The King Alfred’s Head in Market Place, Wantage, reopened this April following an extensive investment with leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
The stylish transformation has seen the downstairs bar and dining area completely transformed, with repurposed furniture, new fixtures and fittings, as well as a total repaint throughout.
Amongst the physical and cosmetic changes, is a new face at the helm of the pub in Karen Smith, an experienced businesswoman, who has managed an events company, bistro and sports club, and couldn’t wait to take on the challenge of the King Alfred’s head and revive it back to the heart of the community.
She said: “I was so excited to be taking over the pub. I’ve been sitting in the wings waiting for this for two years, and I’m excited to welcome back old customers as well as some new ones. I want the King Alfred’s Head to be a community pub, I’ve already let out the function rooms at no charge to the community groups – because it’s a nice thing to do. We’re very family-friendly and welcome dogs too!”
Karen’s ambition for the pub is to truly make it the heart of the community, and she has huge plans in place to ensure that it becomes the go-to place for all.
As a local herself, she has noticed a gap in the market for a pub which is all about people, offering a safe and welcoming space for leisurely drinks, good food and catch-ups with friends. As part of her reinvention, the King Alfred’s Head has introduced coffee mornings, a regular live entertainment schedule and fundraising events which will raise funds to give back to the local community.
Guests are already raving not just about the new-look pub, which features eclectic fixtures and fittings, bric-a-brac and a bold, inviting style, but also in the pub’s ice cream parlour, which opened just in time for the Summer, and stocks even dog-friendly sweet treats too!
With a whole list of events booked in for the rest of the year, the King Alfred’s Head has already amassed a huge following of guests who are taking advantage of the sunshine in its generous beer garden, offering an alfresco spot to drink or dine.
More information about the pub’s upcoming events and offers can be found on its social media or website.
Website: King Alfred’s Head
Photography: Tory McTernan