THE LOWDOWN

Located in the heart of Cirencester, one of the most seductive market towns in the Cotswolds, The Kings Head is a historic, 14 century coaching inn that has flung open its doors again after a major top-to-toe makeover.

It’s an exciting new era for this Ciren stalwart, with pub chain Brakspear and Honeycomb Houses cantering in like a Barbour-clad cavalry, to transform it into a seriously slick pub and brasserie with rooms.

Sitting in a prime spot in the heart of this super-buzzy town, The Kings Head always had the bones of being something brilliant, but wasn’t quite living up to its potential in recent years; but that’s now history with quite the zing-up and re-design.

Gone is the slightly awkward mix it had – part hotel waiting room, part restaurant, part bar – and in its place are clearly delineated ‘ zones’. Alongside the newly re-imagined pub and a lovely little outside courtyard, there’s a stylish new brasserie, 64 rooms with knock-out views, an events hall and terrace, and a cellar that holds cracking comedy and live music nights.

Unsurprisingly, people have flocked back, each time I’ve popped my head in its been full of clinking glasses and chatter, which is no mean feat in today’s tough-as-nails climate.

Step outside the Kings Head and the setting is one of the most stunning in the Cotswolds. You’re opposite Cirencester’s paved piazza-like Market Place, the iconic limestone parish church, and lane upon lane of indie shops, artisan cafés and galleries, with rolling AONB countryside just a few minutes walk away.

THE VIBE

If Cirencester had a living room, it would be the Kings Head Part Two – we’re calling it. The pub really has been totally reimagined, and it works a treat. Push through the newly installed chunky oak doors and you’re met with a stylish, loungy hang-out space set over different levels, with loads of cute nooks to chill-out in and a central bar.

Rich, earthy greens mingle with warm woods and stylish Sanderson and Rebel wallpapers. Low-key designer lighting casts everyone in a flattering glow and the place has a really welcoming, laid back vibe.

I spent a good couple of hours lazing on the deep sofa by the enormous open fireplace with my laptop (and maybe a Negroni or two). But it also feels like it caters for both date night-energy or a pint-and-a-pie vibe, depending on your mood.

The sleek new brasserie sits off to the side, so it still has its own distinct identity but there’s now a much more natural flow to the place, and you can drift from zone to zone at will, cocktail in-hand.

There are plentiful nods to the town’s heritage; polo sticks and yarn spools adorn the walls. The new look effortlessly nails heritage-chic without the chintz. No yawny greige-walled minimalism either, instead there’s personality a-plenty, with prints and paintings from vintage landscapes to modern abstracts, and books scattered around for perusing.

The overall vibe? Relaxed, unpretentious and very inviting. On my visit there were lots of locals dropping in for a quick bite to eat or drink, several tables of girly get-togethers, post drop-off mums and dads de-frazzling themselves, some work lunches and a sprinkling of tourists. The pub’s cavernous new size means there’s always an eclectic crowd.

As it was once big news in Roman Britain, Cirencester sits on some fascinating remains, so if you’re a history nerd like me you’ll love it here. In front of the check-in desk peer through a large glass tile and you can see fragments of a Roman mosaic that still lies beneath it. History meets happy hour – such a cool quirk.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Eat in the main pub, where you’ll find hearty classics, or book into the all-day brasserie, which serves up a more elevated and just slightly pricer menu, brimming with seasonal, local produce.

The brasserie itself has two entrances, one via the Corn Hall and through the pub itself – it gives a relaxed flow and feel to the place. The look is rustic-chic, stripped back to stone walls and old beams mingle with velvety chairs and booths. I love what they’ve done in here – it’s now a deliciously inviting space, and perfect for anything from a relaxed brunch to a long, leisurely lunch or dinner.

Newly-installed Head Chef Mathew Peter whips up modern British dishes with seasonal nods; from brunches featuring creamy shakshuka and poached eggs, to dinner dishes such as fresh fish and tender cuts of meat. There are also lots of veggie, vegan and gluten free options which was great to see.

To start with, I had the hand-picked Devonshire crab with tangy pickled apple and rustic sourdough – it was incredibly fresh and utterly moreish. Mr Muddy chose the Panko & Garlic King Prawns, a nice twist on a classic, lightly crisped and served with a chilli sauce that had just the right amount of kick.

For mains, I chose the seared supreme of cod which was really excellent, it came on a creamy white bean cassoulet and a herb pangrattato that added a lovely crunch.

My other half went for the Devonshire crab & prawn linguine, with pasta, juicy seafood, and scattered crispy capers that gave each bite a little burst of flavour. Portion sizes felt about right, with nothing too big (great for haters of that annoying post-dinner bloat).

The kings head hotel in cirencester food

Dessert was a real treat. I wolfed down the chocolate & orange tart with fresh raspberries and tangy raspberry sorbet,- a surprisingly indulgent vegan option that didn’t skimp on decadence.

My partner went for the baked chocolate brownie, draped in a glossy chocolate glaze. Both were top tier. The attention to service here is spot on too, there was no waiting around for courses and the friendly staff seemed really clued up on the courses.

The new spring menu has also just dropped and it looks equally mouth-watering, I’ve bookmarked the pan roasted salmon with an English sparkling wine hollandaise (erm, yes please) for my next fly by.

dessert at the kings head in cirencester

My post-feast top tip? Order an Espresso Martini (they make a cracking one) and make a beeline for the cosy corner at the end of the brasserie with its large sofa in front of a huge fireplace. A fabulous spot for pre or post-dinner chilling. The drinks list here is nicely curated with seasonal cocktails and plenty of local and world wines, beers and spirits to fill your boots with.

There’s also a tempting-looking afternoon tea on offer, and I’ve recently popped in for a Sunday roast too, and can say that it was excellent, big plates loaded with meat and veg, so that’s highly recommended too. Just make sure to book ahead though, they get busy on weekends.

PILLOW TALK

The boutique hotel arm of the Kings Head is located through a door by the entrance, now neatly tucked away from the pub. There are 64 individually styled rooms – from snug hideaways to grander, spacious suites – and they’re all unfussy, effortlessly stylish, and full of character.

I stayed in the beautiful Junior Suite which looks directly out onto the butter-stoned Market Place and church, with huge sash windows and a stunning copper bath in the room. Lounging in the Bramley-brand bubbles, with a cheeky Cosmo in hand, it was total bliss. If you’re craving total luxury after a day spent exploring the market town or the Cotswolds, this is the one.

The king-sized bed was super comfy, and there are plenty of helpful guides to leaf through on the coffee table if you fancy some going-out inspo. Yes, there were a couple of corners that perhaps still need a lick of paint here or a small fix there, but that’s sometimes the trade-off with a period stay (they’re high maintenance places!). The hotel itself was lovely and quiet too, despite its position and proximity to the pub, but you hear nothing and I slept like a log.

Also praise-worthy is the roomy Family Suite -which has a much bigger offering than many of its Cotswold hotel peers – with two large bedrooms as well as a sitting room and small kitchenette area. One teensy downside, if you’re coming loaded like a Jet2 flight as I normally do, is that the hotel doesn’t have its own free parking, but it’s really no big shakes because you can park for a small fee right outside in the Market Place, or the nearby Waterloo car park.

WHAT ELSE?

More than 50+ couples chose to tie the knot here last year and I can see why, it’s a dreamy setting for a wedding. The Lavender Hall hits all the right Bridgeton ball-vibe notes, with high ceilings, chandeliers as well as a private bar, mezzanine and doors out to a rooftop terrace.

For more intimate soireés there is the Vaulted Cellar space. Go see a comedy gig or live music here too – events go on all year round and always have a cracking Speakeasy atmosphere due to the hidden away feel and moody low lighting.

There used to be a small but gorgeous subterranean spa here, prior to the makeover. Whilst it’s not open now, I am told that it could indeed be re-opening in the future (*runs off to pray to the spa gods*). Its return would undeniably be very popular, and propel The Kings Head into a next-level league of sanctuary. Watch this space.

OUT & ABOUT

Cirencester and its surrounds offer so much to do, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wander down Black Jack Street with its indie boutiques, bakeries and cafés, browse the crafty New Brewery Arts centre, and potter around the Corn Hall and its regular antique market, 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 shores of the Cotswold Country Park & Beach, or tour the endless collection of chocolate box villages from Bibury to Northleach. Unlike some of the Cotswolds it’s also really well connected, Kemble station is a 10-minute taxi ride south west.

ACCESSIBILITY?

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

KID FRIENDLY?

Absolutely, there is a spacious family suite, as well as cots and z-beds on request and in the brasserie and pub there is a kids’ menu. All in all, families will definitely feel welcome here, not side-eyed. Ciren has a strong family feel to it and The Kings Head happily reads that room.

There’s no dedicated play area as such, but step outside and you’ve got a cracking adventure playground a few minutes walk in the Abbey Grounds.

DOG FRIENDLY?

Yes. The hotel has a selection of dog-friendly rooms in all of the room categories, except the suites, and you’ll find treats and comfy beds awaiting them. They are also allowed in the main pub, but not the brasserie.

THE DAMAGE

Fancy the room I stayed in? Ask for 107. This junior suite costs from £200 a night on a B&B basis for two people sharing. There’s also a midweek B&B and dinner reader offer currently priced at £250.00.

A three-course dinner for two skimmed in at under £100, which is cracking value for a top-tier meal in the capital of the Cotswolds.

MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Anyone craving a Cotswold break that has it all – part luxury hotel, part pub and part swanky brasserie. Perfect for long lunches with friends, slow Sundays with the fam, cocktail with mates or romantic weekenders. History buffs get a Roman ruins bonus, and foodies will want to return.

Not for: Those after a sleepy escape or a proper spa retreat (for the timebeing, at least). The Kings Head has a modern, buzzy feel where chatter and clinking glasses are championed. Minimalists seeking total solitude might prefer somewhere more remote.

The Kings Head, 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR

Review: The Kings Head, Cirencester

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