40 years of history… part 1.

Back in 1983, the space shuttle Challenger was launched for the first time. The most popular TV show was Dallas and “Every breath you take” by The Police was THE song! The first Apple Mac(intosh) went on sale and Tetris was not even invented – with its release coming in 1984. 

Obviously though, there was something more momentous that took place that year (at least there was for those residents of Bawburgh!)… The Wimmer family took over The Kings Head. 

Initially starting as a sporting club, The Kings Head had four squash courts, a bowling green, petanque pitch, a sauna, sunbed and even a creche. The Deeds and Hunts bars welcomed scores of people from across Norfolk. Deeds was known as the posh bar as the deeds to the pub hung on the walls. Whilst Hunts bar had a fruit machine, arcade games crazy balloon & defender and a juke box.

Kate’s kitchen was serving home cooked classic pub food in the bars and above the bar in the eaves of the old building was the snug area with a pool table for the punters to barter over a few pints of Carling.

Pamela and Tony Wimmer were the smiling faces you would be greeted with from behind the bar and their son Anton could be seen from time to time when working in the cellar or competing on the squash court around his school studies. Once Anton had finished his schooling, following a year in Amsterdam he started his journey. His return signalled the handing over of the baton at the helm of The Kings Head in his early 20’s.

Through the 80s many changes took place, most memorably the snug was replaced with the ‘Wattle & Daub’ boutique restaurant that was housed in the wattle & daub constructed building – it certainly had oodles of character.

The big storm of the 80’s caused catastrophe at the pub when lightning struck the chimney! The chimney exploded, and all of the electrics fused. Much was irreparable including the inglenook fire, which gave rise to what is now one of the most loved features – the double sided fireplace.

The Hunts bar was soon turned into a restaurant and was redecorated with the removal of the old bench seats and wrought iron tables, creating lots more dining space. Lee Vasey and his band were regulars on a Monday night and had many dancing ‘Ceroc’ including the staff.

This is where the story began.

These photos should jog your memory of times gone past and you can read the next part of our story here. 

We’d love to hear about the memories you have from the years gone by – these can be shared with us on our Facebook page or via email hello@kingsheadbawburgh.co.uk.