Walk into The Queens Head in Landgate and, at first sight, you won’t notice anything particularly different. There is still the same quirky décor, the antique pieces rubbing shoulders with the usual assortment of chairs and tables, well-worn saggy, comfortable sofas and statement pieces. On the walls you will continue to find a modern 3D re-creation of Rye alongside mediaeval panels and at every turn you will bump into surfaces laden with books and unexpected artefacts. The pianos are still there too, and nobody frowns if you play them.
These, together with well-cooked and reasonably-priced food, are features of The Queens Head loved by locals and visitors alike, but changes are afoot. Behind the scenes, Cal Roberts, general manager – who has been running the day-to-day operation of the pub for almost a year now – has been instrumental in turning the tide of falling hospitality numbers by initiating a programme of different events designed to attract a wide range of customers, in the evenings but also during the day.
Weekly afternoon events include a bridge club and a quiz, and you will often find other classes such as salsa and various crafts. There is entertainment every Friday evening and Sunday, while Wednesday evenings see participatory events such as Jam and Open Mic nights. In fact there is some kind of entertainment every other day and nobody needs to fear coming alone. “We’ll always find you someone to sit with,” said Cal.
Cal clearly has a huge affection for The Queens Head stretching back well before his time in charge. “It has that special thing that other pubs often lack,” he said. “And it doesn’t try to be posh.” He is quick to point out that Jonathan Breeds must be credited with making the pub such a friendly and welcoming space and that he remains significant. “He’s definitely one of the cogs,” said Cal.
Asked about his plans for the pub, Cal’s enthusiasm is almost palpable. One of his priorities is to ensure that the regular clientele always know what’s going on, and he has made significant use of social media and a brand new website to good effect. However, he is aware that some of the more mature regulars may not use social media in the same way, so there are plans to create an email list.
He is also looking for ways to improve the logistics of the bar area, to ensure that everyone can be served as quickly as possible, and he would like to develop the restaurant side of the pub, especially during the day. “There are lots of plans in the pipeline,” said Cal, “but for the moment it’s a case of ‘watch this space!’”
Cal is passionate about the need for pubs like The Queens Head to survive in these challenging times for hospitality. He sees them as a fundamental part of the fabric of the community, serving different groups in different ways and at different times, but he is aware that they are becoming increasingly rare. “The wolf has been at the door for places like this for many, many years,” he said, “but if we don’t carry on, what then? What does it mean for our communities, for our culture? This is one of the few places people feel comfortable coming to on their own, knowing they will be welcome.”
Looking to the future, Cal has booked entertainment for the rest of 2026, but he is very aware that there is a demand for more than just live music, popular although that is. The recent Five Minutes of Fame event will now be repeated quarterly and he is always on the look-out for new ways to use the space. “One area we are considering is something for more mature men who may be lonely or isolated,” he said. “Often they have many skills and qualities to offer the community, as well as the obvious benefits of social contact, but they don’t have anywhere to share them. We are only in the very early planning stages at present, but would love to hear from anyone who’s interested.”
To summarise, Cal seems to be in the perfect position of having a huge respect for the past and traditions of The Queens Head, while at the same time enjoying a vision of how it can continue to serve its community in new and modern ways. He is keen to credit those who have helped – and continue to help him – especially his friend Jason Willoughby, who has played a large part in the success of what has been achieved so far. “It’s the people who make the pub,” said Cal, and it’s hard to argue with that.
Image Credits: Tony Ham , Kt bruce , Heidi Foster , The Queens Head .