The village pub has always been at the heart of community life, but many have struggled in recent years. The Kings Head was one of them, until Rachel Simpson and Kelly Wardman stepped in and gave it a new lease of life.
When I stopped by on a rainy morning, Rachel shared how they saw its potential and took the leap together, balancing family life while keeping the pub thriving.
Now a welcoming, dog-friendly spot serving great food, real ales, and a much-loved Sunday lunch, it’s become a go-to for locals and visitors alike.
As Kelly put it:
“Lanchester is a great community, and the pub is thriving.”
By Mark Wilkinson, Communities in Focus
