Heritage Lincolnshire has reiterated its commitment to the Old King’s Head in Kirton after having to take the difficult decision to close the venue’s café.
The 16th Century Grade II listed building has been operating as a nine room bed and breakfast and café since 2021 after extensive restoration works enabled the former coaching inn to be brought back into use.
Now, whilst the venue’s accommodation offer will continue to operate unaffected, Heritage Lincolnshire has been forced to take the decision to close the café.
But, the charity is keen to work with the community to find a new future for the operation, and is inviting input from the community and anyone interested in talking to Heritage Lincolnshire about possible future plans for the café.
Tracy Stringfellow, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire explained: “We are extremely proud to operate the Old King’s Head in Kirton. It is a fantastic historic building and it has been great to see this much loved space restored and put to new uses.
“Regrettably, we have had to shut the café operation as it has become very clear over the last year that despite our best efforts, it is no longer financially viable for our charity to run the operation.
“However, I would like to assure people who I appreciate may be disappointed by this news that we remain fully committed to the Old King’s Head, and finding a future for the café space that aligns with the values of the charity and the community.
“We would welcome speaking to individuals or groups about possible ideas to sustain this important community resource.”
Charles Pinchbeck, Chair of Heritage Lincolnshire added: “As a charity, it is so important that we prioritise our resources carefully to continue our mission of preserving Lincolnshire’s heritage.
“The Old King’s Head remains an important part of the Heritage Lincolnshire story and we are keen to see this space operational once more.
“We understand the deep connection the community has with The Old King’s Head. It stands as a symbol of local history, a gathering point, and a shared space for Kirton’s residents. And so, we also invite local people to be part of a conversation about potential future uses that could complement the building’s heritage while enhancing its role in the community
“We share a common goal of maintaining a vibrant, heritage-rich venue in Kirton, and we hope to see The Old King’s Head café continue to contribute to local life under a new operator.
“Together, we can look for solutions that respect both the building’s legacy and the community’s needs.”
*Anyone interested in finding out more about the café operation and getting involved in the conversation about its future use, can get in touch: htladmin@heritagelincolnshire.org
The Old Kings Head, Kirton, Lincolnshire
FAQs
Q. When will the Cafe's last day of operation be?
Sunday 24th November
Q. Why are you doing this?
Regrettably, we have had to shut the café operation as it has become clear over the last year that despite our best efforts, it is no longer financially viable for our charity to run the operation in the current financial climate.
Q. What have you done to try and keep The Old King's Head café open?
Over the last year, we have made extensive efforts to adapt and improve the cafe's financial sustainability, including exploring different operating models and activities.
Q. Does this affect the rest of the Old King's Head operation?
No, the accommodation is unaffected by the closure of the café and will continue to operate as usual, welcoming visitors to Kirton.
Q. What happens next?
We invite you to join the conversation about potential future uses to complement the building's heritage whilst enhancing its role in the community. We hope to see The Old King's Head Cafe continue to contribute to local life under a new operator.
If you have further questions for us, please do get in touch with our team: htladmin@heritagelincolnshire.org