LUX Autumn 2018

1809LU25 Perfecting the Recipe for Success Taste It’s clear from the outset that The King’s Head is a pub with no small amount of passion at its heart. A listed 15th century village inn, it offers an inviting first impression- an enticing suggestion to step over the threshold and taste the finest food for miles around. Located just six miles outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, it is a worthwhile stop for any fan of Shakespeare with a discerning palette, and a yearning for something new and different. Make no mistake, despite the thoroughly traditional housings, the food at The King’s Head is often anything but old-world. Here, popular chef Brett Sandland experiments with presentation and flavour combinations; the expected are partnered with the unusual, or the indulgent. Where he cannot innovate, Sandland perfects. Pub classics, such as sausages and mash, are given a taste overhaul with the finest ingredients on offer. Wherever possible, the pub opts for the handmade, fulfilling the rustic, artisanal vibe promised at the entrance. Indeed, it would be a disservice to gloss over the pub’s relaxed and friendly environment, perhaps, a juxtaposition to the standard of fare on the menu. This is a place where you can simply sit and enjoy the ambience, drink with friends, or entertain a family. There’s no undue pomp or circumstance, no pageantry, just a shared interest in good food and a warm setting. To attest to this, and for the dog-lovers among you, dogs are allowed at the bar. Further, outside of the pub lies a plethora of local walks, the perfect end-note to a perfect meal. The Leaders in Luxury: Food and Drink programme was launched to highlight the true treasures on the global landscape. Some can be considered pioneers, or innovators, challenging the conventions of the hospitality sector. Sometimes, those leaders can be off the beaten path, hidden in a small parish in Warwickshire. The King’s Head, in many ways, pushes the boundaries of the expected, and guarantees a tantalising taste experience to anyone that walks through its doors. The King’s Head is a traditional pub in the heart of the parish of Aston Cantlow. In August, the pub was named among the winners of LUXlife ’s esteemed 2018 Leaders in Luxury: Food and Drink Awards programme with the title of Most Outstanding Traditional Country Pub in Warwickshire. Following this, we looked to profile this historic establishment to find out the recipe to their success. Company: The King’s Head Address: 21 Bearley Road, Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, B95 6HY, UK Website: www.thekh.co.uk Telephone: 01789 488242