There’s something rather special happening at the Queen’s Head in West Chiltington; a place where traditional country pub hospitality meets a little Caribbean sunshine.
The Queen’s Head in West Chiltington has had, I think it’s fair to say, something of an interesting past. But when Mark and Curtis walked through its doors a couple of years ago, they had a vision: to turn it into everything we know and love about a great Sussex country pub, while giving it their own rather special twist.
And they’re doing a great job.
At the back of the pub, you’ll find outdoor seating, a large free car park (always a win in my book) and a wonderfully spacious, light and bright dining area. Venture a little further inside, however, and you discover the real heart of the pub: a cosy, welcoming bar with a roaring fire, a long traditional counter and, most importantly, bar stools.
Bar stools are something Curtis feels particularly strongly about. His advice? If you walk into a pub and there aren’t any bar stools, turn around and leave!
And he has a point. Because sitting at the bar is at the very soul of what makes a pub a pub. It’s about lingering over a pint or a chilled glass of wine, chatting to the bar staff, catching up with friends or striking up a conversation with a complete stranger. It’s about unwinding from the stresses of the day and feeling that, for a little while at least, you belong somewhere. To borrow a phrase from that famous American television programme, it’s about going somewhere where everybody knows your name.
Pubs are so much more than somewhere to have a drink and yet they are the things we’re in danger of losing, not just in Sussex but across the UK. And it’s this sense of community that Mark and Curtis are determined to preserve.
A taste of Barbados in the Sussex countryside
Of course, a great country pub needs great food, and this is where the Queen’s Head has another surprise up its sleeve. The menu offers plenty of the traditional pub favourites you might expect, but Curtis, who hails from Barbados, has also brought a taste of the Caribbean to West Chiltington. The result is a wonderfully tempting selection of Barbadian-inspired dishes alongside more familiar British classics. Flavour is very much the name of the game, but so too is affordability. This is food designed to be enjoyed, shared and returned for, without breaking the bank.
And it’s clearly winning over the locals. As I tucked into my Blackened Catch (fresh catch of the day seasoned with Cajun spices and served with yam mash and mango salsa), a local shared his unequivocal opinion: the Queen’s Head serves the best food in the area, and at excellent value.
More than just a pub
But Mark and Curtis aren’t content simply to open the doors and hope people wander in. They’re determined to give everyone a reason to visit. There’s regular live music, pub quizzes, seasonal celebrations and plenty of opportunities to get together. Halloween brings a ghost hunt, while Christmas promises parties and festive gatherings. The message is simple: come in, make yourself comfortable and enjoy some good old-fashioned hospitality.
And there are plenty of reasons to make a day of it. West Chiltington is surrounded by beautiful Sussex countryside, with some fabulous walking routes to explore. Indeed, the same local who praised the food told me that two of the things he loves most about living in the village are the Queen’s Head and the walking. Why not combine the two? And while you’re there, don’t miss the extraordinary church next door, with its remarkable medieval wall paintings. It’s one of those Sussex treasures that deserves far more attention than it gets.
A pub worth supporting
At a time when so many village pubs are struggling, it’s heartening to find people like Mark and Curtis investing their energy, enthusiasm and personality into keeping one alive. Because the best pubs aren’t simply businesses. They’re part of the fabric of our villages, places that give communities their identity and bring people together.
The Queen’s Head is a reminder of everything we stand to lose if we stop supporting them. So whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a taste of Barbados, a pint beside the fire or simply somewhere to sit at the bar and put the world to rights after a long walk, the Queen’s Head in West Chiltington is well worth a visit. And whatever you do, pull up a bar stool.
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