With the weather seemingly turning and Autumn approaching Oxford fast, this past August bank holiday seemed like the perfect day for a pub lunch in the comfort of The King's Arms in Sandford-on-Thames. The charmingly located pub is perfect for a sunny summer's day, thanks to its riverside setting and plenty of outdoor seating options. But it is also just as good for a wet and miserable day, thanks to a menu packed with home comforts and a warm and inviting interior. The Kings Arms seems designed to offer visitors whatever they might need on any particular occasion.

With a menu that adapts depending on the season, our choice were still somewhat summer orientated. But they included such scrumptious choices as Chef’s Wagyu beef burger, cheddar and Yorkshire ale fondue, and sea bass and seared scallops. Still, it is was a Sunday, so my party and I decided on a round of roasts (with choices including pork, beef, lamb shoulder, or a trio of roasts).

Our order was taken speedily and with good humour, with colouring provided for our young daughter (still in surrealist phase of her art style). There is a relaxed atmosphere in The King's Arms, making us comfortable to enjoy our conversation whilst we waited for our lunches. These mostly came out speedily, but regrettably the children's roast had been forgotten. We were able to alert the staff quickly enough to just about prevent a meltdown. The staff were very apologetic about the slip-up and all was devoured as our daughter dived into her meal.

And our meals were suitably hearty, with generous amounts of each element. The meat was well-cooked without being dry or tough, and the vegetables were spot-on. The giant Yorkshire puddings that accompanied each roast were fabulous, and caused great amusement for my daughter. The only thing I wish there was more of was the stuffing, but that is due to being a bit of a stuffing fiend (it is the best part of any roast, in this humble critic's opinion). It was a mark of how filling our meal was that we regrettably could not find any room for a dessert.

If you want an affordable roast in a friendly atmosphere The King's Arms is certainly worth your time. And if the weather is more agreeable, you can even take in the pub's gorgeous setting. Plus, the staff are skilled enough to avert most child-and-food related meltdowns.