The Kings Head Inn
The Green, Bledington · Inn
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Kings Head Inn / Google Maps
A 16th-century former cider house on Bledington's village green, with 12 bedrooms, an open-fired bar and a well-regarded pub kitchen.
About The Kings Head Inn
The Kings Head Inn sits on the green at Bledington, a small village on the Oxfordshire edge of the Cotswolds. The building is 16th century and was originally a cider house. It looks out over the green, which has a stream running through it and a resident population of ducks and bantams, and the setting is about as close to the standard image of an English village as you will find.
There are twelve bedrooms, divided evenly between the inn itself and a converted courtyard building at the back. The inn rooms have more character, with Cotswold stone walls, exposed timbers and low doorways; the courtyard rooms are more even in size and quieter, being set away from the bar. All have en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions. This is a pub with rooms rather than a hotel, so there is no lift, no spa and no room service.
The bar has flagstone floors, settles and an open fire, and serves local ales alongside a food menu built around British pub cooking done properly, with seasonal produce and daily specials. The inn has picked up several Good Pub Guide awards, including Pub of the Year and, twice, Inn of the Year. Breakfast is cooked to order. There is off-street parking and a courtyard garden.
It suits walkers, dog owners and couples who would rather stay somewhere with a working local trade than a hotel bar. Stow-on-the-Wold is four miles away, Chipping Norton six, and Kingham station, with direct trains to London, is about two miles down the road. Blenheim Palace is a 25-minute drive, and Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon are each around 45 minutes.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 12:00 – 3:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 – 9:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
I very rarely give 5star reviews but this is an excellent pub - unpretentious but traditional with an excellent menu that the chef knows how to prepare and deliver to the table in short time. The staff were delightful and engaging and the food was excellent value. Well done! I’ll be back.
2 months ago · via Google
This is a proper pub, in the best sense of the word. If you’re nearby and fancy a break from the Daylesford effect, this is the place to come. The food is excellent. The Sunday roast is a standout, and the sticky toffee pudding is well worth saving room for. It’s cosy, relaxed and genuinely welcoming, with lovely staff who make you feel at home from the moment you walk in. Unfussy, warm and doing all the right things. Exactly what a local pub should be.
7 months ago · via Google
Called here on the spur of the moment having been let down. Sophie was a wonderful hostess , kind and thoughtful and booked us into a lovely room. We sat by an open fire and had venison pie which was delicious. All of the ladies who served us were friendly and would definitely recommend this pub , whether for a drink or, food or accommodation. Excellent breakfast too!
4 months ago · via Google
Drove across country to find this great pub! Very helpful, found us a table even though hadn't booked. Had Sunday lunch, very good plate and sticky toffee pud lovely. Service was good and staff friendly. Thank you.
2 months ago · via Google
Diners like this pub's excellent food, with many highlighting the delicious Sunday roast, sticky toffee pudding, and a variety of well-prepared dishes. They also mention the warm, cozy atmosphere, often featuring log fires, and appreciate the friendly, attentive, and welcoming staff.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Green, Bledington, Chipping Norton, OX7 6XQ Get directions
- Property type
- Inn
- Location
- The Green, Bledington
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.7 / 10 (600 reviews)
- Prices from
- £130 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Cotswolds