Perhaps if you’re on the A30, the shiny allure of the Italian thoroughbreds at Maranello on the opposite side of the road are an obvious distraction. Or perhaps, if travelling down the town’s High Street, apart from its blue walls, from the outside this inn might look like so many other English town-centre pubs. But having recently won much acclaim from The Sunday Times for the quality of its guest rooms, The Kings Arms was definitely on our radar for a visit.
And sure enough, the moment you step inside it is easy to appreciate why this place, which reopened as an inn (having been a Loch Fyne), late last year has been receiving such rave reviews.
The ambience set by its tasteful interior design is instantaneous and continues throughout every part of the building – from the bars and restaurants and upstairs into the exquisite boutique-hotel feel of the guest rooms.
The Kings Arms recently won much acclaim from The Sunday Times for the quality of its guest rooms
Blue and turquoise are dominant with beams, touches of exposed brick and lovely detail wherever you look. There is something very warm and welcoming about The Kings Arms – even on a damp winter night. When it is dark outside you would struggle to know that the space in which we are dining is in fact a conservatory. So cosy and warm, with tables cleverly interspersed with the greenery of ferns and yuccas lending the area a real ambience of a colonial orangery. But above our heads, come the warmer seasons, a roof retracts to allow sun-bathed al fresco dining. And very comfortable al fresco dining at that – with copious cushions and throws in place.
The menu was just about the perfect length and featured lots of familiar populars, but often with a unique twist. For example, the Dexter beef tartare came with seasoned Colcheter oysters and was served in their shells.
Dexter beef tartare came with seasoned Colcheter oysters and was served in their shells
I opted for my regular yardstick – the Scotch egg. This particular one came with rare-breed pork and a deliciously rich black-pudding brown sauce, while the dark orange yolk was perfectly runny.
I also decided to pose myself the question: what is life without a bit of naughtiness every now and then? And so I followed this up with even more pork; this time, slow-cooked belly to fulfil my naughty portion for the day. Every mouthful of the delicious crackling was a guilty pleasure and the Somerset Brie potato terrine, apple compote and smoked pumpkin were excellent accompaniments.
An Amalfi lemon cheesecake rounded things off, its ultra-creamy finish contrasted with white chocolate and a sharp raspberry sorbet.
Excellent hearty food, beautifully presented, and backed by really friendly staff.
Don’t wait until you’re window-shopping for your next Ferrari over the road – I recommend a visit to the Kings Arms at your next available opportunity!
The Kings Arms is located at 5-6 High Street, Egham, Surrey TW20 9EA
Tel: 01483 921486
Restaurant, pub and hotel reviews are a regular feature in Premier Magazine. To view previous editions visit our ‘Past Issues’ page
