A PUB that was built in 1767 remains so historically entwined with the small village of Wickham that it still lives on in the hearts of many locals today.

Despite having its third floor destroyed by fire in 1928, two-storey Georgian building The King’s Head is still firmly standing and has been managed by 51-year-old Charlie Chesterman since November last year.

Charlie said the building used to be a coach house and held an archway which led into stables.

He said: “The King’s Head used to be next door, where the houses have been built now. It used to be an old coach house with stables and holds a place in the heart of the village for everyone.”

The ex-Royal Navy officer went into the pub trade after 28 years serving and said it was a natural move for him.

He added: “Sailors enjoy talking to people with beer, so it was a natural progression for me after leaving the Navy in 2011.”

According to review site TripAdvisor, the pub has a 3.5 rating.

It provides live music every Saturday while bringing in a range of locals, tourists and even furry friends.

The King’s Head prides itself on its family-friendly and dog-friendly facilities, including a children’s park, and makes full use of owning the “largest beer garden in Wickham” when hosting its annual Shakespeare in the Park and beer festival.

A function room with a traditional skittle alley is often used for weddings.

Its cosy interior boasts fairy lights and separate bar and restaurant areas, and televisions are put in place for certain sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup.

Sunday roasts prove “extremely popular” at the pub, according to Charlie, and are accompanied by roaring fires when the winter season kicks in.

They provide locally-sourced food, four cask ales and 22 different flavoured gins and are currently in the process of launching their new cocktail menu.