but mighty, the Kings Head spa is tucked away in the vaulted basement. It’s a nirvana of scented candles, exposed brickwork and relaxing ELEMIS treatments give it an exclusive and classy feel. The place has had a Balinese design zhuzh-up in recent months, adding organic touches such as bamboo flip-flops to get around in and glowing, low-lit areas with soothing music.

The crowning glory has to be the Thermal Suite and its two hot tubs. Sinking into the enveloping warm water and bubbles after a long week was utterly amazing. I could have stayed here for days, it’s 10 out of 10 bliss. And no awkward footsie moments with strangers! They don’t allow more than 6 people in at a time, so it feels wonderfully private, all you have to do is lay back and watch the starry ceiling twinkling away.

Hard life, I know, but after an hour I forced myself to leave the womb-like cocoon for a treatment. I opted for a Back Massage and Mini Facial, I loved this as you don’t often get them as a combo.

It was 55 minutes of pure bliss, my therapist used acupressure and aromatherapy massaging me into a state of total relaxation. I could literally feel her unpicking the knots in my shoulders. Coming around in a daze at the end, I felt my self-care box had been well and truly ticked.

ELEMIS products are now used throughout the hotel, adding a touch of luxury and they also have the new ELEMIS BIOTEC 1.0 machine and Pro-Glow Facial Menu (a combo of cold therapy with Advanced Light Therapy) which I’d definitely come back to use for a pre-event glow-up.

When you’re done being pampered, retire to the Relaxation Room. This calming space features a a platform-like day bed with furry throws and mood lighting – it’s a proper star-fishing paradise.

PILLOW TALK

The King’s Head Hotel has 66 individually styled bedrooms and 10 apartments to choose from, ranging from Classic, Superior, and Feature to Indulgent, self-catering apartments and a suite.

As we had travelled with the doggo we were in a Feature room, so called because no two rooms are the same. Each has a fascinating historical twist, from Georgian bedrooms with wood paneling and high ceilings to Tudor bedrooms with exposed beams and fireplaces. Our room also came with a cute little alfresco terrace that was perfect for some late afternoon rays with a glass of wine in hand.

There’s been a recent upgrade to luxury linens on the beds, so a full thumbs up for that, that combined with lovely feathery pillows meant we slept deliciously deeply.

kings head hotel in cirencester room — Our room, which came complete with a terrace

The bathroom was simple and spacious, with a rainfall shower and bath. My favourite part is Elemis toiletries on tap – a treat that made the whole room smell like a spa. There’s been a recent upgrade to the coffee machines so you can get an Italy-level espresso in your room now too. There was no complimentary water as such, but the hotel has filtered tap water, which has to be better for the environment.

Coming with kids? You’re in luck. Pint-sized patron are made to feel just as valued as their parents. Not only do children stay free, but each guest gets a child-sized bed, child-sized robes, special shower and body wash, an activity pack and a complimentary breakfast (for children up to the age of 12).

If you fancy upgrading your luxe level, I recommend booking one of the Indulgent rooms, some with fabulous views over the marketplace and one with stunning copper roll top baths to luxuriate in.

WHAT ELSE?

More than 50 couples chose to tie the knot here last year and I can see why, it’s a perfect place for a wedding. Pick from a range of gorgeous spaces, the hotel can cater for both intimate gatherings and more lavish affairs. The large Assembly Room is the star of the show, with stunning high ceilings and chandeliers. It also has a private bar, mezzanine and rooftop terrace for when the sun is shining.

The Kings Head has year round events too, from a regular monthly comedy night (topping the bill in June was the 2021 British Comedian of the Year Finalist), to Curry Night Tuesdays and Foodie Dating Nights, if you’re in the market for love!

OUT & ABOUT

Cirencester and its surrounds offer so much, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wander Black Jack Street with its boutiques, bakeries and eateries, browse the New Brewery Arts centre, a fantastic creative arts and crafts space, potter around the Corn Hall and its markets, or stroll the beautiful Abbey Grounds with a lake and resident swans.

Venture just 10 minutes south and you could be listening to the lapping shore of the Cotswold Country Park & Beach, or tour the endless collection of chocolate box villages from Bibury to Northleach. Unlike a lot of the Cotswolds it’s also really easy to get here, Kemble station is a 12-minute taxi ride south west.

ACCESSIBILITY?

There’s a lift to all floors, making the bedrooms accessible for less mobile guests. However, due to the age of the building there are steps along some corridors and in several rooms.

PET-FRIENDLY?

Dogs are made very welcome here, expect pet-friendly rooms where they get a squishy dog bed, bowl and treats.

THE DAMAGE

Very reasonable. The Feature Room we stayed in start from £170 pn, and our Table d’Hote lunch cost £19.95pp

MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: A charming Cotswold break with benefits, foodies, serious brunchers & lunchers, spa-lovers, girly jaunts, special occasions and anyone travelling with kids or pets. If you appreciate good service and a warm and friendly vibe you’ll love it here.

Not for: Anyone wanting a super quiet, rural escape, you won’t get rolling hills from your window, but you do get the magic of a buzzing market town.

The Kings Head, Cirencester, 24 Market Pl, Cirencester GL7 2NW

Review: The Kings Head, Cirencester

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