ACCESS STATEMENT FOR QUEENS HEAD This Access Statement does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our visitors. Introduction The Queens Head is situated within Sutton Valence village centre, historically listed in the Domesday Book & first mention of a settlement was in 814. The main core of the pub dates back to 1460 & certain parts of the pub are Grade 2 listed. We are at the top of the hill & as such offer fantastic views over the Weald of Kent. We offer Real Ales, Goachers Ale is from our local Micro-Brewery. We also serve good quality, reasonably priced food, where locally sourced raw materials are used, where possible. We host a quiz fortnightly on a Monday, forthcoming dates can be found on our events tab. We look forward to welcoming you & your 4-legged friends. Please see contact information page for any assistance you may require.
Directions & Transport Links By Road Situated on A274 between Maidstone & Headcorn. 6 Miles south of Maidstone & 3 miles North of Headcorn. Our postcode is ME17 3AG, coming from Maidstone on the A274 travelling South, turn left past the Kings Head (junction with Chart Road) into the village (stay on the left / top road) & we are 150m on the left. Rail The nearest railway station is Headcorn or Staplehurst both approximately 3 miles away with taxi service at each station & bus links. Buses The nearest bus stop is on the main A274 just by Hilltop Garage. Bus services are No: 12, running between Maidstone & Tenterden, details can be found at : http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/south-east/12--- maidstone-to-tenterden A local map can be found on our Website contacts page or Google Maps & enter ME17 3AG
Local Access Information It should be noted that Sutton Valence Village centre is on top of a steep hill (above the Weald of Kent.) The village centre itself is extremely old with many properties & features dating back to the 15 th century. The pavements are narrow in places & many are made of cobblestones. The Greensand Way (walkers route) runs to the rear of the pub overlooking the Weald of Kent. Car Parking & Pedestrian Access We have a small free car park to the rear of the pub, which will accommodate 8 cars.
Car parking is also permitted outside the pub. Access is by inclined drive to the side of the pub, the nearest side door to access the pub is 50m. The car park surface is tarmac but is quite steep & is unlit at night due to close proximity to neighbours houses. Side door Access 4 steps into pub with handrails: Front door Access 8 Steep steps into pub with handrails. Due to steepness of steps & position of side steps to road it is not possible to implement a ramp, fixed or portable, however management & staff are more than willing to help with lifting of wheelchairs or provide a supporting arm.
Main Bar & dining area The Main Bar & Dining area are situated on 1 level & whilst uneven flooring, is negotiable by wheelchair:
Drinks can be served at the table on request. There is a 2 seater low sofa in the Main Bar. Tables & chairs are standard wooden kitchen style chairs without arms as shown in picture above. There is a TV in the Main Bar which is only activated for major national events, subtitles can be shown on request. Food is locally sourced where at all possible. Vegetarian choices are offered, please advise of any intolerances or allergies to products. Food is ordered at the Bar & served at your table, please make staff aware of any access assistance you may require & we will be happy to assist. Large print menus are available on request.
Customer Toilets Gents & Ladies W.C. s are both located to the rear of the Main Bar with 1 small step access & then are on a level: All W.C. s have coarse quarry tile flooring & good bright overhead permanent lighting. All sinks are equipped with lever taps. Gents entrance door is 78cm / cubicle is 70cm. Ladies entrance door is 62cm / cubicle is 65cm. All toilet heights are 42.5cm.
Beer Garden, Childrens Play Area The Beer Garden is open all year round until dark (due to consideration for our neighbours.) We have a Gazebo in the Garden approved by KCC for the solemnization of Civil Marriages & the formation of Civil Partnerships. We also have a Stables Bar / Function room to the rear of the pub across a small courtyard which is opened for functions & special events, this is on the same level as the courtyard. Access to the Garden is to the rear of the pub via the courtyard. The courtyard is blocked paving with a slight incline to levelling, 1 small step onto decking then 4 shallow steps to gravel bed then grass. Due to the pub being at the top of the hill, the garden is sloped in some area but has been levelled at the top. Access to Childrens Play area is via the Garden & is fenced & visible for safety. This area is for children 7 years & under.
Additional Information All our staff are trained in house for disability awareness & are happy to assist with any reasonable requests. In the event of emergency evacuation, fire escapes & evacuation routes are clearly marked & management will help with anyone that needs assistance. We welcome all well behaved dogs on leads & water will be provided. A water bowl is always accessible in the garden. Low energy lighting is used throughout the building.
The nearest General Hospital with A&E facilities is Maidstone Hospital 6 miles away, the nearest Doctor s Surgery is 0.5miles away on the Main A274 (North), details can be provided. Free Wi-Fi Internet access is available within the Main Bar via The Cloud. Contact Information Landlord & Landlady Dave & Steph Ewen. Address - High Street, Sutton Valence, Maidstone, Kent. ME17 3AG. Telephone 01622 843225 Email queenshead@btinternet.com Website www.queens-head.net OS Grid Reference: TQ8115349207 OS Grid Coordinates: 581153, 149207 Latitude/Longitude: 51.2133, 0.5923 Opening / dining hours Please see Website Tabs Local Taxis Express 01622 222222 Local Buses Arriva 01622 697000 Local Train Station Headcorn 0845 748 4950