Maids Head, King's Lynn

Attractive Craft Union pub facing the town square. Whacked-through staple-shaped interior done in the usual style for the brand - eg any wood has been painted over blue or grey. It's tidy enough in a slightly clinical manner. Just a substandard Tim Taylor Landlord available (NBSS 2) on the cask. Felt a bit morose and I was happy to shove-off after 5 minutes. Feels like they are missing a trick here given its location – you won’t catch the value drinkers as they are in Spoons a few yards away, so make an effort!

In a commanding position overlooking the Tuesday market place this is a good looking stone pub from the outside and the two Bullards Brewery plaques are indeed very impressive. Internally it’s very modern with a bit of a sports bar theme if you go by the number of teles dotted around the place and the pool table and darts board in a prominent position. Two pumps on the bar, one reversed with TT landlord clip leaving only Doom Bar which was average at best, and I got the feeling from the clientele inside and outside on the few metal table and chairs that the ale pumps don’t get troubled much. Frankly I wasn’t surprised to later learn from whatpub that it is now owned and run by the Craft Union Pub Co arm of Stonegate, it certainly had that feel to it. If it was a disappointment some ten years ago, unfortunately nothing seems to have changed in the intervening years. Still a great unfulfilled potential given its position and kerb appeal.