insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | Page 57

VISITKENT
THE WARMEST OF WELCOMES AT WYE’S AWARD-WINNING
THE KING’S HEAD
OWNERS SCOTT RICHARDSON AND MARK LIGHTFORD HAVE TRANSFORMED THE FORMER
VICTORIAN COACHING INN INTO A FOODIE DESTINATION THAT IS LOVED BY LOCALS
AND VISITORS ALIKE, KNOWN FOR THEIR INNOVATIVE MENU THAT CELEBRATES LOCAL,
SEASONAL PRODUCE AND FOR THEIR WIDE RANGE OF ENGLISH SPARKLING WINES.
It’s impossible not to relax from the moment you
step through the doors at The King’s Head. Scott
and Mark are the perfect hosts. Since 2013, when
the couple left their respective careers in the music
and fashion industry to follow their dream, they have
poured their heart and soul into The King’s Head.
From the photos of the local countryside on the
wall taken by Mark to the relationships they’ve built
with local farmers and producers, it’s clear this is a
labour of love. The bar has a fresh, relaxed
atmosphere with a mixture of eclectic seating, and
a dining area including cosy tables for two and larger
tables for groups.
Heath. Food was a delight. Daily deliveries
from local growers mean that the kitchen team are
working with brilliantly fresh, tasty ingredients. Our
duck breast, served with dauphinoise potatoes and
roasted heritage carrots, came from just down the
road, while the lamb kebabs with harissa hummus
and the lightest flatbread you can imagine, are
using lamb straight from the Wye Downs, reared by
Wye’s community farm. Many of the vegetables
used on the menu were still in the ground earlier
that same morning.
The King’s Head has seven rooms, all decorated
individually with vintage and reclaimed furniture.
Although right in the heart of the vibrant village of
Wye, the rooms are quiet and peaceful. They have
a bright, airy feel and super comfy beds! As if this were not enough, customers can also eat
in the newly opened Kingshed pizzeria that has
transformed the pub’s outdoor courtyard into an al
fresco dining destination. With its bespoke Italian
pizza oven, relaxed vibes courtesy of the vinyl
turntable, and trademark quality, Kingshed is a great
place to kick back after a hard day’s work and enjoy
handmade, authentic Neapolitan-style pizza.
Already feeling miles away from the hustle and bustle
of normal life, we needed no encouragement to
sample some of Scott and Mark’s wine choices from
local vineyards including Gusbourne and Hush Besides the great hosts, fantastic food and comfy
rooms, the real draw for The King’s Head is their
location. Wye is a beautiful village in the heart of
an AONB with stunning countryside walks on the
doorstep, but walk a few minutes to the village station
and you have direct rail links to the coast in one
direction, London in the other. Ashford, one stop
away by train, is home to the newly opened Curious
Brewery and, with a whole host of incredible English
wineries nearby, guests can enjoy vineyard tastings
and tours that showcase our beautiful Garden of
England. It’s little wonder that The King’s Head
has won so many awards.
Open daily from 08 .00 until 22.00 Sunday–
Wednesday and 23.00 Thursday–Saturday
The King’s Head
Church Street
Wye
Ashford
TN25 5BN
01233 812418
[e-mail]
www.kingsheadwye.com
57