THE LOWDOWN

Blink and you might miss this award-winning pub just off the A30 in heart of Egham, but stop you should as it’s the perfect foodie destination and boutique bolthole just moments away from Runnymede and the regal sights of Windsor. Named in the Times Top 100 Hotels Best Places to Stay no less, The Kings Arms does British boozer at it’s best. Part of the Grosvenor family (which also includes other Surrey stunners The Stag on the River near Godalming, The Cricketers on the Green in Pirbright, and The Queen’s Head in East Clandon) Muddy couldn’t wait to check in for some posh pub grub and R&R.

THE VIBE

The dining room at the Kings Arms, Egham, Surrey.

We’re here for this inn’s funky interior design, comforting food and cosy vibes – to be honest we couldn’t check in fast enough. Leaving our chaotic home for the promise of high-thread-count sheets and a long soak in a freestanding bath had nothing to do with it. But it definitely helped. A LOT.

Tardis like, The Kings Arms exterior is unassuming. But inside it’s got it all going on. Muddy loved the elegantly eccentric décor and witty design details which set the tone. It’s a place you can loosen your top button (and probably several around the waist after dinner). The interiors are a quirky mix with an inviting bar and smaller dining and snug areas for larger parties, (the glass Menagerie, below, is a gorgeous airy space with a fully retractable roof and fireplace providing a more floral escape from the buzzy main pub.) There is also a beautifully intimate private dining room with a large banquet style table for groups.

As soon as we arrived, we fancied a drink (funny that), and got stuck into the extensive cocktail list. When we visited in autumn it was drizzly and grey but The Kings Arms was warm and inviting. It made us want to hunker down and never leave.

SCOFF AND QUAFF

No boring pub grub here, but a delicious menu of locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. There’s a choice of a la carte menu plus daily specials mixing traditional charm with a sprinkle of modern culinary magic. There are plenty of farm-to-fork faves and some crowd-pleasing classics, too.

Muddy kicked off with a light Chorizo arancini with aioli, which was diddy yet decadent. Mr M opted for the seared scallops served with roasted crown prince pumpkin, miso and dashi cream. Divine.

Landing on the mains Muddy chose the Devon crab cake with poached Clarence Court rich yolk egg, lobster velouté and a spiced seaweed crumb. (And, yes, it was as good as it sounds.) Mr M couldn’t resist the lamb, which was a trio mixed grill of Cornish lamb – za’atar marinated lamb steak, merguez sausage and brochette on a bed of sumac onion tzatziki and grilled flatbread. Cooked over an open fire of hot coals it was comfort food of dreams. I had to nag him to even let me taste it – it was that good.

Desserts were equally as indulgent and not your typical pub fare. We plumped for sticky toffee pudding with spiced brandy snap and the Banoffee sundae with Chantilly cream, miso butterscotch, caramelised banana and honeycomb. This was in all honesty one of the best puddings I’ve eaten (and believe me I’ve sampled a few). Thank god I was a flight of stairs away from a lie down.

THE MORNING AFTER

Breakfast was excellent as well (included in the room price). We enjoyed a perfectly cooked full English with free range sausages, smoked English belly bacon, Clonakilty black pudding, potato and onion hash & Clarence Court eggs.

There are also Signature Breakfasts and Insta faves like smashed avo on sourdough as well as eggs Benedict, Florentine and Royale.

PILLOW TALK

Hidden above the pub are six stunning en-suite rooms all with mod-cons like Bramley products, Nespresso machines and Joe’s Tea (it’s the little things). Each room boasts its own personality and is named after a rebellious Baron with tailored artwork to match. There are Royal seal-of-approval mattresses which I can confirm were fit for a Queen (or at least a very tired Muddy Ed).

We stayed in Fitzwalter, a swanky Super King Suite dressed in sumptuous textiles with a debonair English feel. Boasting a desk, large bathroom with separate rain shower, under-floor heating and this stunning copper roll top bath of dreams. Twit-woo! If you love a soak (or you’re on a romantic break!), definitely book one of the rooms with these freestanding tubs – and not just for the photo opportunities. Yes, it takes a while to fill but, oh my, sinking into that bad boy is what self care is all about.

KID FRIENDLY?

Children are welcome, but the outside areas are quite small and not fully enclosed, so if you’re looking for somewhere for your brood to burn off steam you might need to take them to Runnymede Park first to run them out.

AND DOGS TOO?

The pub loves four-legged friends but pets are not allowed in the bedrooms.

OUT & ABOUT

Shopping in Egham is limited, but if you fancy catching a film whilst in town there is a cracking new Everyman cinema with a stylish bar just 10 minutes’ stroll from the pub.

For a more regal day out you must visit Windsor Castle – the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. Book a tour and have a good old nose round – you’ll also be able to pay your respects and visit the late Queen’s final resting place. There are always loads of events and exhibitions on so do have a gander at their website before picking a date. Also, you can’t go to Windsor without witnessing the historic Changing of the Guard that takes place several days each week from the barracks on Sheet Street at 10.45am before marching through the town to the King’s des res.

Need to stretch your legs? You can’t leave town without following in the footsteps of the monarchy down The Long Walk (below). It’s 2.64 miles, a 2-3 hour round trip, and takes you up to the copper statue of mad King George III, (via lots of roaming deer.) It’s the perfect spot to clear a fuzzy head if you’ve had one too many sloe gins at the pub.

Fancy a flutter? Royal Windsor Racecourse with top quality racing and a series of race day experiences is also close by. Or for a culture fix, head to Eton the old stomping ground of Tom Hiddleston and Damian Lewis which has two museums. For a full insider’s guide to Windsor see our feature here.

Kids in tow? You’ve a double-header of Thorpe Park and Legoland within a short drive – so plenty of options to entertain the little darlings before you indulge yourself.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

A cosy space at The Kings Arms in Egham, Surrey.

Good for: The Kings Arms is definitely not about half measures. The portions here are generous so make sure you come hungry. Its the perfect pub for long lunches with friends and family, with the added bonus of comfy accommodation.

Not for: Anyone sensitive to a roadside location or seeking rural isolation. The menu is comforting rather than achingly cool so fashion obsessed foodies on a health kick should look elsewhere.

The damage: Room rates differ throughout the year but expect to pay around £175 – £225 per night on average. There are offers available including discount Sunday stays and packages including dinner and B&B. You can also elevate your stay and pre-book added extras including a sharing cheese board or a bottle of Coats & Seely Brut Reserve to add a pop of bubbles to your break.

The Kings Arms, 5-6 High Street, Egham, TW20 9EA. Tel: 01483 921486

Muddy stays: The Kings Arms, Egham

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