The Queens Head, Kirkby-la-Thorpe. Lincolnshire
The Queens Head Kirkby-la-Thorpe Pub And Restaurant
The Queens Head Kirkby-la-Thorpe bar and restaurant in Lincolnshire. To book your table call 01529 300750
The Queens Head bar and restaurant is located on Church Lane in Kirkby la Thorpe, Sleaford NG34 9NU. It’s not actually ‘in’ Sleaford at all. If you’re driving, make your way to the Holdenby roundabout then take the exit to the A17 towards Norfolk. You’ll only be on the road for a few minutes before you see the brown sign directing you to The Queens Head. From that slip road you’ll see another brown sign – that’s it, you’re there already!
Some things are worth the wait and some things are worth the journey. The Queens Head definitely ticks those boxes. Make your way across the car park to the from door where you’ll enter the recently refurbished bar area. Light and airy, it’s the ideal location for any celebration or for a drink with friends. The classy decor flows through the glass doors into the restaurant.
The tables are set with the detail and elegance of a fine dining experience you would expect to find in a big city
The Queens Head – An Eye (And A Nose) For Detail
I’m not a beer snob but I do know what I like and what I don’t like. Getting the temperature right for a good English pint seems to be beyond the realms of possibility for many bars and pubs. Many serve it so cold that I need gloves to hold the glass! Not so at the Queens Head though. Getting the temperature right for a good beer is really important if flavour is your priority. My pre-dinner pint of Timothy Taylors Landlord was absolutely spot on. To be honest though, I wouldn’t have expected anything less because this pub really has an eye for detail.
The Queens Head Dining Experience
Once through the door we were greeted in the bar by the restaurant manager who recorded our arrival from his reservations book and took our pre-dinner drinks orders before showing us to our table. As the saying goes, ‘it’s all in the detail’ and I’m pleased to say that our table didn’t disappoint. Crisp, clean tablecloth, flowers on the table, polished cutlery and glasses. Perhaps we don’t generally tend to notice these things until we find something wrong. No such issues here of course. The service matched all expectations with efficient and attentive staff. A smile goes a long way and it seemed obvious that the staff were happy to be there and keen to make the dining experience a good one.
Pre, Pre-Starter
As a special treat we were served a complimentary smoked salmon, cream cheese and dill toastie to eat with our pre-dinner drinks while perusing the menu. I’m not going to attempt to describe what went into the cooking of this but Chef Barry (Baz) Liversidge really started the evening with standards set very high. The picture makes it look huge but it was actually a mini toastie; Just enough nibble while drinking but not big enough to spoil the meal.
The Queens Head – The New Menu
Click on the menu to go straight to the Queens Head bar & restaurant booking page
To book by phone call 01529 300750
A La Carte Restaurant opening times are: Wednesday – Friday 12:00 – 20:30 and Saturday 11:30 – 22:00
The Queens Head ‘On Arrival’ Pre-Starter
Warm local Sourdough and Marmite butter… Yes, I know what you’re thinking! I thought the same too but, do you know what? It ‘really’ does work. It’s all down to the creativity and expertise of Barry of course this is a ‘love it or love it’ combination. Don’t just take my word for it, book yourself a table today and give it a try.
And Then…
I could go on to describe each course we had but that might get a bit boring. What I will say though is that these next few pictures are a sample of what you could have from the menu. It’s a great shame that you can neither taste or smell the food through the blog but we’ll have to wait for the next generation of electronic trickery to be able to make that happen! You’ll have to take my word for it for now; the food is absolutely delicious and the presentation along with the service is second to none.
The Queens Head Fish Cake with Granny Smith top, cucumber, caviar and dill
Smoked Ham Hock Terrine with duck egg mayonnaise, pineapple and crispy potato
8 Oz Dry Aged Rib Eye Beef Steak with Confit Tomato, field mushroom watercress with…
…A portion each of Twice cooked Chunky Chips
Take A Break
Now is the time to take a break, loosen the belt, savour the wine and study the dessert menu!
A good 20-30 minutes later we were able to contemplate ordering our dessert. Throughout the meal I was conscious that all (or at least, the vast majority) of the food here is locally sourced. I’m a great believer in supporting the local economy so I’m really pleased that the same ethos is applied by The Queens Head pub and restaurant. Barry has chosen his ingredients from local producers wherever possible and the quality really does shine through.
This is the stage where I realise that my growing these days is outward rather than upward! However, we were determined to sample the desserts so…
Home Made Vanilla Ice Cream
Rhubarb and White Chocolate Mousse with ginger, shortbread and sorbet
Return Trip
Would I go back? Yes, of course I would. The evening certainly deserves a 5 star rating for ambiance, service, attention to detail and quality of food.
A thoroughly deserved five stars
Until Next Time
With an ever changing seasonal menu I’ll certainly be returning to The Queens Head sometime in the near future. Who knows? We may even see you there!
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