The Kings Head Wickham Hampshire

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell about a place that's as old as the hills, yet as lively as a room full of toddlers on espresso. I'm talking about The King's Head, nestled in the heart of Wickham, Hampshire. Now, if you're imagining a stuffy old pub where the ale's as flat as the locals' sense of humour, you're in for a surprise. This place is anything but.

Back in the Day

First things first, let's rewind the clock a bit. The King's Head has been standing proud since the 15th century. That's right, it's older than your gran's dentures. It's seen more history than a textbook, from the Wars of the Roses to the rise of the selfie stick. But don't worry, it's had a facelift or two since then. It's like the Benjamin Button of pubs, getting younger with each passing year.

Now, you might be thinking, "What's with the name?" Well, back in the day, pubs were named after the monarch's head. It was a bit like a medieval version of naming your kid after your favourite celebrity. But here's where it gets interesting. The King's Head in Wickham is one of the few pubs that still has the original royal head sign. It's like finding a fossil in your back garden - only slightly less gross.

Ghostly Goings-On

But enough about the past, let's talk about the present. Or should I say, the unpresent? Because The King's Head is said to be haunted. Yes, you heard it here first. Now, I'm not one to believe in all that spooky nonsense, but the locals swear blind that there's a ghostly goings-on. They say it's the spirit of a former landlord who's still pulling pints from beyond the grave.

But here's the thing, this ghost is about as scary as a kitten with a cold. I mean, it's more likely to trip you up with its spectral shoelaces than give you a good old-fashioned ghostly fright. In fact, the locals have taken to calling it 'Poltergeist Pete'. I mean, if you're gonna have a ghost, you might as well make it a friendly one, right?

A Pub for All Seasons

Now, you might be thinking, "This all sounds very jolly, but what's the ale like?" Well, let me tell you, the ale at The King's Head is as good as it gets. They've got a rotating selection of local brews that'll make your taste buds dance the jig. And if you're not an ale fan, don't worry. They've got a wine list that's longer than my to-do list (which, let's face it, is saying something).

But The King's Head isn't just a place to wet your whistle. Oh no, it's a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment. They've got live music nights that'll have you tapping your toes and singing along like you're in the world's smallest, friendliest stadium. And if you're feeling peckish, their Sunday roast is so good, it's been known to bring grown men to tears. I'm not kidding, I've seen it happen. It's like a scene from Up, but with more gravy and less balloons.

The King's Head Today

But what about the future, you ask? Well, The King's Head shows no signs of slowing down. It's like that one friend who's always the life of the party, no matter how many times they've been around the block. It's been through wars, plagues, and even a few dodgy haircuts (I'm looking at you, 1970s), and it's still standing strong.

So, if you're ever in Wickham, do yourself a favour and pop into The King's Head. It's not just a pub, it's a piece of history. It's a place where the past and the present collide, where the ale flows freely, and where the ghost is more likely to make you laugh than make you quake in your boots. And who knows, you might just have a story or two to tell when you leave. Just don't blame me if your tales of Wickham are taller than the King's Head itself.