Enjoy a royal welcome at the King’s Head

Barbara Young visits the King’s Head Hotel in Louth, where guests enjoy great hospitality with five-star service and home-cooked dishes from a traditional menu.

A well established favourite with both locals and visitors, the King’s Head is a former 18th-century coaching inn on Mercer Row in the centre of Louth. It has earned a proud reputation for its friendly atmosphere and warm welcome. From the moment you walk into the cosy bar, you are greeted with smiles and it’s immediately obvious that not only are the staff happy to be here, but they want you to enjoy the experience too!

There’s a sociable vibe in the dog-friendly bar and a good choice of real ales, while during the summer bands play in the outside courtyard, which has ample free parking for guests and residents staying at the hotel.

Whether you are staying overnight in one of the comfortable, well appointed en suite rooms, or dropping in for a light bite, celebration dinner or Sunday lunch, there are plenty of delicious options on the menu, which also features a list of daily specials.

Upstairs at the King’s Head
Food is served in the comfortable bar area, informal Bistro or smart 60s-themed Upstairs Restaurant, where we enjoyed our starters of sautéed garlic button mushrooms in a creamy garlic and parsley sauce served with slices of toasted ciabatta, and a refreshing deconstructed smoked salmon and prawn cocktail served on a bed of fresh mixed salad leaves with a classic Marie Rose sauce served in a separate pot.

When it comes to main courses, there are plenty of options to suit all palates, including imaginative vegetarian and vegan choices, but we were swayed by our charming server Rowan’s suggestion of home-made steak and ale pie, served with creamy mash and vegetables – a popular signature dish at the King’s Head.

Also among the favourites are the special sharing platters and salad bowls and make sure you leave plenty of room for dessert as you won’t want to miss these classic tempting treats which include sticky toffee pudding, apple pie and custard, as well as warm brownies and chocolate fondants.

We couldn’t resist the Eton Mess and Hazelnut Brownie Sundaes; two decadent confections which arrived piled high with cream and drizzled with delicious sweet sauce on top of layers of folded ice cream and topped off with a couple of chocolate wafer sticks, evoking memories of childhood indulgences.

For those seeking gluten-free or vegan dessert options, choices also include carrot and pistachio or chocolate salted caramel cake, as well as mango and passion fruit cheesecake, so there is plenty to suit all tastes.

The menu at the King’s Head changes regularly and includes options for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, as well as Bank Holiday weekend Sunday nights.

They also offer superb traditional Sunday lunches with a choice of roast meats, Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables, as well as afternoon tea with sandwiches, pastries, cakes, and Prosecco included with the “luxury” version.

The comfortable and spacious 44-seat restaurant “Upstairs”, which overlooks the town’s main street, is also perfect for private dinner parties, celebrations and functions, with a separate bar area and facilities.

The King’s Head is open from 10am for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and Sunday lunches from 12 noon.

Owner Sharon Davies puts her heart into making sure everything runs smoothly and with its friendly ambience, great service and food and where nothing is too much trouble, it’s easy to see why the King’s Head continues to attract so many recommendations.

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