A SECRET assessment by undercover food critics has resulted in an Oxfordshire pub gaining two AA Rosettes.

The Killingworth Castle in Wootton, near Woodstock, found out about the prestigious accolade last week.

Landlord Claire Alexander, who runs the pub with husband Jim, said she was ‘over the moon’.

A blog post on the pub’s website added: “As usual the AA inspectors somehow managed to avoid our radar and surprise us in the morning after a nights stay and dinner the night before.

"We join only a handful of foodie pubs in Oxfordshire to receive this accolade and are very proud of our hardworking team.

“With our new head chef Dave Hall fully ensconced with a great team in both the kitchen and front of house, we are so glad to get this recognition as a foodie place in our beautiful Oxfordshire."

The formerly derelict pub reopened in 2012 and has since received a slew of awards.

It previously had one AA Rosette but this is its first two-rosette rating - the highest possible being five.

The AA states two rosettes are reserved for the 'best local restaurants'.