lest we forget
Our staff, our customers, our community! We came together to raise over £1500 this year! We remember and we Thank you!
About Us
A New Chapter
We are delighted to announce that we have taken King William IV back to being a True Independent Free House. 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 William IV from being yet another line on the Lost Pubs listings!
On 24th September we got the keys and immediately began our project to put the Heart & Soul back into your pub. Our aim was simple, yet noble, to bring some warmth and character back to a place that is close to the hearts of many, not least our new Management Partners, Colin & Siobhan, in an area that has a proud history in the British Brewing industry, come and see our Green Hops and fresh locally crafted Ales. Please support us on our journey to ensure the King William IV remains a pub for many Generations yet!
After all, Pubs need people and people need Pubs.
Your new Landlord and Landlady
Colin & Siobhan move to the King William IV from our new sister pub the Kings Arms in Horsham, having taken the reigns in similar circumstances that pub was, for many years, strangled by the pub tie which limited the operators ability to re-invest into the pub. Thankfully that pub was given a new lease of life after a freehold purchase in October 2017, with a well considered refurbishment and some heart and character delivered by Colin & Siobhan.
The Landlady Siobhan is a Pembury girl, for many years her Father drank at King William IV so she has a special affiliation with the pub and will bring real pride and passion (and a bit of fun!) back to the pub.
The Landlord Colin is a classically trained Chef with 40 years experience, food may well feature in the near future, in the meantime his Cornish charm will be seen at the Bar, although please feel free to 'tell him' if too many Cornish Ales sneak onto the Bar!
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. It was during his reign that the number of pubs multiplied out of control, and he is celebrated by having his name on so many.
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. We do at least know for certain, many and Ale has been enjoyed here!
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
Whatever the Weather! ...Okay, much better in the Sunshine... but fresh air-a-plenty with a covered patio at the rear come rain, shine or snow.
Let it be known that Pembury in Bloom has our full support with superb hanging baskets and planters to the front and our very own grapevine on our patio.
Watch the world go by from the front of the pub or lose yourself in our vast garden at the rear. See your there!
We Guarantee Local Ales
Gone are the cold blues, in are the warm new raditaors, the carpeted areas and the soft furnishings to match.
The bar is adorned with Green Hops, locally sourced from the Hop Farms of Kent as a nod to the Brilliant Brewing Heritage so abundant in this area. And with these...We Guarantee Local Ales, at least 3 on rotation at any one time to satisfy your thirst. Help us to support these craftsmen and women by drinking here often (Responsibly of course!)
Live Music
A regular programme of Live Music will be a foundation of your pub. Bringing local talent to the pub, both renowned and new, will ensure the King Will becomes a hub of Entertainment we can all Enjoy and be proud of.
If you know of local talent that might appreciate a slot in our calendar then please get in touch. And if you Love Live Music, look out for events on our Facebook page and bring your friends or family. After all, memories aren't made on your sofa (well, not typically!?) A night out...the new night in!
