The Kings Head, Yarmouth

As described by Steve, below, this quirky atmospheric hotel has an almost labyrinthine ground floor, with multiple small seating areas,  which makes it feel pleasant, welcoming and a good place to have a drink or a light meal.  There is a TV in the bar counter area, but it’s not obtrusive. The small paved terrace at the side was a bit scruffy and not that agreeable.  The staff weren’t particularly welcoming or helpful, but they were at least efficient.  You get the feeling that this would not make a good local and is geared around visiting tourists, an impression reinforced by limited opening hours and high prices. The ale was good, though, the choices being Yates’s Islander and two from Goddard’s –Duck’s Folly and Ale of Wight.  It was good finally to find it open , and I enjoyed the beer, but it wouldn’t be my first choice in Yarmouth. 

I usually visit the Bugle but after reading this report I thought that I would try the Kings Head. They had Bishop's Finger at 5.0%, which was quite nice. I then tried the Plain Ales Intrigue, but was disappointed. Quite nice place, staff very friendly, food smelt great, but the beer was £4.00 a pint.

With half an hour to spare before the ferry left for the mainland I took the opportunity to grab a pint in the Kings Head. The barman from the Wheatsheaf that had served my lunch earlier in the day was waiting tables and the menu layout seemed very familiar. After a bit of investigation I learned that the kings Head and Wheatsheaf are Enterprise inns run by the same couple. The interior of this 16th century inn consists of a central bar that is flanked by seating areas each with their own coal fireplaces. Behind the bar is another seating area that felt more geared towards dining. I didn’t spot any televisions, but there was some hardly audible background music playing. Like the Wheatsheaf a standard keg option was available alongside Amstel. The cask ale selection differed with the two banks of three hand pumps drawing Upham Brewery’s Punter, the local Yates Brewery’s Holy Joe and Wychwood’s Hobgoblin. I found the service to be very friendly and would return if in the area.