Review

The Druid’s Head is named such after the discovery and excavation of a nearby stone circle some two centuries ago, believed to be of druid origin, where they would worship, dance about and do whatever else your druid types do to pass the time. The building itself dates from 1510 and first became a pub in the 17th Century when it was associated with the smuggling of liquor and silks, with secret tunnels leading down to the beach and the pavilion. Unfortunately, nothing quite so interesting happens there today.

Inside, the building has an old flagstone floor with one of the stones carved with the pub name and a druid symbol. Despite the age of the building, nothing about it seems particularly old and worn; the flagstone floor is in good nick, as are the plastered walls and the papered ceiling. One sidewall has a large pebble-dashed effect with remarkably few of the pebbles missing. The furniture is of a distinctly wooden flavour with several large tables and benches, and the tree loving druids wouldn’t be happy with the number of trees that must have gone into the construction of the bar. To add a bit of light to all this dark wood, a few plants stand in the corners of the bar and some large mirrors add some shiny touches.

Every Wednesday night the Druids Head has an acoustic open mic. And that’s pretty much all the entertainment you’re likely to get, as there is no jukebox, Sky Sports or quiz machine; there isn’t even the ubiquitous fruit machine, which must make this place somewhat unique. The best thing that can be said about the Druid’s Head is that it’s a good place to come for a quiet pint, there’s a reasonable selection of beers; a pretty standard selection of pub food and it isn’t that pricey. It also has an area of seating in the square outside which is a good location for watching the busy comings and goings in The Lanes.

Review by AJS