From the https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Secret Drinker, 6 January 2023.

Secret Drinker reviews the Queens Head pub in Sutton Valence, near Maidstone.

If you and your hairy hound have crunched through the frost for miles there can’t be many more perfect pubs than this for a happy ending to a dog walk.

I’ve visited the Queens Head in Sutton Valence previously but haven’t had the pleasure for many years and I’m delighted to say, from what I can see, it’s just as good as I remember it.

Some larrikin larked about on the front step when he saw me taking a photo but inside everything was calm, warm and super inviting.

As I made my way across the heavy, original floorboards, past the blazing fire, I caught sight of the view from the front window and was reminded just how spectacular this place really is.

It was decision time at the bar and I almost took a coin from my pocket to choose between a pint of 3.7% Goachers Light or a 4% Ball Puller from the Musket Brewery just up the road at Linton.

The barman solved my brewery dilemma by offering a taste test and I started with a wonderful pint of Goachers.

This pub can trace its history back more than half a century and although I’ve only been enjoying a pint here for less than a tenth of that, I’m delighted to report I’ve seen very little change between my first and last visit.

If you think of everything you’d expect to see in a traditional village pub you’ll be ticking off plenty of items on your list here.

There are always hops hanging from the bar and it’s hard to imagine this carpet being anywhere else, in short, nothing feels manufactured or false.

However, even during my ‘merriest’ visits, through the haze, I seem to remember there being a large, stuffed bear in residence here.

When I made enquiries I was informed my memory isn’t failing me, but sadly, said bear was stolen and carried off – I was later approached and received a strong whisper staff are now aware of the bear’s whereabouts, though plans are still being formed to secure his return.

The super-sized teddy might not have been in, but members of Sutton Valence’s hockey club were present in strength. Apparently the club members have adopted the pub as their impromptu clubhouse and the relationship works well for both parties.

And, it’s not just local sports clubs which receive support, the pub prides itself on its position in the community and gets involved in a whole host of fundraising projects and charity events.

In fact, being the cheeky individual I am, and given the players and the pub were so generous, I was even invited to sample the lunch which had been put on – believe me the bangers, beans and chips put on for the teams was absolutely brilliant, hot and tasty.

As traditional as it’s possible to be, there are always hops hanging above the bar.

I was told the "Kings Head," literally a couple of hundred yards away, back on the main road, has new owners and has recently undergone a huge refurbishment so it can officially call itself a gastropub.

I don’t tend to gravitate to such places but obviously can’t speak for this without having visited but I will say it would need to be darned good to better the bangers and beans I sampled with first, a great pint of Goachers followed by a Ball Puller.

Having eaten I took a stroll out back to walk off lunch and was greatly impressed by the wonderful pub garden I discovered.

This area to the left of the bar has been decorated in a different style to the rest of the pub.

A set of ancient looking stone stairs lead up to a whole series of different, individual seating areas, seriously there must be eight in total.

And the garden, reached by climbing several levels before walking through a wisteria-covered archway, is great too – I made a mental note to return one sunny summer day. And, I had to treat myself to that glorious view of the Weald one more time, perhaps even better for being 20 or 30 feet higher than the front window.

Before returning to the bar for another pint I visited the gents on the way and was mightily impressed by the tiling featuring the initials of the pub. Shipshape and shiny clean, the toilets are well looked after and beautifully fresh.

Ranged around the pub garden are a whole series of separate seating areas.

Walking back into the bar I received a very warm welcome from Gordon, the black Labrador, who was hopefully carrying his lead in his mouth. And hot on Gordon’s heels we were joined by another furry friend, although I didn’t catch the name of the Springer Spaniel.

This is definitely a pub which welcomes hairy hounds just as much as it does thirsty locals.

After serving my pint the barman invited me to chuck another log on the fire which I was more than happy to do – Gordon seemed to approve too.

Yes, you can be sure of a very warm welcome here and I heartily recommend a visit to the Queens Head in 2023.

This great old table sits right at the front of the pub so if you’re lucky enough to get the right seat you’re rewarded with a wonderful view.

The archway into the main garden area is covered in wisteria.

The pub’s initials are picked out in dark green tiles in the gents. The facilities are superbly maintained and I can report they were fresh and clean.