Kent & Sussex Courier 17 July 1908.

LICENSING.

The Bench refused to grant temporary authority in respect of the "King's Head," Wateringbury, to Mr Harry Charters, on the ground that he did not produce sufficient testimonials.

Kent & Sussex Courier, 18 February 1938.

Wateringbury New "Kings Head."

Another building Enterprise by Messrs F. Leney and Sons, Ltd.

But village inn character preserved.

The new "Kings Head Hotel," which is being opened at Wateringbury today (Friday) brings yet another new type of country inn to add charm to Kent countryside. The old "King's Head," which stood at the crossroads nearby, had, in its latter years, become quite noted for its associations with travellers through the country, and for upwards of a century was in the nature of a landmark. It's rambling buildings, in there slow graduation from inn and stable to hotel and garage, had sheltered celebrities since Corinthian days, and had adapted themselves to every change in the pleasant village of which they were the meeting place for generations. Every rustic jollification, where harvest supper or brewery dinner, was nobly provided for in the old "Long Room," and now at last these events will be enjoyed in real comfort.

Commands a beautiful view.

The old premises, which have been acquired by the County Council, will, it is understood, disappear in the course of road improvement. In the old posting days the "King's Head" stood very well on it's quiet corner, but it has long outlived its usefulness in the present age of speed in road traffic, and has at last fallen victim in the cause of public safety. Traffic-lights were installed at the crossroads some time ago, and although they solve the problem very efficiently, the demolition of the old "King's Head" and the clearing of the corner will know make considerable improvement in the amenities of Wateringbury.

The new "Kings Head Hotel," which is fully licensed, was built for Messrs. Frederick Leney and Sons, Ltd, the Wateringbury brewers, who are an associated company of Whitbread's. It stands in the midst of one of the most extensive and beautiful views of the Medway Valley. The building itself, which was designed by Messrs. Seymour, Orman and Adie, the well-known West End architects, is of considerable interest. Being in effect a village inn, it was thought important to preserve that character and flavour as much as possible, and the result is a design reminiscent of traditional forms, yet unfettered by them. No attempt has been made to steal the character of any other building. Economy of Space has been achieved by the most ingenious methods, and parts of the new house - the assembley Hall, for instance - can be changed in a few moments by means of sliding doors to any one of three sizes according to the requirements of the gathering.

Makes a pleasant picture.

The exterior of the building has been treated with a multi-coloured facing brick, with warm-toned tiles on walls and roof which will later weather to the warm brown. At night the house is floodlit, and makes a pleasant picture. Standing well back from the road, it has been possible to provide the "Kings Head" with a large car park, and a garage is also available for guests.

Inside the hotel has been furnished in the simplest manner. The dadoes throughout the licensed portion of the premises are panelled with deal and pine, finished to a soft tone with Stanax, and the cabinets and bar counters have been similarly toned. All beers are drawn from the wood, the cellar being immediately behind the surgery, the heads of the casks only appearing. Heating throughout is by Courtier stoves and radiators to ensure a steady warmth in all the bars and every hour of the day. There are touches of more lavish treatment in the lighting, tiling and furnishing of the saloon and private bars, and the public bar has been provided with a few more comforts than are usually to be found in country inns.