The Cosy Little Marlow Pub That Completely Won Us Over: The King's Head

2026-11-09T15:54:16Z

There are some pubs where you walk through the door and immediately feel at home. The King’s Head in Little Marlow is very much one of them. Cosy, welcoming and full of traditional pub charm, it’s the sort of place where you can settle in for the evening, order something delicious and have absolutely no intention of rushing home.

We visited on Saturday evening for their Steak Night, and came away with full stomachs, big smiles and a rather strong feeling that we’d found a new favourite.

The Vibe: Proper Pub Cosiness

First things first, The King’s Head has that lovely traditional country pub feel that can be surprisingly hard to find these days. Think cosy interiors, plenty of character and a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to pull up a chair and stay a while.

The seating is nicely spaced out, so you’re not practically joining the conversation at the next table (always a bonus), and the whole place feels wonderfully quaint without being stuffy.

What really stood out was the welcome. The team were lovely, and there’s a genuinely relaxed, come-as-you-are feel about the place. No fuss, no pretension, just good old-fashioned hospitality - exactly how a village pub should be.

The Food: Steak Night Is A Very Good Idea

We visited on a Saturday for Steak Night, and honestly, we were blown away.

We both ordered steak, one with peppercorn sauce and the other with mushroom sauce. Both sauces were absolutely delicious. Rich, full of flavour and the sort of thing you’ll want to make sure you get every last bit of with your chips.

The steaks came with a choice of sauce and one side, and we both went for the chunky chips. Alongside these was a side salad, and the portions were incredibly generous.

The chips deserve a mention of their own. Properly chunky, wonderfully satisfying and with that lovely homemade feel that makes all the difference. Nothing mean or miserly about the portions here!

We also ordered a side of buttered vegetables to share, which rounded everything off nicely.

The quality and flavours genuinely surprised us. Everything was delicious, the portions were huge, and by the end of the meal we were well and truly stuffed. In fact, we probably should have paced ourselves a little better (but where’s the fun in that?).

It’s the kind of meal that reminds you just how good a proper pub dinner can be when it’s done well.

More Than Just Steak Night

Although Steak Night was the reason for our visit, there’s plenty more happening at The King’s Head to tempt you back.

Their regular food nights include:

• Thursday – Pie Night: A very good excuse to swap your usual midweek plans for a proper pub pie.
• Friday – Friday Table: A two-course set menu featuring traditional British favourites, including fish and chips made with a crisp batter using local Rebellion IPA.
• Saturday – Steak Night: Perfect for anyone who fancies a seriously satisfying steak dinner.

It’s lovely to see a pub giving people a reason to visit throughout the week, particularly when the food is clearly such a big part of the experience.

(Just check the latest menus and availability before visiting, as food nights and prices can change.)

Planning A Celebration? Their Function Room Is Worth Knowing About

It’s not just a lovely spot for dinner, either. The King’s Head also has a welcoming and versatile function room available for private hire throughout the year, making it a great option if you’re planning a special get-together.

Just a few minutes from Marlow, Bourne End and Cookham, the space can be used for all sorts of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, christenings, wakes, baby showers, corporate events and private dining.

Combining the character of a historic 16th-century country pub with attentive service and good food, it sounds like a rather lovely setting for bringing people together. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a larger gathering, it’s another string to this charming pub’s bow.

The Verdict: One To Add To Your Buckinghamshire Pub List

We had such a lovely evening at The King’s Head. The atmosphere was warm and cosy, the team were welcoming, and the food was genuinely excellent.

It’s not trying to be anything other than a really good pub, and that’s precisely what makes it so appealing. Generous portions, delicious food, proper hospitality and a relaxed setting where you can simply enjoy yourself.

Our advice? Arrive hungry. Those portions are not playing around.