The Elmdon Dial re-opened this year after an 8 year fight by the village to keep their pub. Originally The Kings Head, it has been completely refurbished and extended and now offers the original tap room, parts of which date to 1450; the refurbished oak room with a wine bar feel for relaxed drinking; and the brand new restaurant with its vaulted green oak construction and oak floor.

Why “The Elmdon Dial”?

The new name reflects a part of the Elmdon village’s special history. In the church, opposite the pub, there is a very rare 17th century stained glass sundial which you can see a picture of to the left.

The pub was closed and left empty for many years with a local campaign group, The Kings Headless, campaigning to have it re-opened. In 2005 their prayers were granted and we set about renovating and extending the pub. You can see a few shots of the work in progress and the crowds gathered on the opening day below.

The pub was closed and left empty for many years with a local campaign group, The Kings Headless, campaigning to have it re-opened. In 2005 their prayers were granted and we set about renovating and extending the pub. You can see a few shots of the work in progress and the crowds gathered on the opening day below.

And finally a vintage shot, although I’m sure some of these children are regulars today.

What it looked like when I started...

Just a bit of the mess along the way...

But it turned out nice in the end...

And everyone came to have a look.

History