We walk from our friends’ house in Cheltenham past the racecourse to the pub. We passed, or nearly passed, the other two pubs in this suburb of Cheltenham but made directly for the Kings Arms, one of around 30 owned by Raymond Blanc and his team. Take note Jeopardy Hospitality – 30!

During the day we ventured to Dunkerton’s, a sort of ‘destination’ food hall cum entertainment marquee in the Gloucestershire countryside. Several food stalls are incorporated in this indoor-outdoor space. A shared ham and Gruyère piazza (£13.50) and a half of Hawkstone IPA – you know, from that Clarkson chap’s farm in the other (Oxfordshire) Cotswolds. It was perfectly acceptable.

Dunkerton’s has an interesting history; started in the 1980s by Ivor and Susie, it passed to son Julian. In between other ventures he expanded the cider business, and founded Superdry with James Holder from a market stall in Cheltenham in 2003. The business enjoyed outstanding growth, at one time being valued at £1.7billion before collapsing. To compound to the problems…

In April 2026, Holder appeared at Gloucester Crown Court charged with raping a woman in Cheltenham in May 2022. On 1 May 2026, a jury of seven men and five women found him guilty of rape, while acquitting him of a separate count of assault by penetration. Holder was refused bail prior to sentencing on the grounds that he might be a flight risk, and on 7 May he was sentenced to eight years in prison.

So, The Kings Arms. Great pub with friendly, well-trained staff and menu paying homage to Raymond. The cooking was spot on and, if you give away your birth date, you get a round of REAL champagne when you arrive.

Crab & Avocado, Beetroot Terrine and houmous to start, Lamb roulade, Malabar Fish Curry and Ricotta Ravioli, with Pistachio soufflé to finish. You can see the influence of Raymond, especially in the puds – at Le Manoir the Pistachio Soufflé has frozen chocolate ice cream/sorbet in the middle, melting slowly at the soufflé cooks. Still got it here though, served on the side.

Pub with great food The Kings Arms