Kings Head Shadoxhhurst — Restaurant in Ashford

This was the first time we had visited Kings Head since Julie left. Mainly due to pandemic. We were really looking forward to our meal especially as we live in the village. Wife's meal of beef wellington was really nice. Granddaughter's meal of 8oz sirloin was a bit tough, but edible. My 16oz rump steak was inedible. Tried eating from both ends and middle. It was ridiculously tough! I pointed this out to (a very inexperienced waitress/barmaid) who said she will inform the owner/chef. I waited 5 to 10 minutes, both my wife and granddaughter had finished their meals by this time, so I took my plate to thd bar and asked the 2 barmaids what is going on. It transpired that the owner had not been apprised of my inedible meal!!! No reason was given!! So I asked them to please apprise the owner or chef. The second, and slightly more experienced barmaid, said the chef had apologised and said I won't be charged for the meal - as if I was going to pay for an inedible meal! She then asked if I wanted something else. I did get a small portion of calamari that was ok. My granddaughter orderd a chocolate torte with rasberry sorbet. When it arrived it was without the sorbet. They had not included it. It did eventually arrive once we pointed out their error. Still the owner/manager/chef had not come to reconcile my grievance of the inedible meal. I was charged for the replacement starter calamari. The "experienced" barmaid brought the bill. She apologised for the bad meal and not bringing the sorbet. She said she had not charged for one of my pints of lager. I pointed out that I only had 2 pints and both were charged!! She took no action to remove the cost of a pint. My meal was appalling, the service was appalling. The attitude of the owner was despicable and very unprofessional. As an aside, as a Shepherd's Neame pub, it didn't even have the iconic Spitfire draft bitter. I wax offered a bottle of Bishops Finger that I can buy at Aldi for £1.25! As a non lager drinker I had a lager! We will not be returning to the Kings Head. Even the decor was dull. There was no ambience in the place either. VERY VERY DISAPPOINTED. If I could give a minus then I...

We visited for a Sunday roast, on entry barmaid was very nice and seated us. Menu is pricey but if the food is good never and issue, unfortunately when the food arrived looked good on the sharing platter although not much on there, I had the pork belly which wasn’t cooked properly all gooey potatoes were stale / reheated and the veg was rock hard. When we were finally asked how the food was I was blanked because I had previously asked for a new fork as was dirty with hard dried food still present, as alway made a joke out of it. Didn’t even question the fact my plate was still full when plates taken away. Trying to support local businesses unfortunately this one needs to support...

Outstanding experience. We visited on 27th Dec 2023, pub was clean, warm and inviting. Staff were all very approachable, helpful and friendly. They had our favourite wine from Chapel Down in stock and we enjoyed an excellent meal. Crispy spring rolls for starter, I had Steak and ale pie, chips and veg and my partner had lamb, mash and vegetables and then we both had rhubarb crumble for desert. All food was well cooked, very tasty and we both felt that portion sizes were generous and the whole meal was excellent value for money. Here's to The Kings Head, our compliments to the kitchen team and the front of house, we will definitely be back. Thank you for a great...