The Kings Head, Holmbury St Mary

It has been about a year since we last came here and what was a busy traditional country pub run by a friendly French chap and his English wife, serving good food and beer has now changed hands and become a bit of a Marie Celeste affair... Gone are the colourful locals, there were only a couple of walkers/cyclists present, the Barman/manager came across as rather gruff and despite it being february he was dressed in the rhter odd apparel comprising shorts, bumper boots and leary Hawaiian type shirt topped off with some facial piercings... Perhaps he was a surfer or a rock band groupee in a previous life whilst the poor barmaid appeared disinterested or as though she was wishing she was somewhere else.... "Square pegs in round holes" is hte phrase that springs to mind.... The food was average-ish - Perhaps Chef had been to Iceland? All in all, what was a charming back street watering hole has now become a bit of a sad affair.... the good news is that there are several other country pubs that offer good country fare and a traditional and warm welcome within 2 or 3 miles of here... Oh and to end on a positive, the beer was still O.K but that's probably down to what the old owners attributed to the unique(?) cellar...It can only get better (here's hoping!!).

29 Mar 2012 09:47