THE HISTORY
Displayed above the entrance of this fine establishment are the words: “From this house King Charles II escaped his enemies after the Battle of Worcester on September 3rd 1651”.
The house has a wealth of history from the Civil War, besides being one of the finest examples of architecture in the city, and home to a fabulous restaurant, and one of the best in Worcestershire.
It is from this house that King Charles II made his escape through the rear door closely pursued by Cromwell's forces, to exile in France after his defeat in the Battle of Worcester (1651).
Within the house is a bottle dungeon where victims were placed awaiting their trial. It is reported that ghosts have been sighted there!
The upstairs bar is presumed to have been the King's bedchamber, and it was from here that he would have held council meetings. The king was reputed to have made his headquarters in the nearby Corn Market, now a city car park.
THE RESTAURANT
The fine 60-seater restaurant boasts an extensive menu at reasonable prices. Surroundings are very relaxing amid oak panelling, fine original timber beams, white lacy tablecloths, low lighting and comfortable furniture. Upstairs, pre-dinner drinks are enjoyed whilst seated on comfy sofas in what is believed to have been the King’s bedchamber.
The staff are very attentive and luncheon menus from 12 noon to 2 pm. are offered, for as little as £11.95 to include a main course and sweet. Evening dinner is served from 6-30 p.m. – 9.30 pm. and ranges from £15. The menus are very inviting and cover a wide range of tastes.
I recently had the pleasure of enjoying the following evening meal:
Smoked Salmon, which was of gargantuan proportions, nonetheless, utterly mouth-watering. For the main course I chose the Prawns with steak – a type of surf and turf. It was sumptuous. It was a truly unforgettable meal. Sadly I couldn’t manage a dessert. However, a wide range of mouth-watering sweets are available from a good old fashioned dessert trolley.
The King Charles is certainly worth a visit. However, I recommend that you pre-book a table, and one is rarely lucky enough to get a table on spec!
King Charles II Restaurant
King Charles House
New Street
Worcester
WR1 2DP
Telephone: 01905 22449
Website: www.kingcharlesrestaurant.co.uk
