The Kings Head, Horsham

The Kings Head is a cosy, rambling old pub at the top end of Rudgwick village. A small decking terrace at the back gives a terrific view onto the village church, while there's a few more seats out the front. The lease is currently for sale and it's clear that it's time for a spot of refurbishment, the current management having been in place for many years and the interior is now looking a little tired and dated. 4 handpumps on the bar offer 3 bests from Youngs, Greene King (the seasonal Bonkers Conkers), and house ale Kings Best (presumably also out of Bury St Edmunds), the last being a sessionable Porter from Lister's. A regular selection of lagers can be had, as well as Breaker Pale Ale, yet another GK offering I believe. Not for the first time recently though, I find myself dismayed at the state of the glass my pint was presented in (the last occurrence being in a different pub, to be fair). Regulars popped in from time to time, which added to the traditional feel (as did the weekday afternoon closing). I hope the future can be secured for this one, and a sympathetic upgrade can increase its obvious appeal without detracting from the charm.

A rather lovely country pub at the north end of village, built on the side of the hill holding the church so is mostly on the first floor level up some steps. the nicely aged, traditional interior with low beams features a dartboard at one end, a bar counter in the middle and a dining area beyond. All very friendly and trade seemed to be mainly locals using the pub how we used to use pubs - a chap playing darts with his son, a couple taking the dog for a walk and so on. Seeing a couple of beers on pump from Parkway I assumed these were local, but they transpired to be from Somerset! The actual local beer was from nearby Firebird and very good, with Harvey's Best and a cider taking up the other pumps. Food not sampled but looked home made and excellent, including some pies and sausage rolls on the counter. A good traditional pub with nicely-kept beer and well worth seeking out before someone ruins it.

Official site of The Kings Head - www.kingsheadrudgwick.co.uk

Official site of The Kings Head - www.kingsheadrudgwick.co.uk