Bledington is one of those places that feels like a film set, only the mud is real and the sheep are louder than you’d expect. Right at the heart of it, sitting on a massive, lush village green, is the King's Head Inn Bledington. It isn’t just a pub. Honestly, calling it a pub feels a bit like calling a Ferrari just a car. It’s an institution that has managed to dodge the "over-gentrification" trap that has swallowed so many other Cotswold spots.
You’ve probably seen the photos. Golden stone. Roses climbing the walls. It looks exactly like what an American tourist imagines England looks like in their wildest dreams. But the reality is better. The floors are uneven. The ceilings are low enough to make anyone over six feet tall feel a bit anxious. It smells like woodsmoke and expensive cider.
What makes the King's Head Inn Bledington actually different?
Most people assume all Cotswold pubs are the same. You get a burger, a pint of local ale, and a bill that makes you wince. The King's Head Inn Bledington somehow balances being a high-end "restaurant with rooms" while remaining a place where the local farmer can sit in the corner with a dog and a muddy pair of boots. That is a hard line to walk.
Archie and Nicola Orr-Ewing took over the place back in 2000, and they didn’t try to turn it into a sterile hotel. They kept the character. The bar is still the soul of the building. It’s got that dark, cider-house vibe where the lighting is dim enough to hide a hangover but bright enough to read the Sunday papers.
The Food: Beyond the Standard Pub Grub
Let’s talk about the menu. It changes constantly because they actually use what’s around them. If you go in the autumn, you’re eating game that was likely running around a nearby estate a few days prior. The beef often comes from the local farms. They don't just say "locally sourced" because it looks good on a chalkboard; they do it because the quality in Gloucestershire is genuinely some of the best in the world.
The twice-baked cheddar souffle is sort of legendary. People drive from London just for that. It’s light, it’s rich, and it basically ruins all other souffles for you.
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Then there’s the Sunday roast. If you haven't booked a table at the King's Head Inn Bledington at least two weeks in advance for a Sunday, you’re probably going to be disappointed. They do the classics properly—no skimping on the gravy, and the Yorkshire puddings are roughly the size of a toddler's head. It’s messy and brilliant.
Staying the Night: The Rooms and the Vibe
There are twelve rooms. They aren't cookie-cutter. Some are tucked away in the main house, others are in the old stable block.
If you stay in the main building, expect creaky floorboards. That’s the trade-off for staying in a building that’s been around since the 16th century. The beds are massive. The linens are that heavy, high-thread-count cotton that makes it impossible to get up in the morning.
Honestly, the best part isn't even the room itself. It’s the morning. Waking up in Bledington is eerily quiet. You might hear a tractor or a few ducks on the brook that runs through the village. It’s the ultimate antidote to city life.
The Courtyard and the Green
In the summer, the action moves outside. The King's Head Inn Bledington has a courtyard that gets sun for most of the day, but the real pro move is grabbing a drink and heading out to the benches on the village green.
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You’ll see kids running around, dogs chasing balls, and the occasional cricket match. It feels like 1954 in the best possible way.
The Logistics: Getting There and Getting In
Bledington isn't exactly on a main highway. That’s why it’s stayed so nice.
- By Train: You can actually get here without a car. Kingham station is on the direct line from London Paddington. It’s about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the pub.
- Parking: It’s a nightmare on weekends. The pub has a small lot, but it fills up fast. You’ll end up parking on the side of the road, so just be mindful of the neighbors.
- Dogs: They aren't just "allowed." They are welcomed. Expect your dog to be fussed over more than you are.
Why the Location Matters
Bledington sits in the Evenlode Valley. It’s close to the "big names" like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, but it feels miles away from the tour buses. You can hike from the front door of the pub straight into the heart of the Cotswolds. The walk to Kingham is easy and takes you through some beautiful fields.
The "Good Pub Guide" Legacy
The King's Head Inn Bledington has won "Pub of the Year" from the Good Pub Guide more than once. That’s a big deal in the UK. It’s judged on consistency. Is the beer well-kept? Is the service friendly but not overbearing? Is the atmosphere genuine?
Most places win an award and then get lazy. They raise the prices and lower the quality. The Orr-Ewings haven't done that. There is a sense of stewardship here. They know they are looking after a piece of history.
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It’s worth noting that the pub is part of a small group that includes the Swan Inn at Swinbrook. There is a shared DNA there—quality, local focus, and a refusal to be "trendy."
Things to watch out for
It’s not perfect. Nothing is.
- It can get loud. If your room is right above the bar on a Friday night, you’re going to hear the chatter.
- The stairs are steep. If you have mobility issues, make sure you ask for a ground-floor room in the stables.
- Cell service is patchy. Consider it a forced digital detox.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to visit the King's Head Inn Bledington, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to actually enjoy the experience:
- Book your table early. This is non-negotiable for weekends. Use their online booking system or just call them; the staff are actually helpful.
- Request a "Green View" room. If you're staying over, seeing the morning mist over the village green from your window is worth the extra request.
- Bring walking boots. The paths around the Evenlode Valley are stunning but can be incredibly muddy. You don't want to be the person ruining expensive sneakers in a bog.
- Try the local Hook Norton ales. They are brewed just down the road and are kept in peak condition here.
- Visit the village shop. It’s community-run and right next door. It’s a great way to support the local economy beyond just the pub.
- Check the events calendar. Sometimes they have live music or village fetes on the green that can make the stay even more memorable.
The King's Head Inn Bledington remains a benchmark for what a British country inn should be. It’s expensive enough to feel like a treat, but grounded enough to feel like home. Whether you're there for a quick pint after a hike or a full weekend escape, it rarely misses a beat.