Queen's Head, Newton

A pub since at least 1729 and still run on very traditional lines. From the front door a short passage leads to the 'Jug And Bottle' hatch still with its window and bell push. To the right is the superb traditional quarry-tiled public bar which retains old dado panelling with bare bench seating, old wood surround fireplace and a splendid curved high-backed settle. The counter was added in post war times and behind it a stillage contains casks of Adnams beers. To the left of the passage is the Saloon or lounge bar which was formerly two small rooms (possibly the Saloon in the front and living quarters at the rear with its inglenook fireplace?). This room sports two classic forms of pub re-fitting used in the early 1960s, of which few examples now survive - a bar counter of brick with old bottles set into it; and wood added to the walls to give a Mock-Tudor effect. In 1963 the toilets and a games annexe to the right of the public bar was added. You can play traditional pub games such as Devil Among The Tailors, Shove H'appeny and Darts - the pub claims the Shah of Persia played darts here in 1965. What makes this pub so popular is that all the work is very much in sympathy with the historic core.