King's Head

It is reputed that William Shakespeare's parents held their wedding reception at the King's Head after they were married next door in the village church in 1557. These days, the colourful hanging baskets and wisteria-clad exterior of this lovingly restored Tudor hostelry invite further exploration; inside, you'll discover a comfortable village bar with wooden settles, a massive inglenook fireplace and an old-fashioned snug. There's also a quarry-tiled main room with attractive window seats and oak tables. A single menu serves all areas: a lunchtime sandwich could be filled with smoked mackerel paté or roast beef and aubergine tapenade. Other dishes might include ham hock and honey glazed parsnip terrine with balsamic shallot jus; followed by saddle of rabbit with braised cabbage and juniper sauce, or venison casserole with calvados sauce and salsify purée. From the specials board, grilled halibut on truffle oil fettuccine; and roast monkfish fillet on artichokes, spinach and sun blushed cherry tomatoes. In summer, food is also served in the large and pretty garden.

Telephone for directions
Nearest station: Wilmcote

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