The King William IV (The King Billy),

Hallgate, Cottingham

Telephone 01482 875996

A report by our Mystery Diners


If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Cottingham which offers home-made cooking and portion sizes that even the biggest appetite would struggle with, then you need to visit the King William 1V Public House in Hallgate, Cottingham.

Now one of the most popular pubs in the village, landlady Maggie Clarke and her team have certainly turned the fortunes of this hostelry around over the last few years. It now boasts a comfortable lounge which doubles as the restaurant, a traditional bar, a back room Brewery Bar, which is available for hire and an outside seating area for when the English weather allows for outside drinking.

The pub offers a full range of beers, ciders, spirits along with a changing selection of guest ales and over a dozen wines, some available by the glass. A popular talking point about this pub is the food.

Having heard so much about it and never visited for more than a drink, my wife and I decided to give it a try. We visited one Friday for an early dinner, arriving at about 6pm. Food is served from 5.30pm to 7.45pm most evenings and when we arrived the place was packed with early evening diners and every table was in use. However this gave us time to get a drink and to look at the Menu and Specials board. The main menu offers a varied selection of sandwiches in both large and small portions, Hot Baguettes and Jacket potatoes with most of the prices under £4.

There is also a selection of Light Bites such as Soup and a roll (£1.95) and Garlic Bread (£1.95) as well as the King Billy Combo (£.4.50). The main meals read like fairly typical Pub Fare - Fish and Chips, (Available every day) Smoky Chicken, Scampi, Lasagna, Chilli, Gammon Steak - all at £5.95. There is also a range of Burgers, Steaks and a massive Mixed Grill if you are really hungry. On the Specials Board on the night we visited was Home Made Steak Pie, Liver & Onions, Pasta Bake and a choice of desserts. Once you have made your choice and found a table you order your food at the bar, sit back and wait.

From the Main Menu I chose Deep fried Fresh Fish & Chips and Mushy Peas and my wife had Home Made Steak Pie from the Specials Board. When we ordered, we were asked if we wanted small or large portions. We both picked the larger option!!!

As we waited for our food, only about 15 minutes, we watched a constant stream of plates coming out of the kitchen loaded with food and an equal number being returned empty. From where we were sitting it all looked very encouraging.

We had also ordered a bottle of Pinot Grigio wine to accompany our meal, which was one of nine different wines on the Wine Board at under a tenner. If I have any adverse comment to make it would be that the wine could do to be much colder.

When the food arrived, I have to say it was well worth the wait. The fish was huge and coated in a fantastic light homemade batter and cooked to perfection.

My wife’s Home Made Steak Pie was enough for two, made with home-made pastry and filled with very tender pieces of beef. (All meat and Vegetables are bought locally)

The problem with such large portions is that it doesn't leave any room for a pudding, which looked really nice. The table next to ours had home-made Cheese Cake and Apple Pie with custard which were both huge and, according to the diners very tasty.

Our meal, with wine, cost a little over £21 which I feel is great value, especially when you look at the portion size. If you don’t have a big appetite, then go for the smaller portion and maybe having a pudding as well.

As I say, if I am being ‘picky' my only criticism was the the wine could be cooler, but maybe I should have asked for an ice bucket.

By the time we left at around 7pm the Lounge Bar was still busy with diners and I have a feeling it probably is most nights. We really enjoyed the food and all I can say is ‘Maggie keep up the good work’ This village needs a pub like this and if you have not tried the food, don’t wait like we did, visit soon.

For further information contact Maggie Clark on 01482 875996.