The ‘Save Our Pub’ Campaign
An Action Group has been formed with the sole purpose of preserving The King’s Head, Pebmarsh as a public house.
As you know Pebmarsh is presently without its pub The King’s Head. Needless to say the King’s Head, like many village pubs, has been the hub of social activity for many Pebmarsh residents and others. In the past it has hosted many events to raise money for numerous charities and organisations.
We now find ourselves in a position which could mean we may lose this valuable village asset as the pub is on the market to be sold. Although it may be difficult to have a “change of use” granted it is not impossible if the right criteria are met. This would not only leave us without our pub but also leave the village open to further development for individual gain. With this in mind a group has formed to represent the village in ensuring our pub remains a pub.
The views of Pebmarsh residents and others are very important and the committee would like to invite you to leave your comments on this subject using the comments facility below. Your comments may not only show the strength of feeling and support towards the pub to any prospective publican but also indicate to the local authorities how passionate the village is towards The King’s Head.
The Kings Head has served Pebmarsh and adjacent communities for over 500 years and long may it continue to offer hospitality as a village pub
The Group would be very grateful if you would not only make your own views known but also encourage others who you know would like their say too. Please leave your address at the end of your comments. Your comments will appear on the site when they have been “OK’d”.
Thanking you in anticipation.
The Save Our Pub Action Group
It would be a great shame to lose this long standing ‘local’. A place where there would always be a warm welcome and log fire in the winter and a cool refreshing cider in the warm summer sun.
Roger Cuthbert. Brook Cottage. The Street. Pebmarsh. Essex
Pebmarsh without the Kings Head would be a real disaster. The Kings Head has been a great place for folks and their families to meet and play informally, for friendships to be born and for those people who live on their own to easily meet and socialise, and for everybody to stay in touch.
Come on Pebmarsh, let’s get united behind this campaign to Save Our Pub!
Cross End, Pebmarsh
We must all pull together and do what ever it takes to keep the pub in our village. It’s so important to so many people, meeting old friends and making new .
Mill Lane, Pebmarsh
This pub keeps the community together. There are always activities organised by a great band of people. It is a great place to catch up especially in the winter months when you are less likely to see people.
Cross End, Pebmarsh
To permanently lose the Kings Head would be a great loss to our village. In our short time as residents in Pebmarsh we’ve had many happy times at the Kings Head, where we’ve been welcome and made many friends. A pub provides tremendous opportunities to socialise and integrate into village life and is quite unique to the English country way; something to be cherished. We hope the Kings Head can once again become a focus of the social scene and be enjoyed by many.
Copperfierlds, Oak Rd, Pebmarsh
The King’s Head is the hub of the village and has been for many years. It forms a focal point for people to get together and catch up on what has been happening in the village. Through the pub we are able to meet fellow villagers whom we may not have otherwise come across. It is great to have a “neutral ground” in which you can spontaneously pop in for a chat and a drink with friends. There is nothing better in the summer than to sit outside with a pint and soak up the sun in good company. On Sundays, in particular, there is a “locals pilgrimage” to the Pub where we catch up and plan the next social event. Keep our pub a pub to keep our village a village!.
4 Street Farm, Pebmarsh
In brevity I endorse all that Mark and others have stated above. I don’t live in Pebmarsh, I live in Norwich. However, The Kings Head PH was my local believe it or not. Some may remember me as David’s friend. The friendship that I was given there, whilst being an “outsider”, was phenomenal and nobody can have realised how much it meant to me. I feel that I have lost many, many close friends. Sadly I am too far distant to attend meetings and assist practically but my example exemplifies the value of the village pub, espcially the one in Pebmarsh. If I can possibly help I will but in the meantime best wishes and thoughts to all of you who are trying. If this makes more realise how important this issue is then I have done my bit.
Norwich.
The closure of the Kings Head pub in Pebmarsh had the effect of tearing the heart out of the village leaving nowhere for the residents to socialise,
In the past it was a focal point for fund raising in support of various charities and a place for villagers to meet old friends and new creating a warm friendly atmosphere throughout the village,
WE NEED OUR PUB BACK WE DO NOT NEED MORE HOUSES.
We will strongly oppose any plans to convert the pub to residential property or any houses on the site.
Tankards, The Street, Pebmarsh
We moved to the village next door three years ago, our house now, used to be the village pub until it closed sixty years ago, and the villagers still ask us whether we would consider opening up as a pub again!!! which goes to show how well missed these “heart of the village places are”.
We have been made very welcome in the Kings head and made lots of friends, it is what village life is all about, you can’t knock fun, friendship and fund raising, it would be a crime to lose yet another pub. Keep up the good work guys.
The Old Windmill
Pebmarsh Road
Alphamstone.
With two young children, we perhaps didn’t frequent the pub as often as many in the village. However, it is only since its closure that we have truly recognised the enormous contribution that it makes to ensuring that the sense of community is maintained. We very much look forward to the day that the doors swing open once again.
Oak Barn, Mill Lane, Pebmarsh
What a disaster-the Kings Head is closed!!
As a resident of Pebmarsh for almost 30 years and an ex ‘Kings Head Landlord’ I find it impossible to overstate the importance of the Head to the local community. I have witnessed new residents being very warmly welcomed to the village; new friendships being formed; assistance enthusiasticly arranged for anyone who needed it; a vast amount of fundraising much of which was for the benefit of the village; endless social and fun events planned plus the integration of people from all social strata in the village. The list is endless but would be non-existant were it not for the Kings Head.
For the benefit of potential future ‘Kings Head Landlords’ who may read this I would say: running any pub is not a job but a way of life, hard work, long hours and demands commitment but all that is far outweighed by the rewards and satisfaction gained especially in a rural pub and particularly in the Pebmarsh Kings Head. Support the Pebmarsh community and it will unswervingly support you. The Kings Head IS a viable proposition!
After 560 years of providing a welcome and comfort to travellers, residents and non-residents alike we cannot allow this to be the end – can we?
Springfield
Oak Road
Pebmarsh
I have lived in Pebmarsh for forty plus years, started drinking in the Kings Head when I was ‘nearly old enough to do so legally’.
During this time I have seen several landlords ‘come and go’ as well as a few changes made to the pub.
However what has remained ‘constant’ is the strong community spirit which always has centred around the pub. Examples and benefits of this comes across loud and clear by the views already expressed.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Kings Head is the hub of the village social life and should not be allowed to disappear.
Lichen Cottage
Pebmarsh
I can only second all the comments made so far for keeping the pub open.
It has been an important and unique part of living in Pebmarsh, and one of which I have been very happy to be included in.
Lichen Cottage
Pebmarsh
We have family in Pebmarsh and have patronized the King’s Head pub regularly over the years. It has been the meeting place for many fine get-togethers with the family and socializing with the village residents. This pub has been a family tradition that we hope to carry on with for many years and family generations to come. Please spare this fine local and historic establishment.
Riverside, California, USA
The Kings Head is the natural point of social contact for the Village,without it when we arrived 8 years ago our ability to meet people and make friends would have been severely limited. Virtually everything of worth in the social life of our Village has been born from discussions and ideas( no doubt over a glass or two) in the Pub.The Cart Race and Country Show for example.
The loss of the Kings Head would be a disaster for the Village.
Times are hard for the rural pub ,but with the right business model they can still be viable.Perhaps the Irish idea of pub ,post office / village store should be adopted.
Any plans for change of use or development would be vehemently opposed by us.
One developers gain would not justify the loss of use to 400 Villagers.
Without the efforts of a few Mark in particular, the social life of the Village would already be in terminal decline.
Tall Trees
Pebmarsh
my dad used to work there it was my dads dads pub he worked in the lovely pub for a long time and would be so upset if the pub building didnt get bought it has been a part of the village for hundreds of years and if it completley goes the village will be torn apart
from alex murray
12 years old
My Grandad used to be the Landlord of the Kings Head in the 1970′s he would be so upset if the pub did not get re-opened.
My dad has taken me to Pebmarsh a few times and i love it, such a lovely village.
from alex murray
12 years old
The current state of affairs is a rotten one. The longer the potential of this superb watering hole remains unrealised, the more likely it is that residential speculators will get their hands on it.
In the current climate there is a very real possibility that the KH could be de-licensed as part of a juggernought of development scheduled for the North Essex region in the coming 18 months.
It is a shame that the bank that holds the KH as a rapidly deteriorating and depreciating asset cannot be persuaded to lease it at, say £25- £30 K PA (a damn sight more than they are making on it at the moment)to a competent and committed management team until a viable owner can be found.
I need a drink.
Hamsters, Pebmarsh.
My Dad would be well sad about this. All that work he, my Mum – Betty; and all you Pebmarsh folk – put into developing the new village hall, supporting annual shows, the village school and neighbourhood initiatives. Then the only place you can all get together and share life’s rich tapestry/opinions/views/laughter/tears – closes its doors. There’s nothing like it’s kind, anywhere, for miles. Heart of the community. Like stopping the pulse.
Over the years I have seen a gradual decline in facilities offered to the community of Pebmarsh. In describing it as a local ‘community’ (rather than a village) the word underlines the following attributes – which are so rarely evident in many areas today:
* Regard for each other – for children, elderly, family, neighbours and friends
* For celebrating rites of passage, traditions, sports, festivals, parties, social activities etc.,
* For the local environment – its unique history, way of life and respect for the countryside.
As a public house, The Kings Head, Pebmarsh – represents all of these things, encapsulated in a building and in joint spirit.
In an increasingly busy and materialistic world where we are all striving to create a safe and comfortable place to live – where there are examples of successful and dynamic communities; it is evident that these intricate infrastructures decline and fail, when key social hubs are closed – and when people have to rely on external transport systems, private enterprise and digital networking. Unfortunately, in many cases, once community shops, libraries, pubs and schools close – they remain lost, forever… and so does public spirit.
Queens Road, Sudbury
When we retired and moved to Pebmarsh, the Kings Head had just reopened, and there we met a lot of people whose friendship we would hate to lose. New inhabitants will not have that advantage and the whole village will lose the advantage of knowing what tallent is around them.
Thank you Mark for all your efforts.
Now an ex-Pebmarsh resident, but we feel very strongly for the welfare of the village.
Jo and Ian, Sudbury
Learning the Kings Head is closed has ruined my evening! I’m an American who last summer was on a charity bike ride with my wife and a friend when I experienced horrible legs cramps–we fortunatley came across the Kings Head and they left me there to continue. It was one of the best afternoons ever. I enjoyed several pints and several hours of delightful chats with the village locals who made me feel welcome. And when my wife returned we enjoyed a great meal and vowed to return. In just one afternoon, we could see how the pub was the heart of the village–good luck reopening it.
Pebmarsh is not the same without our pub. I know not everyone in the village was a regular but it was a vocal point for many. People could always pop in to catch up with old friends and of course make many new friends. Having lived in Greenstead Green and experienced the aftermath of two pubs closing, it is vital that we must keep ours.
A village without the “Kings Head” would be like a body without a heart, eventually the village will die!!!
(And how else do us ladies get some peace if our men can’t pop down the local)
4Street Farm, Pebmarsh
In these financially troubled times England seems to becoming like a Theme Park rather than a manufacturing nation. Tourists enter our shores to experience the history in our towns and countryside and number one on alot of peoples minds is to have a pint in a traditional English Pub.
When my parents ran The King’s Head as stenant of Ind Coope in the 70′s and 80′s we often had visitors from all over the world who enjoyed the ambience of the King’s Head and a “foaming” pint. More and more village pubs are closing down changing the whole feel of the community; that’s why we are fighting to keep the King’s Head as a Public House for which purpose it was built in the 15th Century. It has never had a change of use and it shouldn’t now. Save Our Pub!!.
Susie Daws, Hamsters Close, Pebmarsh
When we first visited Pebmarsh summer 1980 to look at Le Mote Hall we did not realize that we would spend the rest of our lifes here.
The second place we called in was the Kings Head, where Peter and Eileen Daws gave us a warm greeting, enquiring wether we were antique
dealers ha ha.
Maybe thats the reason for never wanting to leave Pebmarsh,Our daughters have grown up here ,and had children of their own.
Every part of our lives have been touched by or influenced by the Kings Head, and the social activities it has spawned.
Since the pub has been closed I have noticed that some people have begun to drift out of the social scene, IF THAT DOES NOT SPEAK VOLUMES. what does ?
Le Mote Hall, Pebmarsh
I have been a customer at the King’s Head since I moved into the area nearly 40 years ago. During that time, the pub has been used as the venue for a wide variety of events in addition to those normally associated with pubs. I attach a list of such events which is in no way comprehensive. I am sure that regulars can add to it.
Auctions
Quizes
Race Nights
Beer Festivals (obviously)
Carol singing
Jazz and Accoustic music nights
Countless celebratory dinners
Wakes
A meeting place for the North Essex Hunt and local Shooting Syndicates
The centre piece of the Cart Races
A watering hole for Ramblers and Cyclists
Even a mini Eisteddfod with its own ‘chairing the bard’ ceremony!
Not only is the King’s Head the geographical centre, it is also its social centre and has been for many, many years. As such, this important building must not be allowed to fall into the hands of developers who would show scant regard for its history and its heritage and the needs of the people of Pebmarsh.
My dad and I have been regular weekend visitors to the Kings Head for over 30 years and we were shocked to discover that it is now closed. It would be a tragedy if it did not re-open as a pub and become once again the hub of the village. Best wishes to Mark and you other Pebmartians and good luck with the campaign
Jeremy Fletcher (Takeley)
Peter Fletcher (Little Maplestead)
We are regular visitors to Pebmarsh and although we love seeing our relatives dearly part of the occasion is our jaunt down to the Kings Head where we have always been made very welcome. Its very obviouse to us as outsiders that the pub is the principle hub of all activity and the soul of the village. Sadly I believe that if the pub closes it will be the begining of the end for the village.
Rita & Arthur (Basingstoke)
One of the reasons chose to move to Pebmarsh was because of the Kings Head and its contribution to village life. We would not have met as many people in the village and made as many good friends if it wasn’t for our visits to the pub. Now that it is temporarily closed, you realise how much you miss the pub – Friday nights, Sunday afternoons, Christmas, Halloween for the kids…the list is endless.
The Kings Head is at the heart of the community of Pebmarsh. It serves as a focal point for everyone, young and old, and without it the spirit could be ripped out of the village.
We feel so strongly that the Kings Head must remain and will support any campaign which aims to achieve this.
Once it’s gone it can never come back!
King’s Mead, Pebmarsh
I live in Little Maplestead, very close to Pebmarsh, and I go to the Kings Head regularly. It is a tragedy that it is closed, and the possibility that it could be delicensed and permanently closed is unthinkable.
It is 560 years old, was built as an Inn, and has been so ever since.
It is the very heart and irreplaceable heritage of the village and its importance to the village community and surrounding area is immense.
I agree with all the comments already made.
Andrew Rose, Little Maplestead
Ditto to the Clanfield’s comments! The Kings Head is the heart of Pebmarsh and we miss popping into the village for a chat
!
Twinstead
As one of the more recent arrivals to the village (2006) we can only endorse what has been said above. The warm welcome we received prior to viewing the house we later bought was a key factor in our decision. We now have many friends throughout the village, the vast majority of which we have met through this fantastic pub, which cannot be allowed to slip away.
King’s Mead, Pebmarsh
I have so many memories of The Kingshead, right back to when i was young and getting a coke and a bag of crisps. I have made countless friends in this amazing pub and have supporetd all sorts of events. I have so many wonderful memories from “the head” and can’t imagine not experiencing more. It would devestate me to see the pub of Pebmarsh be anything other than a pub. It is so obvious from all comments above how much The Head means to so many people.
Pearson Close, Pebmarsh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP_NfOliLLY
Have just found out about the closure, whilst uploading the above film of St Patricks Night 2005! I have put your ‘save our pub’ address on ‘youtube’ and ‘facebook’ and wish you all the best. I have fond memories….
Colchester Essex
I used to go there and play folk music in quite a crowd, the landlord was always very welcoming and the pub had a real feeling of a community spirit about it.
I went on other occasions and you could tell the vast majority were locals in there. I drove past recently to see it closed and my heart sank.
Close some pubs if you must but NOT the Kings Head!
The pub is the heart of the village and has been ever since I was little. It is a beautiful building and provides a place for people to meet and take their friends/family when they visit. People always love to stop off there when they have been out walking and the events that were held there always seemed popular. This website shows there is obviously a lot of support for keeping the pub open!
We moved to Pebmarsh in 1995 and have made so many wonderful friends.Living just outside the village, this would not have been possible without the King’s head. There would be so many people in the village we would not know – young and old. Pebmarsh has the reputation of being a caring community with a friendly atmosphere. The place many of us met was the King’s Head. We can only reiterate what has been said: it is a major part of our village life, where family occasions and togetherness have been celebrated for centuries – why take away our history!
We do not need more development – WE NEED THE KING’S HEAD
Valiants Farm, Pebmarsh
They can’t let this pub go, it is the heart of the village. I hope the council will block planning if this goes ahead.
This historic pub must stay a pub. Over the years its been at the heart of village life and we hope it soon will be again.
The Kings Head has been the focal point of the village ever since we moved here in 1996. It is a great place to meet up with other villagers and have a chat or enjoy the occasional live music or social event. It has hosted numerous fundraising activities over the years as well as providing much needed refreshment to villagers and visitors alike.
It is just what a country pub should be – lots of atmosphere, oak beams and a roaring log fire in the winter and a lovely garden to enjoy in the summer providing a safe haven for children while their parents enjoy a drink.
The sooner it reopens the better!
Cross End, Pebmarsh
Let’s hope that the need for Pebmarsh to retain its historic pub is not overridden by a bank or developer’s desire to make a fast buck.
Street Farm, Pebmarsh
I am very impressed with the article I have just read. I wish the writer of sop.kingshead.pebmarsh.com can continue to provide so much useful information and unforgettable experience to sop.kingshead.pebmarsh.com readers. There is not much to say except the following universal truth: If it wasn’t for a last minute nothing would ever get done. I will be back.
We have lived in Borley, some seven miles from Pebmarsh, for twenty one years. We discovered The Kings Head after our daughter moved there some eleven years ago. We know a lot of the people who have submitted comments here solely from contact through the pub. The Kings Head has been for us our local. It has made us many good friends. If the pub is allowed to close permanently, it will be another example of banks not giving a damn for individual members of society, but just needing to ameliorate their own bad decisions. This pub is indeed special. This village is special. Every effort that I can put in to help save it from closure, I will do so.
Borley
my grandad used to be the landlord there and it would be such a shame to see a lovely pub in the heart of a community get lost
Although I am not a resident of Pebmarsh, I feel very strongly and disagree with pubs closing down and large profits being made from alternative use. I would therefore be interested in any information regarding the sale as I am very interested in purchasing the premises and reopening it as a quality village pub.
It was agreed by Pebmarsh Parish Council at the meeting held on the 8th Feb 2010 that the Parish Council would support any scheme that retains the Kings Head Pub as an amenity for the village.
Joe Burlo
Chairman
Pebmarsh Parish Council.
Truly a ‘real’ Pub of which their are few if any left..
We used to drive out from Chelmsford to enjoy its character and beer.
I hope the Pub can be saved, had I the means I would buy and run it myself.
I wish there was something I could do.
Suprised someone who’s taking 15k-18k a week in a tied pub wants to risk buying one!!!! Where i come from talks cheap and money buys cars!!!!
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Kings Head Pub in August 2009 only a few days before it closing. We were retracing family ancestory, and loved the fact that we were inside the pub the family probably took refreshments well over 100 years prior. For folk llike us tracing our roots places like these lovely buildings need to remain open not only as a hub for locals, but for the overseas traveller to experience and enjoy.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Kings Head Pub in August 2009 only a few days before it closing. We were retracing family ancestory, and loved the fact that we were inside the pub our family probably took refreshments well over 100 plus years prior. For folk like us tracing our roots, places like these lovely buildings need to remain open not only as a hub for locals, but for the overseas traveller to experience and enjoy.
As a former resident of Pebmarsh, still with family in the village, I have fond memories of the Kings Head in the 70′s when Peter and Eileen Daws were the landlords. The pub is the “engine room” of any small village, but needs to be supported and nurtured, particularly when government appears intent on crushing rural life. I’ve read the other comments supporting the Kings Head, and agree totally about what a special place it was. Ultimately, however, kind words will not keep it afloat. Perhaps a community fund and management scheme, incorporating things like a post office should be considered as they have in other villages in danger of losing their pubs. Long life to the Kings Head!
About 40 years ago, i lived in a caravan in the car park of the kings head. my dad trevor was the chef & my mum maureen, a serving wench!!
we then lived for a while at hunts hall & my first school was the local primary. Although a bit vague, my memories of the kings head & the beautiful village of pebmarsh are very happy ones. it truely was idilic. i don’t understand why it should close after being open for hundreds of years.
i hope someone saves it. i’m now 44 & had always intended to visit one summers day, to have my photo taken out front to match the one i have when i was 4.
good luck pebmarsh. xx
We lived in the house , “Trianon” directly oppoosite the Pub, in the days of Peter & Eileen Dawes. is Sue still around ! Sorry to read of your problems at the moment, it was in ouir minds to make a visit to the village when we came to the UK, this Summer.
We wish you the best of good fortune, still remember with fondness, sitting out in the sun with Peter Dawes with a jug of ale !….and the village fete procession, with one tractor, one ridden horse, going up and down past the village road, while we all cheered ! What fun…
Hope you and we make it one day D&S
I have very fond memories of many a good night and day in The K H and seen the comings and goings of various Landlords over the years from 1979 (The MOG Peter “have you got no homes to go to?” Daws RIP) to 2009.OMG thats 30yrs!
This wonderful watering hole MUST NOT fall into the hands of greedy property developers but must remain as a pub for which was the sole purpose of it’s build.
The K H IS the beating heart and community centre of Pebmarsh where lasting friendships have been formed (some lost),entertainment,opinions debated,events,family celebratory gatherings, all of which have been long upheld in this wonderful establishment.
Someone somewhere must be able to turn this great pub in a beautiful village with warm friendly people back into the wonderful watering hole it once was.
At the moment it looks so sad,cold and dare i say lifeless. PLEASE someone inject some life back into it
It will be devastating for Pebmarsh and surrounding villages to let it go!
Erika
We moved into the village at the beginning of August 09 and only got to use the pub once before it closed! Hope to see it re-open (very) soon so that we can pledge our allegiance to the new landlord!
We have always enjoyed a night at the King’s Head, and as the epi-centre of the village it has, in the past been the focus of many village social events, and provided for us, like so many others, a means to socialise and meet other villagers. If this pub closes permanently it will be to the detriment of the village as a whole.
Pebmarsh without a pub………it’s a sobering thought!
Totally agree with the comments of Silas, the longer the potential of this watering hole remains unrealised, the more likely it is that residential speculators will get their hands on it.
Would be such a shame if it closed because it could be a real gold mine with a bit of careful management.
It is nice to be able to poodle on down to the pub in the summer months for pimms o clock on a Sunday afternoon/evening!!!
Villages+Pubs=Smiley Residents :0)
This must not be allowed to go on. lets beat the trend of pubs closing.Who do I need to speak to to take on the tenancy?. We are looking for just this sort of pub and we are from Braintree (not that far). If we can help let us know. We can do it. reading the comments you want your pub back and I want to help you get YOUR pub back.Ater 30 years in the same job I want to run your pub.
The closure of the the King Head means that much of the social live of the village has diminished as there is no longer a natural centre to the village.
I think we all agree we need to keep the pub as a pub. We’ve lost the post office and stores, the garage and farm produce shop since 81 when we arrived, the ideal as i see it would be a combination of all these located in and around the pub, could someone make it work? is it for sale? could it be bought as a co-operative? How much does the village want its pub? The village needs a centre, or it turns into just another drive through to somewhere else .
Barbara and Arthur Pigot
I used to travel there for live music nights to play, and stop there for the ‘Mega Burger’! Absolutely loved the place. I was shocked to find out that it had closed. One of these pubs that you always thought would weather the storm. I hope it re-opens soon for the sake of many.
We miss theHead!!
It was the only pub we ever really liked, it was a beautiful local, and you alwys felt comfortable there, whatever your age, and whyever you were there. The head was the centre of the village, and it’s a tradgedy that it is no longer trading. Let’s see if we can find someone to give us our pub back!!
Cathy & Bianca; Long time Pebmarsh girls <3 x
Graham & Kay; if you would take over tenancy I would quite happily help behind the bar and waitressing as I’ve worked in pubs before and its one of my dreams to work in or own a pub. The kings head is a beatiful pub and it would please the locals and surrounding areas if this pub was back up and runnig. I also have a friend who is planning a wedding in the village and really wants to have her reception in the pub she grew up in. If you do decide to take on the pub, please let me know, at this email address; free-and-single@hotmail.co.uk, and I will be thrilled to work with you.
I miss driving by the pub and seeing all the locals sitting outside in the sun drinking their beers at the weekend. It was always a good place to finish a long dog walk and somewhere the kids enjoyed going to for easter egg hunts, halloween, etc. Its been closed far too long already and its about time it reopened!!!
Was shocked this pub was closed as the South East Essex C.AM.R.A. branch were planning to run a mini-bus trip to this pub as well as three others in the surounding are of Sudbury, Edwardstone and Castle Headingham on Saturday 26th June.
We cant attend now. I am sure the trade we would have bought would have helped save the Kings Head. Although its only regulars who really keep a pub open. We will now have to search for another pub in the area with at least three decent ales on. Any ideas!
I spent a few nights with Mike Hughes at the pup in 2005. Great spot. Why doesnt the village buy the pub in a trust agreement. Wouldnt cost much, abd maybe I would be a part of it. Let me know how it goes, it’d be criminal if this bit of heritage is lost.
Mike B-S
We represent the mortgagees that are now in possession of the above pub/property. Could you please contact me at the following address to discuss in more detail…dok@evolvehomes.com
As an ex-pebmartian I agree with all the above comments. Pebmarsh Village needs it pub. I have many happy memories of events held in the pub and both of my children loved working there. It was their first experience of the adult world. Many, many happy memeories. Every English village needs its pub. Where else can people meet and socilaise? I wish you all the best with your efforts. I know you can make it work. Good Luck from me in the Isle of Man.
Hello Pebmarsh,
I came to last year’s Billy Cart Grand Prix and really enjoyed it. The pub was central to it. It will be a complete disaster if it remains closed.What is the current state of proceedings? The pub in our village in Lincolnshire was closed for a year, with the owners trying to get it de licensed. We were lucky in that the council would not consider the totally incompetent and very suspicious last two landlords as failed businesses for the purposes of de-licensing.
We also campaigned to get a grant of £24000 for re-furbishing it, for the new owner. We are very lucky to have a very busy pub (albeit a restaurant primarily) which attracts most of it’s custom from outside the village but who are active in the village and welcome the handful of local regulars who use it, with open arms.
I do sincerely hope that you are successful in securing the future for the Kings Head. The idea of incorporating a local shop/post office and maybe a social club sounds like a great idea (with grants available).
I wish you the best of luck and will keep watching.
Richard Black (Belchford in Lincolnshire)
ps can’t find contact details for SOP.
Whoever is responsible for allowing this lovely old Essex pub to close down, should be hanging their heads in shame.
Any thoughts about the village buying the pub, as the village of Meavy (on the edge of Dartmoor) have done with their wonderful pub, the Royal Oak Inn? It is now thriving.
l just hope that you will find someone willing to run you dear old pub.
Peter from Calstock, Cornwall.
I would support all efforts to retain the Kings Head as a pub.
While it was a great shame to see the current occupiers fail, there are plenty of examples of other pubs succeeding. The failure on this occasion can not be given as a presumption that all subsquent owners would fail too, that is just nonsense – of course there IS a good pub opportunity for the right landlord/landlady.
Granted, it needs to be sold for a sum realistic to its value as a pub, but that should be refelctive in what the current owners/bank lent on the building in the first instance. They lent money against the property as a pub, not as a development site, should the pub fail. If they over-extended on the loan to value (as a pub) then that is simply their look-out, not one the village should bare as a consequence.
Consider also the Essex Campaign “the pub is the hub” The Kings head could be a wonderful pub again, but also a post office, village shop, farm outlet etc all at the same time. This is what community is. Viva the people!
does anyone know what the brewry wants to do with the head?
I am very sorry to hear that the kings head is under threat of closure, i was 13 years old when my father Frederick J Pickett became landlord during the year 1934.
I have and still have wonderful memories of thr years spent living there,often returning to visit the pub.
Wishing you the best of luck in your attempt to keep or reopen the kings head.