The Kings Head, Shepperton

It seems that the King’s head in this case is that of Charles I, whose face features on the pub sign hanging outside. There were two ales on during my Friday late lunchtime visit – Caledonian 80, and Courage Best. There weren’t any menus lying around, but they clearly do food as a couple who came in after me each got dished up with a stonking great plateful of food, which they swiftly got stuck into. The pub has an ancient look to it from the outside, being set in a short row of picturesque cottages. This place is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. The room on the right as you enter is the main seating area, with a number of normal tables and chairs, including one large and very substantial table. There’s a large brick surrounded fireplace in here, as well as dark wood beams and posts. But it has been given a lighter, more modern look, epitomised by the light painted panelling, as well as the vases on the window ledges containing thin spindly things that look suspiciously like decorative twigs to me, not helped by the fairy lights draped over them. So, there is a mix of traditional and modern in here. Up a couple of steps to the left is an even more modern room. This contains tall pine coloured tables and stools, modern flooring, and is where the local drinkers appear to congregate. This room stretches back to a more narrow area with flagstone flooring, and a few armchairs. Down a few steps to right past a balustrade is yet another room, this one containing a pool table and another bar counter, but unused during my visit. This is certainly more than the tiny local pub that it appears at first sight. But I found the front bar on the right to be fairly comfortable, the beer was OK, the welcome was friendly, and so I wouldn’t mind visiting again if the opportunity presents itself.

Strange little pub, although it goes back further than it looks, with lots of random nooks and crannies and odd sofas and things. Could be really good, but needs a bit of work. Only had Courage Best on draught, but food looked good value.