Where the chickens and a wacky barmaid rule the roost – Kent Online

It was bright sunshine at the back of the pub and a small collection of good looking chickens were scratching about and clucking contentedly. A much larger group of teachers delighted to be on their summer holidays were vying for the best tables and cackling considerably louder.

There is quite a large, well-maintained, outside space at the Queens Head in Kingsnorth, near Ashford, and I can understand why it would be popular with both locals and visitors.

Inside there is a large room on the right hand side of the pub devoted almost entirely to pool or darts and two lucky lads enjoying a game of arrows had the entire space to themselves.

We headed beyond this and into the main bar at the front of the pub. There was a Sussex Best on offer, but always keen to try something a little different, I opted for a pint of Razor Back, a 3.8% bitter from the Ringwood Brewery.

Eggs from the chickens were also on sale at the bar at 1 for six or 1.50 for a dozen but they were quite miniscule, mini eggs if you will.

There are fairy lights festooned everywhere you look, probably in an effort to offset the black patterned wallpaper.

The Razor Back describes itself as an exceptionally refreshing craft ale, Im slightly suspicious of the oft-used craft tag and would describe it as an average beer with a toffee smell and a disappointing aftertaste.

Theres a chaotic and slightly haphazard feel to everything behind the bar but it just adds further to the charm of this place Id describe the barmaid as hectically efficient.

A wild-looking fellow with flowing white hair and a beard to match breezed into the bar and then disappeared out front to hose everything down (I hasten to add, this was pre-hosepipe ban).

He shouted hello gorgeous to the busy barmaid, dropped her off a newspaper for later and then went off to collect glasses. Apparently this does his own thing Aussie is happy to help out with a whole variety of tasks in exchange for the odd beer.

A good deal of tradition has been retained here, old fashioned towels on the bar, beer mats on tables and Maggie May by Rod Stewart pumping out through the speakers.

Mind you, when the song changed to Joan Jets I Love Rock and Roll we were given a real treat as the barmaid launched into her own version of I Love Sausage Rolls at the top of her voice.

Various teachers trooped in at intervals to order drinks before scuttling back outside with the chickens and Mrs SD and I began a new game.

Isnt it interesting how you can tell immediately the year groups they teach just by the way they dress and the way they speak the difference between reception staff and those who tackle Year 6 is remarkable and very easy to spot.

Theres plenty of CCTV around the bar, usually a sign it can get a little lively, although the pub was very relaxed when we were in and folks are left to their own devices vaping at the bar, for example, is encouraged.

The gents is found beyond the black wallpapered wall and features back-to-back urinals, although the basin is even smaller than my en-suite at home.

The toilets had obviously been cleaned recently and were fresh smelling. Mrs SD delivered a similarly upbeat review of the ladies facilities.

Back in our seats at the high table at the front of the pub we both began to feel we were being watched. Nearing the end of our visit the feeling grew to the point we could sense the eyes burning into us. I checked my flies and Mrs SD made sure nothing had dripped down her blouse but everything seemed fine.

It was only as we left we realised what was going on, barely had our cheeks slipped off our stools and two locals were seated and discussing Man Uniteds latest disaster. Little did we know we were so early into the pub wed taken two locals favoured seats.

This is a big, well-spaced pub that is perfectly capable of hosting a very large outdoor party, a very decent pub games night and still leave the front bar free for the locals.

I enjoyed the down-to-earth approach, with more than a dash of chaos thrown in, created by the staff and can recommend popping in for a pint of Harveys should you feel inclined.

Queens Head, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN23 3EN

Decor: Its not often Id forgive fairy lights in this quantity but in amongst these slightly quirky, down-to-earth decorations they work pretty well. And, the outside area more than makes up for the slightly dark interior. ***

Drink: The pubs a winner for me and Im sure there are times when the guest ales are much better, but neither the beer, nor wine, was wonderful when we were in. **

Price: Id think twice before I spent another 4.80 on a Razor Back but the Harveys wasnt much cheaper at 4.60 and a Camden Hells is 5.35. The wine was okay and more reasonable at 6.50, but the crisps were 1.40 a bag. **

Staff: Wacky and willing to get involved in any conversation, Id describe the busy barmaid as the mainstay of the Queens Head and she marshalled the chaos admirably. ****

Catch up on all Secret Drinker's Kent pub reviews here

Click here to follow Secret Drinker on Twitter

Read Secret Drinker's next column a day early: Sign up here for next week's newsletter here

Continue reading here:
Where the chickens and a wacky barmaid rule the roost - Kent Online