The 19th century Kings Head pub in Horley has closed for four weeks while it has a £320,000 renovation to transform it into a pub with more of a focus on food.
The corner pub in Balcombe Road will serve up what Stonegate Pub Company, which also recently oversaw the refurbishment of The Feathers in Merstham, describes as “top-notch pub food” alongside a premium range of beers, wines and spirits.
Before it closed on Monday, March 5, for work to begin, it did offer food but it was more focused on drinks and ‘value for money food’ deals, as well as screening live sports on TV.
Now there will be no sport screenings, but those who still want to watch their favourite game and have a drink in a more traditional pub can call into a neighbouring Stonegate pub, The Foresters, in Victoria Road, Horley.
Explaining the change, manager Peter McLaughlin said: “Horley has evolved over the last few years, and with more homes being built, there’s continuing diversity.
“In addition, customers’ reasons for visiting the pub are changing all the time, and from day to day, so we [pubs] can all be different.
“With the Kings Head’s land, size and location, a relaxing family-friendly destination with great food and drink is the perfect choice whilst filling a gap in the Horley pub market.”
Peter, who has 35 years in the pub trade, said the team has been expanded and up-skilled in preparation.
He said: “We’ve taken on new chefs and grown the team by seven, giving them all extensive training so customers can expect gins expertly garnished, craft beer perfectly served, and table service with a smile.”
With the entire pub stripped out, it is getting new floors, carpets, furniture and seating so it will be able to accommodate 130 people dining inside. The pub also has new décor and even the toilets are being completely stripped out and refitted.
You can expect a mix of fabrics, quaint decoration, warming colours and relaxed seating.
An ‘oasis’ has been created in the vast garden with seating for about 200 people and a huge pergola structure with heating and soft seating.
(Image: Grant Melton)
There will be a soft opening on Tuesday, April 3 before a grand opening on Friday, April 13, when glasses of fizz, canapés, craft beer tasting, and a music duo will officially launch the new-look venue.
Beers
There will be seven new draft beers including Amstel, Estrella, Peroni and the craft and cask beers Meantime London IPA, Samuel Adams and London Pride as well as the ciders Aspall and Rekorderlig on draft.
Gin lovers will also be catered for with a range which will include the likes of Sipsmith’s Sloe Gin and the pink Warner Edwards Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin.
The new menu will feature lunches from £5 with favourites like guest-ale-battered cod and chips, and sausages and mash, and you get have a Sunday roast with free top ups of roasties, Yorkshires and gravy.
Pub fare with a “chef’s edge” will include chicken and brie pie and 35-day matured rump or ribeye steak topped with portobello mushroom or pepper sauce.
Peter added: “We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring the new Kings Head to Horley. It’s got charm, charisma, and a new personality that is going to be well received.”