The Kingswood Arms, Kingswood

A work colleague of my wife's told her about this place and we decided to take my Mum there for her 60th birthday lunch. I thought I'd have a read here about the place and we nearly let the poor reviews convince us not to go.

Thankfully, we went anyway.

I know I will hear a collective sneer when I write this but as our party (of 5 adults and my two children - 2 and 5yrs) were driving, none of us were drinking; I know, I know. I was pretty upset not to be able to try the ales on offer but I forged bravely ahead.

The reason I still want to post a comment is that our lunch was absolutely delicious and for anyone who wants to get out of London and drive through some pretty villages to a lovely looking country pub for some wonderful food, this is the place.

I will summarise our lunch. I have to mention my starter; rock oysters, with warm scrambled egg and caviar (which was actually lump roe). THEY WERE FANTASTIC. The oysters were great, but the overall combination was amazing AND I got 6 oysters for just �7. Can you beat it??

Other's had clam chowder and prawn cocktail(!) and main's consisted of perfectly cooked pure beef burgers with fries, calves liver and a huge piece of haddock with fries - not on the same plate! The children had sausage and mash and chicken breast burger followed by ice cream (which was tasty if a little chalky).

We all had starters, we all had a main, two had desserts, we all had at least one coffee and the bill came to �123 which included an �11 tip. I think this is pretty bloody good.

We sat in a huge conservatory looking out over the gardens and were served by a team of South African waitresses who were all extremely polite and helpful.

I cannot comment on the drink prices but I could see that they would easily push up the bill (as they do anywhere) considerably.

When I was paying, I met the Head Chef and I told him that we'd had a fantastic lunch, thank you very much. He looked genuinely pleased that I had bothered to tell him.

When the weather turns a bit warmer, I imagine this place gets very busy so I would give it a try now.

Don't know if the landlord/lady have taken note of people's previous comments but I have no complaints. I'll be going back for sure (with someone else driving).

5 Jan 2008 21:18