Displayed above the entrance of this fine establishment are the words:
“ From this house King Charles 11 escaped his enemies after the Battle of Worcester on September 3rd 1651”
History:
The house has a wealth of history of the Civil War, besides being one of the finest eateries in the city.
It is from this house that King Charles 11 made his escape through the rear door closely pursued by Cromwell’s forces, to exile in France after his defeat of the Battle of Worcester in 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.
Restaurant:
The fine restaurant boasts an extensive menu at very reasonable prices. Surroundings are very relaxing amid oak panelling, fine lacy tablecloths, low lighting and comfortable furniture. The staff are very attentive and luncheon menu’s from 12 noon to 2 pm. are offered, for as little as £10.45 to include a main course and sweet. (Jan 06 prices) Evening dinner is served from 6-30 p.m. – 9.30 pm. The menus are very inviting and cover a wide range of tastes. I recently had the pleasure of enjoying the following evening meal:
Devilled whitebait at £4.95
Stilton stuffed Mushrooms with a port mayonnaise at 10.45 to include a salad (Jan 06 prices)
It was a truly sumptuous meal, but sadly I couldn’t manage a dessert. However, a wide range of mouth-watering sweets are available. It is certainly worth a visit, however, I recommend that you pre-book a table.
The King Charles House - Review by Liz Hayden Jones
