the king will
Since taking the King William IV, or the King Will to most, back to being a True Independent Free House we have been delighted to have grown into the beating heart of this wonderful community. Having been a tied tenancy for many years the pub was put up for sale in early 2018 and at serious risk of being taken over by housing developers. Our small independent family owned company intervened to save the King Will from being yet another line on the Lost Pubs listings!
Our aim was simple, yet noble, to bring some warmth and character back to a place that is close to the hearts of many, initially opening with Siobhan Hanley at the helm, whose own Father drank here for many years, we soon gained a reputation for keeping some of the best beer in Kent. Winning Most Improved Pub in our first full year.
In January 2025 Tony, Kate and Gary took the reins and a stirling job they've done in their first year! Your support since we bought the pub encouraged us to invest in new bi-fold windows to the front and more recently, in spring 2025, a retractable roof awning and extended patio in the back garden, really enhancing the space and the al-fresco vibes right through the pub. You'll find some more images in our Gallery.
We couldn't be more proud of being the custodians of your pub - you, the patrons, guests, customers, drinkers - call yourselves whatever you like - make it what it is. Not been yet, visit soon, you won't regret it.
Here's to the Great British Pub! Here's to the King Will!
A proper community pub
From our Luke Littler inspired Junior Darts Club to our brand new Petanque court, from our Outdoor Table Tennis to our Giant Jenga.
Please keep an eye out for our regular programme of Community based events, from Beer Festivals, Family Fun Days and BBQ's. We don't do identikit food here, we do Fun, Award Winning drinks, Live Music and the occasional culinary specials like street food Saturdays, or Traditional Pie, Mash & Liquor nights.
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A little bit of History
THE NAME: King William IV is the most popular monarch among pub names from the passing of the 1830 Beerhouse act that liberalised the brewing and selling of beer.
THE BUILDING:
This 200 year old building is thought to have been a private dwelling and carpenters shop until 1848, when it was leased to two brothers, with the surname of Pavey, who were beer retailers. Although there is mention of Raisin Wine being supplied here from as early as 1810, perhaps it was destined to be a Public House.
THE PROPRIETORS:
A Family going by the surname of Jenner has the most extensive time at the helm in all those years, overseeing almost half a century between 1894 and 1941. Latterly owned by Greene King, whilst a respected and capable brewer, the pub endured many years as a tied house. On September 24th 2018 the pub became a true independent Free House again. Cheers to that!
3 Great Reasons to Visit... anytime of year!
Great Gardens & Fun Games
Great Gardens & Fun Games
Great Gardens & Fun Games
Whatever the Weather! ...Okay, much better in the Sunshine... but fresh air-a-plenty, watch the world go by with our Award Winning baaskets to the front or under our state of the art retractable gazebo at the back. Needs to be seen to be believed!
A bit of light hearted competition with a game of Petanque maybe!? Who are we kidding - Winner takes all!
We Guarantee Local Ales
Great Gardens & Fun Games
Great Gardens & Fun Games
Kent's Brilliant Brewing Heritage is so abundant in this area. So...We Guarantee Local Ales. With a nod to the wider Master Brewers that adorn our Green and Pleasant Land too.
GOOD BEER GUIDE ENTRANTS FOR 4 YEARS RUNNING!
Live Music
Great Gardens & Fun Games
Live Music
There a certain things that you simply cannot replicate at home, Cask Ale for example, or that buzz of people of all ages and all backgrounds coming together in one space. And Live Music sits at the heart of that, a talented local band or an undiscovered young talent playing for free before your very eyes, and ears!
Community Pubs are per
There a certain things that you simply cannot replicate at home, Cask Ale for example, or that buzz of people of all ages and all backgrounds coming together in one space. And Live Music sits at the heart of that, a talented local band or an undiscovered young talent playing for free before your very eyes, and ears!
Community Pubs are perhaps at their very best when the Music Plays and your favourite tipple hits your lips!
Photo Gallery
