Queen & Castle Country Pub and Restaurant
I first visited the Queen & Castle country pub and restaurant back in December 2018. The pub is located in the ancient and picturesque town of Kenilworth and sits opposite the magnificent Kenilworth Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Having completed a half-circuit of the castle’s perimeter walls on what proved to be a wet and rather dreary winter’s day, I was more than ready to join other members of the family for lunch. I don’t recall what we ordered from the pub’s All Day Menu but we all agreed the food was delicious and the service exemplary.
Since 2018, I’ve visited the Queen & Castle on four occasions and the food and drink and service have always been top-notch. My visits have always been in the autumn or winter, so I’ve never had the pleasure of enjoying lunch in the pub’s garden, but it is charming.
The All Day Menu starters include pan-fried scallops, chicken liver and fig parfait and sea-salt and cracked black pepper squid and mains include a wide range of choices from freshly battered line-caught cod and chips, burgers, premium cut steaks and lamb and pork dishes. The menu also offers a mouth-watering selection of Mediterranean inspired dishes including a fabulous king prawn, crab, Ortiz chorizo linguine and scallops (a personal favorite).
The Sunday Lunch Menu (particularly the now legendary delicious Trio of Roasts – roast beef, pork and chicken with all the trimmings) in terms of volume and quality, would surely have rivaled any dish laid on by Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and owner of Kenilworth Castle.
Reassuringly, the Queen & Castle has no shortage of patrons: every time I’ve visited the bar and the dinning areas have been very busy with a good mix of locals and tourists. The dinning areas are ideal for large family gatherings and children are always welcome (our grandchildren adore the place). Given the high quality and popularity of its lunches, Sunday’s are always busy and I strongly advise booking a table well in advance.
The Queen & Castle, Kenilworth: everything an English pub should be and then some.
Geoff Monaghan
London 14...
Read moreSubject: A Royal Experience at Queen & Castle Kenilworth
I had the pleasure of dining at Queen & Castle in Kenilworth about a year ago, and the experience left an indelible mark on my memory. Here's a breakdown of my impressions:
Food: 5/5 The culinary offerings at Queen & Castle are nothing short of extraordinary. The menu boasts a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary dishes, each presented with an artistic flair that speaks volumes about the chef's dedication to both taste and aesthetics. The ingredients were evidently fresh, and the flavors were a symphony in my mouth. From appetizers to dessert, every dish was a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen staff.
Service: 4.5/5 The service was impeccable for the most part. The staff was attentive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu, providing insightful recommendations. Our orders were delivered promptly, and the waitstaff showed genuine enthusiasm for ensuring our dining experience was top-notch. The slight deduction comes from a minor delay in getting the bill, but this in no way overshadowed the overall positive service experience.
Atmosphere: 4.8/5 The atmosphere at Queen & Castle exudes a charming blend of sophistication and warmth. The interior decor is tastefully done, creating an ambiance that is both cozy and elegant. The lighting was just right, allowing for an intimate dining experience. The only minor room for improvement lies in the noise level during peak hours, which might slightly hinder intimate conversations.
In conclusion, my visit to Queen & Castle Kenilworth was a gastronomic journey marked by delectable dishes, attentive service, and a captivating atmosphere. I highly recommend this establishment for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience. I look forward to revisiting to see if the standard of excellence has been...
Read moreI have lived in Kenilworth for over 30 years and the Queen and Castle has been a regular favourite venue, so it deserves to get feedback for poor experiences and well as good. Three of us went for lunch yesterday. The excessive wait for table service prompted me to get the first round of drinks myself. There was an option to order via a QR code on line menu, fiddling about with phones and apps is not what I want to be doing when I come to relax. I believe a friendly, efficient waiting staff bring real value to an enjoyable 'eating out' experience. Another trip to the bar was needed as a glass of merlot wine was returned as undrinkable. The serving staff immediately replaced it with a Shiraz, which was fine, but 'come on!' merlot is largely chosen in pubs because it should be of a reliable quality. Another trip to the bar was to order our food which arrived in good time. The peppered squid was tender but just tasted of cornflour. The small amount of sauce that came with it was sweet and mildly spiced, but a very dull plate with no garnish or attempt at presentation. My chicken salade was drowned in a sweet savoury dressing and had little texture of variety. A crab sandwich turned out to be an open sandwich with about 20 grams of crab somewhere within an overpowering toasted creamy, cheesy sauce sitting on a slice sourdough. The fries were good. A fillet beef sandwich was tender but had toasted bread (maybe no fresh bread) which was not what the dinner woud have chosen. This feedback is long because a lot of resonably small things things spoiling the quality of our experience. Hey, the sun was shining and we loved being together, but there are much better value...
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