New landlords take on The King's Head pub on Hadleigh High Street

The duo have just taken over the reins at The King’s Head in Hadleigh in partnership with Punch Pubs & Co, which owns the building. 

But this isn’t their first rodeo. Tara has worked at the High Street inn for 12 years, while Jordan’s headed up the kitchen for the past three. 

They have big plans, including bringing back The King’s Head’s popular annual Lobster Week as a gourmet shellfish weekend, re-launching the onsite pizzeria, and hosting a series of live music events across the year. 

The pub underwent a major refurbishment at the end of 2021 following the departure of longtime landlord Mike Ager. 

“Since then we’ve had so many comings and goings, and that caused a lot of unrest within the pub with customers and staff,” Tara admits. “So we decided, when Punch approached us, that we’d sign a five-year contract to settle the pub down. Staff have already said they feel so much more comfortable. And the response from customers personally and on Facebook has blown us away.” 

Tara says listening to what local people want is important to both of them. “We want to work with the community. We want them to tell us what they want from their local. It feels at the moment like the pub’s given its soul back to us. We’ve got the three fires lit. I’ve introduced a book swap. We want to encourage people to come in, buy a coffee, take a seat, have a read. We don’t mind how long you stay. Come and keep warm.  

“We’ll bring in some games and cards. And we’re happy for any breastfeeding mums or people who need the toilet to come in and use us. We really don’t mind. 

“I’m also really pleased we’re working with Fresh Start charity. They’ve helped us with donations of toys for children to play with and essentials for the ladies’ toilets.” 

Jordan and the pub’s kitchen manager Reuben Leeks deliver a menu that changes quarterly, including (currently) spiced parsnip and sweet potato soup with shredded lamb shawarma, classic fish pie, and the very popular chicken schnitzel with truffle butter, fries and salad. 

He’s excited to now be offering weekly specials, created using seasonal produce from local suppliers. 

“We know what people like here, and the things they actually enjoy,” Jordan says. “The pub has always been known for fish dishes in the past, and hearty food like ham, egg and chips, or smoked haddock Florentine. I personally love working with seafood, so customers can expect more of that. Later in the year instead of Lobster Week, we’ll have a lobster weekend.” 

Jordan and the team are teed up to make pizzas from the garden’s wood-fired oven from Easter, when there’ll be a weekend of live music. 

And freshly baked cakes from the kitchen are being introduced in the coming weeks, as well as a new menu of cocktails and mocktails. 

An official launch party, to celebrate Tara and Jordan’s takeover, will be held on February 18, from 7pm, with a glass of prosecco for all over 18s, and free nibbles and snacks. 

“We have so many ideas,” Tara beams. “It feels so nice to be able to put out stamp on the pub. We’ve got a great team, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds.” 

The King’s Head is open every day from midday. Opening hours are soon to be extended – until 11pm Monday to Thursday, midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10pm on Sundays.