The King's Head - Deal

27th March, 2022

We're spending more and more time in Kent. Having only really discovered it last year, we instantly fell in love - so much so, we are upping sticks from South East London and moving to Folkestone. All being well, expect to see a more and more Kent based pubs crop up over the next few months!

We had meant to visit Deal a few months back, but opted for Broadstairs instead - not sure we made the right choice back then to be honest, as despite the persistent sea mist and cold weather, Deal was looking beautiful and lively as families celebrated Mother's Day together. Using that as our excuse (Jeannine is Bailey's mum after all), we headed for the Historic King's Head.

Picture a quintessential English seaside pub... Horse brasses, an RNLI charity box, a roaring fire and local pictures and memorabilia plastered over the wall. Can you picture it? If so, you have The King's Head.

Stepping inside it felt like a trip to the seaside has always been, barely anything felt like it was more recent than the last century, but when we say that we only mean it in a great way. It also immediately made us unsure as to how dog friendly it would be - as from experience more 'traditional' pubs generally aren't so accommodating. We needn't have worried - the staff were incredibly welcoming and immediately confirmed dogs are not just accepted, but encouraged! It was only then we noticed about 4 or 5 other doggos sat longingly hoping for a bit of food to fall of the plates and into their grateful paws! Armed with our trusty Teddy Maximus bag (a must for all mini-dachshund owners if you ask us!) we luckily bagged possibly the best spot in the pub, right in front of the roaring fire. Bailey snuggled up into his bag, we made our food choice then sat back and enjoyed this wonderful pub, while Bailey curled up and fell fast asleep - exhausted from his run on the beach earlier.

We loved reading up about former landlord Sarah Annie and her six husbands!

Given the beer choices were 'traditional' shall we say, a couple of local real ale's but largely macro lagers, we weren't expecting the quality of food we got. The Cumberland and mash, and Pie and mash are traditional pub staples - expectations were for solid hearty food, and no doubt they ticked the hearty box, but they well exceeded the 'solid' expectations. They were presented beautifully and luckily lived up to their first impressions.

Overall we loved this pub, and once the move to the coast goes through, we'll definitely be back to sit in its sea-facing beer garden. Bailey, we're sure, will love the chance to play with a few more dogs when he's not so tired and cold!

Pints and Paws overall summary

• What did we have? Chicken Pie & Mash; Cumberland & Mash; 2 x diet cokes

• How much did it cost? £32.65.

• How would we describe it? Like stepping back in time, but with 21st century food

• Did Bailey enjoy himself? All the dogs loved it here! They were welcome inside and outside. Friendly, welcoming staff and a roaring fire making it super cosy - perfect for our little Bailey!