There’s a fascinating history to be written about the newly opened King’s Head in Cirencester: from the history of the site (you can see a preserved fragment of Roman mosaic floor beneath your feet in Reception); to the inn and hotels that have existed through the centuries (elements of which have been carefully conserved); to how the present site – including the Corn Hall and Assembly Room – was assembled over a period of years; and finally to the meticulous restoration process that has created an outstanding boutique hotel – and more.
H&C News suspects, however, that none of the present management will have time to write the history: this is an enterprise that will rapidly deliver the business success that it deserves following its opening.
In brief
The Kings Head hotel is located in the heart of the historic town of Cirencester: the perfect location to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds.
Following sympathetic and careful renovation, the Kings Head is a modern, elegant boutique hotel with 45 stylish bedrooms, all decorated and equipped to very high standards, with particular attention paid to the ‘details’ that matter in an establishment of this quality. An example: the heavy, full length and fully lined curtains slide effortlessly across the windows.
All 45 bedrooms offer everything a great boutique hotel should, along with a host of period and architectural features giving each room its own personality. The varied furnishings, great beds, over-sized showers and Nespresso machines ensure every comfort.
There is an exceptional wine list (as you’d expect under the management of West Berkshire hotel operator, The Vineyard Group) and all-day dining options offering the very best of modern British food.
Facilities include the chic Restaurant, stylish Bar, comfortable lounges and subterranean dry spa (opening shortly).
For business purposes, there are meeting and private dining rooms – and the wedding or special occasion facilities are outstanding.
Eating at the Kings Head
A mixture of open plan formal and casual dining areas flow together to provide an atmosphere that’s both relaxed and welcoming. The blend of exposed stonework, mixture of arm chairs and bar stools harmonises contemporary design with the heritage and tradition of the building.
Executive Chef Wayne Sullivan ensures that the menu reflects the changing seasons by making the most of the rich variety of local ingredients when they are at their very best, championing the best of modern British cooking and even incorporating Robata-style grilling, where the results are dramatic and delicious.
H&C News, in company with other members of the media being introduced to the Kings Head, was privileged to sample the efforts of the chef and kitchen. As expected, the pairing of menu and wine was exemplary – Alan Holmes, the Restaurant and Cellar Manager meticulously guiding us through the choices – and demonstrated the quality that diners can expect.
For reference, all those present thoroughly enjoyed:
Goats cheese and beetroot salad – accompanied by Sauvignon de Touraine, Les Demoiselles, Loire Valley, France
Roast pork loin, cider braised belly, black pudding, roasted apple, sweet potato, broccoli, bourbon jus – Vina Carmen, Carmenere Gran Reserva, Maipo Valley, Chile
Jack Daniels cheesecake, peanut, dark chocolate, milk ice cream – Domaine Mas Amiel Grenache Noir, Maury, France
We were also privileged to enjoy an ‘exclusive’ tour of the complete building and its facilities – returning revived to do justice to dessert!
The Bar and Lounge
A comfortable yet stylish mixture of arm chairs, sofas and bar stools creates an ideal space to meet, entertain or simply relax in front of the fire, with a wide all-day choice of favourite snacks and tempting treats, afternoon tea, freshly brewed coffee and a varied drinks menu.
The bar is – in this visitor’s experience – an outstanding feature. The bar has a fine range of wines and Champagnes, an extensive list of Gins, as well as all the ingredients for cocktails – including the cocktail of the week which is specially created and changed each week.
The enthusiasm and pleasure taken in delivering both advice and the ‘perfect serve’ is genuinely not to be missed: it’s not just the drinking but also the choice of drink that becomes a real pleasure with such service.
Private dining at the Kings Head
At the Kings Head, the extensive range of private dining spaces can provide the perfect backdrop whatever the occasion: corporate event or private party, wedding or product launch. Choose from:
The Corn Hall: the perfect space for 80 to 400 guests to celebrate and give any event a real sense of occasion. The grade II listed Corn Hall built in 1862 is full of period and architectural features whilst incorporating a state of the art sound and lighting system.
The Assembly Room: an impressive space with a host of original architectural features. Ideal for 80 to 120 guests, providing its own private bar, separate mezzanine area and a roof top garden.
The Cellar (pictured above): the unique atmospheric space of the Cellar with its own glass-walled wine display and bespoke dining table adds an extra special ‘something’ to an event. An ideal space for intimate dining for 8 – 20 guests.
The Panel Room: enjoy the sophisticated decor of the Panel Room. Adjacent to the main restaurant, the Panel Room allows the flexibility for a partially or totally private dining experience. A great space for an intimate party for 10 to 32 guests or a small drinks reception.
The Library: a modern take on the old fashioned gentleman’s club and packed full of original features. With comfy seating, a turntable and boasting an extensive collection of original 45″ vinyl’s for your enjoyment.
The Vaulted Cellar: with its arched walls, ceiling and exposed brickwork, this architectural structure is an event space with a difference. Leather tub chairs and atmospheric lighting creating a distinctive Jazz club vibe sets the scene perfectly for you to be dancing the night away with family, friends and loved ones.
In summary
General Manager Stephen Mannock has assembled a team of experienced, talented managers, committed to delivering top quality in every area of hospitality. No doubt it will improve still further as the full team settles and gains experience, but the Kings Head should already be high on ‘wish lists’ – visitors will enjoy the superb facilities, the pleasures of the architecture and decor, and the fine restaurant and bar.
Kings Head Hotel, 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR
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