Our Story…
Back in 2020, a group of local residents passionate about keeping The King’s Head at the heart of the community, met for the first time after concerns were raised about the pub potentially being placed on the market. As the only remaining pub in the village (and an Asset of Community Value), they wanted to explore how it could be preserved. After much research and discussion, it was agreed that if it were put up for sale, they would try to bring The King’s Head under community ownership. This dedicated team continued monitoring the situation over the next few years, preparing for when they might need to mobilise their plans.
Fast-forward to July 2024… The King’s Head was officially placed on the market, so it was time for decisive action. With assistance from Plunkett UK, we incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) and officially registered an intent to bid for the pub with Wealden District Council.
Photo: Jim Holden
Photo: Jim Holden
During February and March 2025, we held a public consultation, meetings and a survey to determine if there was enough local support to make community-ownership of The King’s Head viable. 96% of survey respondents said they’d back a community bid. With such a strong mandate, we decided to proceed. We undertook a valuation survey, converted the CLG into Kings Head Community Benefit Society, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority, negotiated purchase terms and developed a five-year Business Plan.
In September 2025, we agreed terms with the existing owner and on 1st November 2025, our Community Share Offer launched at a special community event to raise the bulk of the funds needed to buy the pub. When the share offer closed on 12th December 2025, we’d raised £650K and on 26th February 2026 the purchase completed. KHCBS took possession of the pub, securing its future for generations to come. WE DID IT!
Now we’re giving the pub a new lease of life…
We’re working hard to deliver a pub that’s warm and welcoming, fresh but familiar - sympathetically restoring, preserving and enhancing some historic features. But there’ll be upgrades too, including new-look washrooms, refreshed décor and free full-coverage Wi-Fi. We’re employing local trades from the village wherever possible, and have an army of volunteers to help us. From a perfectly poured pint to a cosy log fire, we want to get the details right.
Click here to take a look behind the scenes and see what we’ve been up to!
But this story only ended “happily ever after” because of the support of our members…
They backed the bid to buy The King’s Head based on our vision for a community-owned pub Business Plan.
Our members are part of something more than just a pub.
Together, we’re building a legacy to be proud of.
Photo: Jim Holden