The Killingworth Castle in Wootton is closing out 2025 with an impressive series of achievements, marking one of its strongest years to date.
The Oxfordshire pub has secured the 17th spot in the Good Food Guide’s new list of the best pubs in the UK, earned a refreshed place among the Top 50 Gastropubs for 2026, and appointed a new head chef, Edward Dutton. To crown the celebrations, the pub’s exterior now features a giant festive red bow.
Known for its independent spirit, high-quality food and inviting rooms, The Killingworth Castle’s new accolades reflect its continued rise in the national dining scene. Its inclusion as the 17th best pub in the country and its ongoing recognition as a leading gastropub reinforce its reputation as a destination worth travelling for.
Guiding the next chapter of its culinary evolution is new head chef Edward Dutton. Joining from the renowned kitchens of Claridge’s, Dutton brings a fine-dining pedigree shaped by experience with both rosettes and stars.
His passion for championing British farmers and local producers fits seamlessly with the pub’s established ethos of farm-to-plate cooking.
Supporting him is newly appointed sous chef Rob Mason, whose training at The Cricketers in Clavering for Jamie Oliver’s father, alongside roles at Michelin and AA-lauded restaurants such as The Cottage and Hampton Manor, further strengthens the kitchen’s talent.
The Killingworth Castle is run by husband-and-wife team Jim and Claire Alexander, who have spent nearly two decades shaping Cotswold hospitality. After transforming The Ebrington Arms from a rundown inn to an award-winning village pub, they purchased The Killingworth Castle in 2012 and began an extensive restoration.
Originally built in 1637, the pub has since earned sustained acclaim: Michelin recommendations for eight consecutive years, three AA Rosettes from 2024 to 2026, and a place in Condé Nast’s Best Cotswold Restaurants of 2025.
The towering red bow on its exterior now serves as a visual celebration of this string of successes – and a festive invitation to visitors.
With its independent ownership, multi-award-winning food and renewed culinary leadership, The Killingworth Castle enters the new year stronger than ever, offering guests yet another reason to explore one of Oxfordshire’s most celebrated dining destinations.
