This landmark Greene King pub on Kingston’s Market Place has recently expanded its guest beer range sufficiently to earn a Good Beer Guide listing from CAMRA.

The Venue
Right in the centre of Kingston, this old coaching inn claims to be town’s oldest pub. The Grade II listed building is partly 17th century, though it’s been much rebuilt, notably in late Victorian times. Few heritage features have survived the 20th century and aside from a few old wooden beams and exposed brickwork, the interior today has been recently refreshed and feels largely contemporary – a better choice than fake heritage. The exceptions are a delightful wood panelled corner snug with a bell to ring for service, and some graffiti upstairs contributed by author Jerome K Jerome. The Druid’s Head is more extensive than it looks, stretching a long way back, with a ground floor area divided around a long bar, a similarly deep upstairs drinking area with a couple of hidden nooks, and both a first floor terrace and a beer garden with one of those elaborate just-legal huts for smokers. There’s also a conference and meeting room for hire.

The Atmosphere
Known as one of the better pub choices in a town centre a little prone to youthful circuit drinking, the Druid’s Head attracts a mixed and relaxed crowd during the day as a shopper’s bolthole and handy lunch spot, though children aren’t permitted indoors. In the evenings it’s often busy and more boisterous, the expansive spaces attracting after-work groups, but it remains civilised and staff are polite and friendly. Piped music plays throughout – except in the snug which, if you can grab it, is an oasis of peace. There are no regular events though there’s the occasional seasonal themed night.

The Food
If you’ve visited other big Greene King managed pubs you’ll know what to expect here. A relatively lengthy pub grub menu runs from nibbles like samosas or haggis and macaroni bites (!) through sharing plates and posh sandwiches to main courses like lasagne, sausage and mash, beef and Abbot Ale pie, hunter’s chicken or sweet potato and apricot chick pea kebabs (£5-£11).

The Drink
Greene King’s real ales aren’t the closest to beer connoisseurs’ hearts but the Druid’s Head does a better range than most. There are six handpumps and besides the ubiquitous IPA you might find Old Speckled Hen, Ruddles County or beers from GK’s Scottish subsidiary Belhaven. There are guest beers, generally from better known breweries like Batemans and Black Sheep, which may include dark specialities. Staropramen and Blue Moon extend the keg choices, and Budvar can also be found among the bottles. There’s a 30-strong wine list with most available by the glass (from £2.95).

The Last Word
Until 2010 the pub was branded as a Hogshead, and still retains something of a corporate, pub chain feel which makes it unlikely to become anyone’s best loved boozer, but it’s a welcome refuge in central Kingston.

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