The Kings Head in Northumberland

Stopped at King's head for one night with friends whilst doing coast to coast , I found the landlord Phil and his staff very friendly who went above and beyond in accommodating us , we were arriving late and Phil kept the kitchen open for us to serve a very nice Sunday dinner and fish and chips , the bar was very friendly with a good choice of drinks at very reasonable prices , the rooms very clean , they may be a bit dated but I think that adds to the charm , and a very nice full monty breakfast next morning to send us on our way on our last cycling leg

Called as was staying in the area and had been informed that they served food by friends. Tuesday 7th May 2024 dinner time - Sorry not serving food today as our chef is at a funeral ( these things happen). Wednesday 8th May 2024 called again at dinner but this time another member of staff informed us that the kitchen was closed due to being renovated. Wish they could get there stories correct. Won't bother calling again. You try to support the area that you are staying in but when they are not straight with you !!!!!!

Just been to the kings head and had their nachos! Delicious and will definitely be trying more of their menu. Lovely attentive service and a warm friendly atmosphere, would definitely recommend

Beautifully cooked and tasty food served very quickly. Staff were quick to take drinks and food orders when we arrived and very polite. Definitely recommend!

The King’s Head is one of two pubs in the village and it stands right next to the other one, the Golden Lion, in the Market Place. As such, comparisons are easy to make and it is a fact that the independent owners of the Golden Lion have put much more energy, funds and imagination into the decor and furnishings of their pub than Marston’s have with the King’s Head, which seems a little tired by comparison. Sadly, this seems to be normal criticism re Marston’s pubs whose managers have to work so much harder as a result. That is not to say that the King’s Head isn’t worth a visit. We only came in for drinks but enjoyed the couple of hours we spent, sitting at the bar. The beer was very good and well served, and the service from the landlady and her staff was welcoming and friendly. On a cold November evening in midweek, there weren’t many people in, but the atmosphere was pleasant, and through chatting with the landlady it seems the pub had been very busy the previous evening, so they clearly have their share of “regulars” from the village. As I said - we enjoyed our visit and would certainly come again.

Popped in after a nice walk around Allendale and the riverside, just before the heavens opened. Found the Kings Head very friendly and welcoming and the quality of the food much better than most pubs these days. Will definitely be going back, as we're now interested to sample the Sunday lunch! Learned that the current tenants had only been there a few weeks and wish them every success!

Excellent meal had by all corvid safe place good service def be back specials board aswell not an average bar meal

Comfortable bedroom and a very good breakfast. Well-served bitter and a super coffee- encrusted steak with salsa and wedges. The hosts were very helpful, evicting their very tolerant young daughter from her play table to accommodate us after we had forgotten to book for dinner. Very good value indeed and highly recommended.

Excellent pub with good accommodation. Dave and Sarah are perfect hosts.Recommend unreservably. Very welcoming.

There was nothing wrong with the food or service however felt a bit like I was in a canteen rather than cosy Sunday lunch in a pub. Need to work on the atmosphere would be easy to put right.

Called into this lovely pub after a walk with our dog at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge. Warmed by the real fire and the welcome. The sunday lunch was traditional home cooked and good value. Would definitely recommend.

Me and my dog returned to this nice pub over the weekend this time to stay. We had a good time. The room was clean. The facilities were adequate. Breakfast was nice. The food was excellent. The staff are very nice and friendly. I think it was good value. We will return.

Literally just finished our meal and it was superb, very friendly and accommodating staff (the owner even opened the kitchen slightly early for me as I was hungry!) flavours were beautiful. Would definitely come again if we were in the area

Both me and my husband were staying at Thornley House not far from allendale so we visited the lovely allendale village where we ate and drank at the Kings Head. Unfortunatley I forgot to take photos of the meal but I highly recommend the gammon and the Beer battered Haddock, both were served with home made chips and home made battered onion rings. Prices were reasonable but the service was perfect. Staff are so polite

This is a great place to stop for some lunch. Scampi beautifully presented & tasted good. Washed down with some perfect beer. What else do you want on a rainy day?

Amazing food, family friendly, real true country pub that is very rare to find, kids play, dogs welcome, home cooked food, complete gem

Nice enough pub, food is not too bad. The problem being is that it was like a kids play school. These were not visitors but the owner/workers children. Toys all over the floor with kids just running about like they are at home not in a pub/restaurant where people were walking about with drinks & hot food. We tried on a second occasion on our week in the area as food wasn’t too bad but it was the same situation so left without buying a drink/dinner. What a shame.

Called for a soft drink en-route to our hotel a few miles away. We had a couple of soft drinks and sat outside watching the world go by. Service was nice and friendly. Bar area and toilets were very clean.

Met some friends for lunch. A very friendly establishment, a good pint, a good menu with ample portion sizes, well cooked, sitting outside in the sunshine and watching the world go by. Service was excellent. What more can you want?

Staying overnight at the Langley Castle Hotel nearby, we were looking for somewhere dog and family friendly for dinner - found the Kings Head after a few phone calls. Great choice - lovely warm welcome, including our black Labrador. We had molten Brie, beer battered mushrooms and king prawns to start, followed by haddock, steak and burgers. All the food was fresh and delicious- including some indulgent hand cut chips. Topped off the evening with a pool table at the rear of the pub for ‘Dad n Lad’ time

This was a very nice Christmas Gift from our Son and his wife to my husband and I for 2017. As I had been very ill this reservation had to be postponed and the hotel did just that. We enjoyed a very tasty and delightful afternoon tea.

I phoned on the Saturday to book a table, pleased I did as when we got there all tables reserved, My husband had lamb and I had beef, both absolutely delicious will definitely return thank you

Went to Northumberland with the wife for the weekend and stayed at the kings head for 2 nights . First plus was there’s loads of parking space in the square opposite the kings head . Hosts are a lovely family who go the extra mile to make you feel welcome and enjoy your stay . The only slight complaint is whilst the bedroom we stayed in was fine , it does look a little tired , apart from that the bed was comfy , the shower did the job , the water was hot .The full English is freshly cooked with no complaints . The bar on an evening is full of locals which adds to the atmosphere . Thanks to all at the Kings Head we will return on our next visit to Northumberland ,

I visited this week , on the way home from a motorcycle tour on Scotland. I had never been to the pub or area before. Upon arrival we were greeted by Dave the landlord who showed us a secure location for our bikes. The rooms were great comfy and well decorated with good bathrooms. We are in the pub that evening and the food was freshly prepared , great value and I have to say.....delicious !. Breakfast was just the same. We were made to feel welcome by staff and regulars. I really cannot wait for my next visit to Allendale and The Kings Head.

I visited for dinner & drinks with my husband & our black lab. Food was amazing & all the staff were so welcoming. Beautiful open fire in the bar area too! Highly recommend.

Visited on Sunday for easter lunch. My beef dinner was lovely flavourasom and tender. Im quite a picky eater and really enjoyed my dinner here. The Yorkshire pud was delisish too! They are happy to cater for your needs. Lovely pudding too. Defintely will return.

Lovely welcoming pub with roaring fire and friendly people. Fabulous white flaky fish in batter with home made chips. Maybe a bit limited on vegetarian choices. The dog was made welcome with dog treats on the fireplace offered.

We were on holiday in the area and we stopped off for dinner the meals which we all had something​ different were great value for the money friendly atmosphere we all enjoyed the meal would recommend .

I popped in last night with my dog for tea while having a couple of days away. The locals were very nice and friendly and the bar staff too. Seems like a popular place as it was quite busy. I had fish and chips which I enjoyed very much they were excellent quality and good value. I highly recommend it. Nothing fancy just a nice traditional village pub.

Went for mother in laws birthday ,there was 7 of us and a shitzu dog (mother in laws) we had a lovely meal food was excellent . The atmosphere was lovely , the staff especially emily and joe were excellent and very attentive asking if we were enjoying our meal . We will definitely be returning here again .

While staying locally decided to try the Kings Head for Sunday Lunch. It was limited choice however the good was really flavoursome and tender. Very well priced and would recommend this pub. Have a themed menu occasional; while staying in the area there was a Greek menu.

Re fuelling while doing Isaacs tea trail a hearty burger for me & fish & chips for my friend (choice of size of fish) choice of garden or mushy peas,great salad & coleslaw with burger, good chips. Friendly service good beer nice surroundings

Friendly family atmosphere in this quaint village pub with hearty home cooked food and a variety of beers and lagers...

Tuvimos dos cenas en la cabeza de los Reyes y encantador. No tienen un gran menú de elección, pero lo que había era buena. Los propietarios son nuevos para los Reyes, así que estoy seguro de que el menú se agrandan en el tiempo. Bueno...

Needed somewhere to eat o a normal tu stay night - friendly bar staff, really good even when our little...

No sólo no nos dejan y recoger nuestro equipaje, pero tenía un maravilloso almuerzo al final de nuestro paseo circular de 36 m (Isaac Té Trail). Normalmente no sirven comida en un lunes, pero no especialmente para nosotros. Mejor pescado y patatas fritas de todos!

Nos alojamos 2 noches en el cabezal de Reyes, acogedor y amable y se puede con buena comida y hospitalidad.

Unlike the pub next door, this was very welcoming to a family with an 11 year old on December 31st before the tar barrel event. Well done.

The Kings Head now has great tenants who remember what you drunk and have a nice chat with you. It's now a pleasure to visit.

Visited The Kings Head on New Years Eve to watch the 'Tar Barrelling' ceremony and called into the pub for a drink. Due to the time of year, the pub was packed but, as they'd set up a separate/extra/mobile bar, getting served was no problem. The staff serving were really friendly and chatty and, although the pub was packed, they seemed relaxed and everything was under control. A lovely start to a lovely evening.

Great family friendly pub with tasty food. Visiting area for a family wedding and was recommended this pub by a local farm B and B. Would recommend, especially the steak and chips. Good for a nice family meal.

Staff were very unfriendly, not particularly welcoming at all, they did a very good job of not encouraging us to stay for our lunch.

The 2 of us wandered in without a reservation but now have reservations about The Kings Head... sat down at a table for 2 only to be told by a customer it was reserved... stood around waiting for an employee... finally managed to stop one, who pointedly ignored us as she walked by in a hurry... politely asked her if a table for two was available... was informed, "I'll ask" and, disappearing into the depths of the building, she was neither seen nor heard from again! We drove around to The Railway Hotel & Bistro, Haydon Bridge where we were seated immediately and had an excellent meal.

A pub that does good food with excellent service. Nothing too fancy but filling. Not much bar space if you want to linger for a drink after but nice open fire.

Tipica comida inglesa con variados platos, incluidos la soup of the day y hamburguesas. Buena comida a buen precio.recomendable el entrante de pescaditos rebozados con salsa tartara.

Popped in for a drink on a Saturday afternoon. Service was good and friendly.Lacked a pub atmosphere.

Best quiet local pub you can visit lovely bar staff and a wide range of beer to choose from and the meals are lovely also love this place to have a quiet drink and a chat 10/10 from me

A well set dining area with a reasonable choice from the menu for adults and children. The hand made fish cakes were very light and tasty, steak well cooked to order and a great choice of Sunday roasts, despite it being Easter all still priced as normal. The service was very friendly, quick and efficient. Very clean, toilets immaculate. Worth the drive, Will definitely visit again.

We'd been turned away earlier in the week as the "restaurant was too busy" (four tables were full) so we reserved a table. Two days later we dined in solitary (and embarrassed) splendour, deafened by shrieks from the bar.We both chose to have the "Authentic Curry of the Day"; today's flavour was Chicken Jalfrezi. It didn't take long to appear (not surprising as nobody else was eating). The sauce itself was lovely but everything else was a disappointment: my chicken was tough and stringy (Mr C's was OK), the plate was cold, the curry wasn't particularly hot either (no chance of burning your mouth), it was served with half a naan bread (and Mr C's half was bigger). The biggest surprise was that half the plate was taken up by chopped lettuce and tasteless tomatoes - not the usual accompaniment to a curry but probably the reason the plate was cold! We didn't bother with pudding.Perhaps we should have gone for the slightly bizarre dish of the day which seemed to be mince and tatties in a giant yorkshire pudding.The only redeeming feature was an excellent Australian Shiraz/Cabernet. And the whole meal was quite good value.

I booked for 3 people, and we arrived a little early. No matter. The table was reserved, and the room was warm and comfortable. As a bonus the Ladies was immaculate. My husbands fish cakes were the best he had ever tasted, The veggie burger was apparently very tasty. My beef was a little disappointing. I am not convinced that it had been freshly carved from a joint. However, we were well looked after, and the bill was fair. We will certainly return.

Visited the Kings Head a few times over the last few months and have been impressed each time. Food is consistently good and service is friendly.

Friendly welcome and service from the staff was great. Lunch menu was very reasonably priced and tasty! Desserts were delicious!

We'd failed to get food at the Allendale Inn and came here on the recommendation of the locals...the very principle of TA! and it works. We had an excellent meal with a well cooked steak for sir and scampi for Mrs T. Pub grub but done well and in comfortable surroundings.

Good little local pub with pub grub menu. I had the fish and chips which was great good portion freshly cooked. Not a bad choice of local beers and wine was well priced

Good place to eat, drink and sleep. Food good and plentiful, very friendly staff and a lovely warm fire in the winter.

Exploring Northumberland, looking for somewhere to eat as a family, we came across this lovely pub in the very centre of Allendale. Great surroundings, inside and out.....we were pleasantly surprised by the comfortable, spacious interior.....tables spaced out nicely and this was great as there were six of us in our group. Food was very good.....plenty of choices on the menu.....my lasagne was the best I have had when eating out and my Husband was extremely impressed with his ham, egg & chips. Service was friendly, efficient and staff were attentive to our needs. If we're ever up that way again, we will definitely be making a return visit!

Good service, in vintage location, superb food. Lots of nearby shops to look at. Would stop there again.

Can always trust this pub for great food and nice atmosphere. Lots of choice on the menu. Always have a selection of specials on the specials board. Probably the best pub in allendale. My parents have stayed here too as they have a few rooms. They have said that the rooms are comfortable and breakfast very good in the morning.

We had had a brisk walk up Allen Banks in the pouring rain at 5.15 trying to see as much as possible before the care park closed at 6! Staying in Hexham we decided to try the back roads home and needed up in Allendale. We tried another pub first but went to the Kings Head and it was excellent ! A nice looking pub , very clean and looked after with a nice buzz of locals at the bar. Excellent beer too New World pale ale, wonderful flavour!p

Although I didn't stay at The kings Head I visited it regularly over the course of a one week holiday. I found the real ale was kept in an excellent condition and changed regularly whilst the food was very good and freshly prepared by the resident chef. The general housekeeping was also excellent and I certainly couldn't complaim about the cleanliness of the public bar or toilets. Overall a simply excellent pub.

This is my regular and, while I've never eaten there (I live just round the corner!), comments on of the food are always favourable. I join some other aged customers, the OGC (old gits club) in the early evening and put the world right. The beers, one of which changes when the old guest has run out, are well kept and enjoyed. Also enjoyed are the increasing number of very good malts of which this pub has the biggest selection in the area. It's certainly worth a visit.

My family and our friend Ann chanced on this pub on a bank holiday day out.We were not disappointed with our choice. The King's Head has a warm and friendly atmosphere - with delightful period features coupled with an immaculately clean and stylish interior.The meals we chose very of a very high standard. I had a hot and cold fish platter - which was billed as a starter but left me feeling full! it was a lovely mixture of fried herring, whitebait,squid and macarel served on a lazy susan with brown bread , butter and two sauces. My mother enjoyed a lovely lentil and bacon soup. My husband had a delicious ham and eggs and my son and our friend had smoked haddock fish cakes. All in all lovely meal. Well done !

When you walk in it looks like your run of the mill standard pub with the added bonus of fun conversations between the regulars sat at the bar :)Further in it's lighter and brighter and more appealing to the eater. Clean and tidy, staff were super nice.Getting to the point... the food my husband and I ordered was delicious, I had the Sirloin Steak and it came cooked to perfection I asked for medium-rare and it came medium-rare, as in there is still deep pinkness and loads of juices for you to mop up with the chips.The husband had the Mushroom Stroganoff (apologies if I spelt the wrong) and that was delicious too, lovely presentation and lots of flavour.I summary, the food was awesome

Very good family run hotel good food exelent room over looking the Town square. Freindlly bar where visitors and locals mix well.

If I could have given zero stars I would have. Absolutely appalling attitude towards children. Our little girl who is nearly 2 was obviously having too much fun for the diehard locals sat at the front of the pub who complained to the bar lady who asked me to keep her through the back with us as they weren't happy - all she was doing was running through, laughing and then running back but clearly this is a local pub for local people so we cancelled our order and left.

My partner and his friends stopped at this pub while out for a motorbike ride. The woman behind the bar turned them away saying that they were fully booked. When one of the gentleman asked if she could recommend anywhere else they could visit, she said "well, you're just going to have to have a look around" and sent them packing! Rude and obnoxious! Won't be back!

This is a lovely looking pub but looks to be under new ownership as they haven't quite got things right. It's clean and neat - but rather too neat and clean for a country pub, and it's more like a suburban sitting room at the front. However the biggest disappointment (and I told the manager very politely) was the food: the battered fish was undoubtedly the worst I have ever eaten in my 35+ years of pub eating - stodgy and greasy with a small piece of greyish fish inside. I hope this is an aberration because this could be a great pub.

My partner and his friends stopped at this pub today while out for a motorbike ride. The woman behind the bar turned them away saying that they were fully booked. When one of the gentleman asked if she could recommend anywhere else they could visit, she said "well, you're just going to have to have a look around" and sent them packing! Rude and obnoxious! Won't be back!

Locale caratteristico, moto carino. Si mangia molto bene, c'è anche il menù bambini. Ha qualche tavolo all'esterno.Ottima birra. Per me è il più carino del paese.

Called in for lunch after a morning walking through Allendale.The lunchtime menu was varied and both myself and my companion enjoyed our choices. The chicken and leek pie and the curry were both excellent.A good place to call in after a walk - will certainly be going back.

Lovely friendly pub with good food and atmosphere. Chicken chablis and the Haddock rarebit both very good. Only drawback was that we arrived at 8 on the dot to be told that we had to order in the next five minutes as the kitchen was closing. We did and the food was great.

We were advised to book a table but to be honest it wasn't that busy but probably best to book if you can. The pub itself is welcoming and the staff are very friendly. The food is typical pub grub, but nicely priced and a good selection with several specials available. The main courses and dessets were good but the pate starter seemed store bought with a dry salad - my only concern though. I asked for a liquer coffee but as they didn't 'have a licence' they gave me all the components to make it myself; which I quite enjoyed. All in all a very pleasant experience if a lititle 'off the wall.'

I was the "chicken jalfrezi" mentioned in Weasal's review.Like Weasal I was very impressed with this establishment when we called in after our walking expedition last Friday (27 June).The service was attentive without being intrusive. The food arrived in good time, despite our party arriving an hour earlier than we had advised. The beer drinkers amongst us all enjoyed their well-earned pints. Desserts were also all considered to be well worth having and the prices charged were reasonable.All in all, a fine end to a fine day & an establishment I have no hesitation about recommending or returning to.

Party of 9 walkers. Had checked earlier in the week to see if they could accommodate 8 of us for a meal after our walk and advised to ring in final number during the day which I did.Nice greeting by barmaid on arrival and a few real ales available including Bank's Sunbeam which was just the ticket after a long 13 mile day.Although we were booked in for 18.00 we were an hour early but this wasn't a problem so once our beers were served we sat down at our reserved table.Two menus were available, one with two courses for £9.95 which most of us went for. The orders were taken and the food arrived reasonably quickly and was very good quality, hot and nicely presented. Ham, egg and chips, beef borguignon, chicken jalfrezi curry and lasagne etc.The waitress took our next drink order before puddings were ordered which were also very good. All in all, a very pleasant end to an excellent day and we will no doubt be back when we walk in this area again.

45 minutes wait to get served, when only one other table of diners were in, second night, we were informed at 6.00 when we went in, that we would have to wait until 8.00 before our order could be taken, there were only three diners in at that time, so we went to the Crown at Caton, instant service there.

We had lunch here and were pleasantly surprised by the varied choice of food on the menu for vegetarians. The inside is very attractive and cosy and there are tables outside on the pretty village square for when the weather is good. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the food arrived promptly. The pub is also dog friendly and so are the customers! Our two flat coat retrievers were spoiled. We will certainly visit again.

Was staying at nearby thornley house for 2 nights and went to kings head on the first night. Food was really good and staff and locals very welcoming and helpful. We shared a starter, husband and myself, had a main course each and husband had a pudding. Had also 2 drinks and 2 coffees. Price £34. Very cheap. We had a lovely peaceful meal in nice surroundings. Was so good we went back the next night as well. Well done to the chef and the lady who served us. Would definitely go back if I was in the area again.

I was about the Allendale Fire festival on New Years Eve. It was well worth the visit, we got there early and the town was buzzing as were the pubs. Outside the Kings Head was a bonfire for the event. The pub was busy and the staff did a great job servicing the customers.

After booking our christmas day meal here, we duly arrived and from start to finish we had a great time. We were looked after, to a standard that higher rated establishments would struggle to achieve. The food was outstanding and to be honest we did struggle to complete our meal, hats off to john the chef. This is yet again superb customer care from sally and her team.

Stayed here previously, great service and very friendly. As soon as you walk in you're made to feel welcome. Lovely open fire and character dining area. Simple pub food with some good specials on the menu. Choice of cask ales, clearly well kept. Pub very clean with comfortable rooms. Worth a visit.

We stayed at the Thornley b&b about half a mile from the King's Head. We ate at the pub every night as the food was so good.The interior is traditional yet update. Sofa and open fire. Table and chairs in a spacious area. Staff are polite, friendly and smiling. And busy for a week day.I chose lasagne (I have steered clear of red meat in restaurants after the horse meat scandal) but thought what the heck, something cooked must be beef. The lasagne was really thick in depth and looked and tasted delicious. Side salad appealed too - you always think 'oh no' when ice berg lettuce is included in the side salad. This side salad even had class! Ray had the Kings Head burger, which according to him, was yummy and not bought off a shop shelf. Apple Crumble dessert for me, and Apple and Butterscotch for Ray ... yummy too.There was not a single juke box, arcade machines or TVs with MTV or Sports. Fantastic! Someone gets it right!The lady who served us was great and never stopped smiling.We spent £33 each night which covered a meal and dessert and about 3 drinks. They have a set menu too with (trying to remember) 3 course for 11.95To find the pub, just find the market square and there is parking out front.Highly recommended.

Pleasant walk along river from Thornley House. Dining room clean & friendly service but food only average.

Had a very nice meal. It git a bit cod so the pea snd ham soup was very welcome. Liked the price Not too expensive and service good.

Called here for an evening meal while staying nearby. Pleasant staff with a good varied menu. Hubby had gammon, egg and chips while I had the scampi and chips with a side salad. Of course Hubby had the dessert menu!! Nice atmosphere too, locals were friendly. We were told we could have taken our dog in with us but we chose to leave him in the car where we could see him from the window. Would recommend this place

My wife and I stayed at the Kings Head from Friday 5th July until Monday 8th July with two friends. The couple, Sal and John made us very welcome right from our arrival. The Room we found extremely comfortable and immaculate. We were staying half board and the menu was varied with plenty of selection on all courses. There was also plenty of variety at breakfast, which was again first class. The Pub/Hotel itself sold a good selection of beers and wines and the atmosphere was warm and friendly, It's always a sign of a good Pub/Hotel when the locals drink there, even the landlord from next door popped in for a beer. The weather was good and we did plenty of local walks from the village and also were not far from Hexham, Brampton and Hadrians Wall. There's no doubt we will be staying there again because of the exceptional service and attention we received.

Stopped for lunch when passing through the area. We are particularly 'picky', as we both work in the restaurant business. The welcome & subsequent service were spot on, whilst the homemade fare was well presented, cooked and of good size portion. Everywhere we saw was scrupulously clean too. Well done!

12 of us booked a table here for my partners birthday and most of his immediate family were able to join us. Ages ranged from 5 to 75 but everyone was catered for - children's menu for the small people and a comprehensive menu with many choices for the older ones. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the service was attentive and professional even though the waitress was obviously a student doing a pocket-money job.The ambience was relaxed and food and drinks were served with the minimum of fuss, but with attention to our needs.We will definitely be going there again.

Well I will start by saying that I don't usually write reviews but the Kings Head could not be faulted and deserves this praise ! I stayed in one of their letting bedrooms in June and it could not be faulted !! It was a very reasonable price for the high standard of the room !! And the breakfast was the best I have ever had in a Bed and Breakfast !! We were made to feel very welcome by the owners ( who had newly taken over ) and by talking to other customers at the bar found out the locals are also enjoying the new look Kings Head !! We ate there on both evenings and could not fault the food ! The Saturday was very busy but we never had to wait for anything !! Only problem was I didn't leave enough room for a pudding !! Next time perhaps !! The only downside is I live in South Wales so don't get up to that part of the country as often as I would like !! But I will be back and have recommended it to many friends !! Just wish it was my local !!

Stopped here purely by chance whilst out for a walk on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Was made to feel welcome immediately and was instantly impressed with the obvious cleanliness of the bar and restaurant areas.Food came quickly and was very tasty. Stayed for puddings, which were equally impressive. Definately going to be going back soon!

Ended up in Allendale after a long walk, and decided to have a Sunday lunch at the Kingshead. Had stayed there 3 years previously and experienced a wonderful warm atmosphere with good food. Our most recent experience is a 180 degree turn around from our initial experience 3 years ago. The pub was practically empty - (maybe it was the awful music love ballads), which is why we went next door to the Golden Lion for a pint which was packed with locals and other day trippers. But they had stopped serving food. So back to the Kingshead for a meal. When our meals arrived, the portion of beef (the only thing available) was so small - a very small portion was hidden under a bit larger portion as if to disguise the size - that my husband immediately got up and found the waitress (owner/manager?) in the restaurant area of the pub to complain, and even I heard her say "what do you expect?" in a rude tone. Not a "sorry, let's get you some more" but rather a complete dismissal. Actually this isn't surprising based on her attitude when she served us the meals and previously when I'd asked where the ladies room was (rude both times). So we ate our meals as we were very hungry - the beef was tough and dry (even with gravy), Yorkshire pudding tasted of chemicals (from Icelands perhaps?), roasties were dry and inedible, only saving grace was the mash and carrots. I usually finish my entire meal but I had to leave half as it was so terrible (and I was hungry!) When waitress (owner/manager?) lady came to take the plates away, we again said the food wasn't up to scratch (personally I don't usually complain, but this was a BAD meal). Because she completely dismissed us the first time, we'd asked if she had any comments on our original comments/complaints - again a blank dismissal "We serve 30 covers a day and have NEVER had any complaints". Is that really an answer? I asked how long she'd been there, which turned out just under a year. We told her the meals weren't worth what she was charging and we'd pay for one of them. "You ate two, you'll pay for two!" was her response. Then with almost full pints left, she told us "Just leave now if you're not happy. Get your things and leave. NOW!" So we did! Actually we were prepared to pay, but it was more to make a point about her rude behavior and complete dismissal of our comments that we offered to pay for only 1 meal. You'd might think "we just scored a free meal and a few sips of a pint" but it wasn't even worth that! I thought I might be in an episode of Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares! It's fairly obvious that the Kingshead is under new management and being run into the ground.It's a real shame as it's a lovely pub/restaurant in a lovely village. But people vote with their feet - hence The Golden Lion next door was packed and the Kingshead had practically nobody in it.