The King's Ditch
TAMWORTH
Specialising mostly in local ales, The King’s Ditch was Tamworth’s first micropub, opening on 27th Nov. 2014
Four to Six gravity-served ales straight from the cask are complemented by Sixteen real ciders, Three Fruit Ciders and Two Perries, all carefully chosen by our passionate team.
The King’s Ditch is characterised by its simple but modern bare brick and wood interior. We have a single ground floor room and a small drinking area upstairs, accommodating around 40 people.
The Beer and Cider being served from a chilled room at approx. 12 degrees centigrade.
We don’t have any fruit machines, TVs or music – we simply have a warm and friendly atmosphere where people can enjoy real ale and good conversation. Please note! Children are welcome, to sit and not race around, until 7pm. Dogs are also welcome as long as they bring their owners.
We look forward to welcoming you to The King’s Ditch soon! Go to the Blog for our latest news…
Phil Baverstock
Great beer and cider, well kept and plenty of choice. Also need to add friendly and relaxed atmosphere even to new visitors like us, locals chatty and the landlord/staff welcoming. Micropub heaven.
Fiona Phillips
We love this micro pub. There's always a warm welcome and an excellent selection of ales and ciders on offer. Great atmosphere and community feel.
Vince Moore
CAMRA award winning micro pub serving ale at its very best. Constantly changing selection of real ales and brewerys. Knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff and owners. Will always let you sample a beer or cider to help with choice. Great scratchings, crisps and other nibbles. Our favourite place to enjoy a "coupla two three pints".
KING'S DITCH NEWS
KEEP UP TO DATE
Quiz night on Tuesday 30th April 2024
April 17, 2024
OPENING TIMES
Please see our announcements or social media posts regarding any special opening times.
Monday
16:00 - 19:00
Tuesday
16:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
16:00 - 19:00
Thursday
16:00 - 19:00
Friday
14:30 - 21:30
Saturday
12:00 - 21:30
Sunday
12:00 - 17:00
OUR MENU
WHAT'S CURRENTLY BEING SERVED
Cask Beers
Method – Attic, Stirchley, West Midlands
Pale ale packed full of West Coast hops. Vegan.
Regal Blond – Byatt’s, Coventry, West Midlands
Easy drinking, strong golden ale.
Simple Souls – Shiny, Little Eaton, Derbyshire
Hazy pale ale. Vegan.
The Panther – Little, Derby
Oatmeal stout. Vegan.
Bottles & Cans
Against the Grain – Wold Top, Wold Newton, East Yorkshire
Lager-style pale ale. Gluten free. 500ml bottle.
Cherries & Berries – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Crafted with the most sublime cherries & berries, this mouth-watering cider is sweet with a soft underlying berry flavour and bold cherry notes. 500ml bottle.
Marmalade Porter – Wold Top, Wold Newton, East Yorkshire
Wold Top Marmalade Porter, a complex rich dark porter with a sweet malty base, overtones of bitter orange and hints of coffee and chocolate. Gluten free. 500ml bottle.
Peach Cider – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Apple and peach sparkling sweet cider. 500ml bottle.
Scarborough Fair IPA – Wold Top, Wold Newton, East Yorkshire.
Strong and well hopped, interestingly brewed with a Pale predominately Wold grown malt base, a triple hop blend and Maize for the head retention. Gluten Free. 500ml bottle.
Stray Cat Lager – Lymestone, Stone, Staffordshire
Bottled lager 500ml.
Ciders
Bee Sting – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Sweet, still perry.
Bone Dry – Dudda’s Tun, Doddington, Kent
A clean, crisp and full-dry cider. Made from Katy & Bramley apples.
Cuckoo Penny – Celtic Marches, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire
Medium cider enriched with fresh rhubarb juice.
Dabinett – Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire
Traditional medium cider made with Dabinett apples.
Devil’s Device – Mr Whiteheads, Colemore, Hampshire
Quite clear and golden in colour with a full bodied smell. Nutty, earthy flavours are dominant in this cider, rich with a good deep body it is medium with a dry aftertaste.
Farmhouse – Rich’s Cider, Highbridge, Somerset
Traditional medium sweet farmhouse cider, aged in oak vats.
Happy Daze – Gwynt y Ddraig, Pontypridd
Fruity apple aroma, well balanced. A light and very easy to drink medium cider.
Janet’s Jungle Juice – West Croft Cider, Brent Knoll, Somerset
Medium cider made with traditional varieties of Somerset cider apples.
Mango – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Smooth, sophisticated Mango cider made with an ample fusion of exotic Mango fruit and Somerset apples. To give a mouth watering tropical flavour.
Moonshine – Broadoak, Clutton, Somerset
Strong and very drinkable cider with a crisp and refreshing taste.
Oak Cask – Ross on Wye Cider and Perry Company, Broome Farm, Herefordshire
Traditional medium sweet cider fermented in an oak cask.
Squeal Pig – Gwatkin, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Medium perry.
Stoke Red – Gwatkin, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Sweet cider made from Stoke Red apples.
Strawberry – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Easy drinking still strawberry cider made with a blend of apple cider and strawberry juice.
Sweet Cider – Farmer Jims, Newton Abbot, Devon
A light aromatic sweet cider.
Three Cats Dry – Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire
Traditional dry cider.
Three Cats Medium – Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire
Traditional medium cider.
Yarlington Mill – Gwatkin, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Rich red, traditional, medium farmhouse cider.
Wine
Merlot – Hidden Road, Spain
Flavours of plum and black cherries and a soft, elegant finish.
Pinot Grigio – Mirabello Italian
Fresh, dry and delicate with gentle floral and citrus aromas.
Prosecco DOC Frizzante, Canti, Vento – Italy
Pale straw in colour with bouquet and taste of green apples and flowers. Excellent as an aperitif for with slightly salted snacks.
Prosecco Frizzante, Di Paolo, Veneto – Italy
Light apple and pear with lightly toasty aromas. Apple notes on the palate together with light floral touches such as rose and also ginger. Fresh and appealing.
Rioja – Campo Viejo, Spain
This wine combines the floral aromas from complimentary white grape varieties, enhancing the white fruit aromas and giving the wine a fresh and pleasant finish.
Sauvignon Blanc – Brisa, Chile
Valle Central – Wine of Chile.
Zinfandel White – Wildwood – Californian
Wildwood Rose is made using only the ripest grapes from California to produce a youthful wine with aromas of fresh cherries and watermelon. On the palate, flavours of juicy ripe strawberries and sweet candy are incredibly sumptuous and ever so moreish. Perfectly balanced the finish is fresh and lingering.
Spirits
Balvenie Doublewood – Dufftown, Banffshire
Single malt Scotch whisky. 40% ABV.
Brandy – Seven Tails
XO brandy.
Gin – Gordons
Dry London Gin.
Gin – Green Duck Apple & Lime 40%
Launched in 2020 by the Green Duck Brewery.
Gin – Larios Rose 37.5%
A Mediterranean gin infused with strawberries! This is a variation from Larios. A fruity gin with plenty of strawberry notes supported by citrus and soft juniper. A striking pink version of Larios Mediterranean gin that has an intense strawberry aroma and is full of soft, delicious fresh strawberry flavours.
Served with Fever-tree Mediterranean tonic, or a mixer of your choice.
Gin – That Boutique-y Cherry 46%
Classic gin with added sweet and sour marasca cherries, and a good pinch of spice.
Gin – That Boutique-y Pineapple 42.6%
Whole pineapples are roasted on a spit with Demerara sugar until they are gloriously caramelised. That Boutique-y Gin Company then combine this lip-smacking treat with some bold gin, which both cuts through and pairs brilliantly with the sweet, zesty, subtly toasty pineapple.
Gin – Whitley Neill Blood Orange 43%
Bright, zesty aromas head up a clean, citrus Gin. A sweet fruit burst of Sicilian Blood Oranges offers a smooth crisp taste of the Mediterranean sun.
Gin – Whitley Neill Raspberry 43%
An initial and distinct juniper, coriander and liquorice flavour that gives way to a bright, fresh vibrant taste of Scottish raspberries. A perfectly balanced Gin with a delicate, fruity taste and a lasting citrus, raspberry flavour.
Gin – Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger 43%
While the original Whitley Neill Gin is inspired by the exotic flavours of Africa, their Rhubarb & Ginger Gin variation takes inspiration from closer to the Whitley family’s homestead. Subtly tart with clear rhubarb influence. A twist of orange sweetness and herbaceous coriander brings balance to the palate. Served with Fever-tree Ginger Ale or a mixer of your choice.
Glencadam – Brechin, Angus
10 year old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Remy Martin VSOP – France
The iconic Rémy Martin VSOP cognac embodies the signature style of the House. The vibrant gold coloured cognac reveals dominant notes of vanilla, dried apricot and candied pear.
Rémy Martin VSOP is highly versatile thanks to the complexity and elegance of its aromas.
Rum – Bacardi
White rum.
Talisker Skye – Carbost, Isle of Skye
Single malt Scotch whisky. 45.8% ABV.
Vodka – Smirnoff
Red label.
Whisky – Famous Grouse
Blended Scotch whisky. 40% ABV.
Soft Drinks
Coca Cola
The genuine article in cans.
Coffee
Douwe Egberts instant coffee.
Coke Zero
Zero sugar. 330ml can.
Diet Coke
The genuine article in cans.
Fruit Shoot
Blackcurrant.
J20
Apple & raspberry.
Lemonade
R Whites in a can.
Orange
Schweppes.
Orange squash
Robinsons no added sugar.
Rose Lemonade
Fentimans.
Tea
Yorkshire Tea.
Tonic Water – various flavours
Fever Tree range
Snacks
Just Crisps
Sea Salt,
Sea Salt & Black Pepper,
Sea Salt & Apple Balsamic Vinegar,
Mature Cheddar & Onion,
Ham & Mustard,
Jalapeno.
Peanuts
KP dry roasted.
KP ready salted.
Pork Scratchings
Black Country Quarters. 50g bag.
All Menus
Against the Grain – Wold Top, Wold Newton, East Yorkshire
Lager-style pale ale. Gluten free. 500ml bottle.
Balvenie Doublewood – Dufftown, Banffshire
Single malt Scotch whisky. 40% ABV.
Bee Sting – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Sweet, still perry.
Bone Dry – Dudda’s Tun, Doddington, Kent
A clean, crisp and full-dry cider. Made from Katy & Bramley apples.
Brandy – Seven Tails
XO brandy.
Cherries & Berries – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Crafted with the most sublime cherries & berries, this mouth-watering cider is sweet with a soft underlying berry flavour and bold cherry notes. 500ml bottle.
Coca Cola
The genuine article in cans.
Coffee
Douwe Egberts instant coffee.
Coke Zero
Zero sugar. 330ml can.
Cuckoo Penny – Celtic Marches, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire
Medium cider enriched with fresh rhubarb juice.
Dabinett – Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire
Traditional medium cider made with Dabinett apples.
Devil’s Device – Mr Whiteheads, Colemore, Hampshire
Quite clear and golden in colour with a full bodied smell. Nutty, earthy flavours are dominant in this cider, rich with a good deep body it is medium with a dry aftertaste.
Diet Coke
The genuine article in cans.
Farmhouse – Rich’s Cider, Highbridge, Somerset
Traditional medium sweet farmhouse cider, aged in oak vats.
Fruit Shoot
Blackcurrant.
Gin – Gordons
Dry London Gin.
Gin – Green Duck Apple & Lime 40%
Launched in 2020 by the Green Duck Brewery.
Gin – Larios Rose 37.5%
A Mediterranean gin infused with strawberries! This is a variation from Larios. A fruity gin with plenty of strawberry notes supported by citrus and soft juniper. A striking pink version of Larios Mediterranean gin that has an intense strawberry aroma and is full of soft, delicious fresh strawberry flavours.
Served with Fever-tree Mediterranean tonic, or a mixer of your choice.
Gin – That Boutique-y Cherry 46%
Classic gin with added sweet and sour marasca cherries, and a good pinch of spice.
Gin – That Boutique-y Pineapple 42.6%
Whole pineapples are roasted on a spit with Demerara sugar until they are gloriously caramelised. That Boutique-y Gin Company then combine this lip-smacking treat with some bold gin, which both cuts through and pairs brilliantly with the sweet, zesty, subtly toasty pineapple.
Gin – Whitley Neill Blood Orange 43%
Bright, zesty aromas head up a clean, citrus Gin. A sweet fruit burst of Sicilian Blood Oranges offers a smooth crisp taste of the Mediterranean sun.
Gin – Whitley Neill Raspberry 43%
An initial and distinct juniper, coriander and liquorice flavour that gives way to a bright, fresh vibrant taste of Scottish raspberries. A perfectly balanced Gin with a delicate, fruity taste and a lasting citrus, raspberry flavour.
Gin – Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger 43%
While the original Whitley Neill Gin is inspired by the exotic flavours of Africa, their Rhubarb & Ginger Gin variation takes inspiration from closer to the Whitley family’s homestead. Subtly tart with clear rhubarb influence. A twist of orange sweetness and herbaceous coriander brings balance to the palate. Served with Fever-tree Ginger Ale or a mixer of your choice.
Glencadam – Brechin, Angus
10 year old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Happy Daze – Gwynt y Ddraig, Pontypridd
Fruity apple aroma, well balanced. A light and very easy to drink medium cider.
J20
Apple & raspberry.
Janet’s Jungle Juice – West Croft Cider, Brent Knoll, Somerset
Medium cider made with traditional varieties of Somerset cider apples.
Just Crisps
Sea Salt,
Sea Salt & Black Pepper,
Sea Salt & Apple Balsamic Vinegar,
Mature Cheddar & Onion,
Ham & Mustard,
Jalapeno.
Lemonade
R Whites in a can.
Mango – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Smooth, sophisticated Mango cider made with an ample fusion of exotic Mango fruit and Somerset apples. To give a mouth watering tropical flavour.
Marmalade Porter – Wold Top, Wold Newton, East Yorkshire
Wold Top Marmalade Porter, a complex rich dark porter with a sweet malty base, overtones of bitter orange and hints of coffee and chocolate. Gluten free. 500ml bottle.
Merlot – Hidden Road, Spain
Flavours of plum and black cherries and a soft, elegant finish.
Method – Attic, Stirchley, West Midlands
Pale ale packed full of West Coast hops. Vegan.
Moonshine – Broadoak, Clutton, Somerset
Strong and very drinkable cider with a crisp and refreshing taste.
Oak Cask – Ross on Wye Cider and Perry Company, Broome Farm, Herefordshire
Traditional medium sweet cider fermented in an oak cask.
Orange
Schweppes.
Orange squash
Robinsons no added sugar.
Peach Cider – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Apple and peach sparkling sweet cider. 500ml bottle.
Peanuts
KP dry roasted.
KP ready salted.
Pinot Grigio – Mirabello Italian
Fresh, dry and delicate with gentle floral and citrus aromas.
Pork Scratchings
Black Country Quarters. 50g bag.
Prosecco DOC Frizzante, Canti, Vento – Italy
Pale straw in colour with bouquet and taste of green apples and flowers. Excellent as an aperitif for with slightly salted snacks.
Prosecco Frizzante, Di Paolo, Veneto – Italy
Light apple and pear with lightly toasty aromas. Apple notes on the palate together with light floral touches such as rose and also ginger. Fresh and appealing.
Regal Blond – Byatt’s, Coventry, West Midlands
Easy drinking, strong golden ale.
Remy Martin VSOP – France
The iconic Rémy Martin VSOP cognac embodies the signature style of the House. The vibrant gold coloured cognac reveals dominant notes of vanilla, dried apricot and candied pear.
Rémy Martin VSOP is highly versatile thanks to the complexity and elegance of its aromas.
Rioja – Campo Viejo, Spain
This wine combines the floral aromas from complimentary white grape varieties, enhancing the white fruit aromas and giving the wine a fresh and pleasant finish.
Rose Lemonade
Fentimans.
Rum – Bacardi
White rum.
Sauvignon Blanc – Brisa, Chile
Valle Central – Wine of Chile.
Scarborough Fair IPA – Wold Top, Wold Newton, East Yorkshire.
Strong and well hopped, interestingly brewed with a Pale predominately Wold grown malt base, a triple hop blend and Maize for the head retention. Gluten Free. 500ml bottle.
Simple Souls – Shiny, Little Eaton, Derbyshire
Hazy pale ale. Vegan.
Squeal Pig – Gwatkin, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Medium perry.
Stoke Red – Gwatkin, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Sweet cider made from Stoke Red apples.
Strawberry – Lilley’s, Frome, Somerset
Easy drinking still strawberry cider made with a blend of apple cider and strawberry juice.
Stray Cat Lager – Lymestone, Stone, Staffordshire
Bottled lager 500ml.
Sweet Cider – Farmer Jims, Newton Abbot, Devon
A light aromatic sweet cider.
Talisker Skye – Carbost, Isle of Skye
Single malt Scotch whisky. 45.8% ABV.
Tea
Yorkshire Tea.
The Panther – Little, Derby
Oatmeal stout. Vegan.
Three Cats Dry – Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire
Traditional dry cider.
Three Cats Medium – Three Cats, Morley, Derbyshire
Traditional medium cider.
Tonic Water – various flavours
Fever Tree range
Vodka – Smirnoff
Red label.
Whisky – Famous Grouse
Blended Scotch whisky. 40% ABV.
Yarlington Mill – Gwatkin, Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
Rich red, traditional, medium farmhouse cider.
Zinfandel White – Wildwood – Californian
Wildwood Rose is made using only the ripest grapes from California to produce a youthful wine with aromas of fresh cherries and watermelon. On the palate, flavours of juicy ripe strawberries and sweet candy are incredibly sumptuous and ever so moreish. Perfectly balanced the finish is fresh and lingering.
* Please note all drinks and menu items are subject to availability and may change at short notice.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
EST. NOV 2014
About Micropubs
Micropubs are springing up all over the UK. A Micropub is a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, cider, wines and no draught lagers, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks. For more information see micropubassociation.co.uk.
So why The King’s Ditch?
Well it goes back to the very origins of the name Tamworth, they add the worth bit in the name, meaning enclosure, Tamworth = enclosure by the River Tame.
The enclosure in this case consisted of a broad ditch and bank, known variably as the King´s Ditch or Offa´s Dyke or Walferlong. Similar Saxon earthworks and fortifications have been measured at upto 50 ft wide.
The King’s Ditch was still visible and cleared identified on maps in the 19th Century. By 1884 the eastern ditch had disappeared.
The Northern line has been placed at approximately between 51 Lower Gungate and Bell Corner. From the various historical reports we have found the Ditch may date to either King Aethelfaed’s or King Offa’s rule — that’s over a thousand years ago and well before the castle or church were built.
About us
The King’s Ditch was setup by Dave Barnfield, Ade Smith and Ged Fisher. Formerly a cycle shop, after renovation we opened for business on 27th November 2014. It was Ged’s dream from Christmas 2013 to open a micropub, having been to several in Kent, that September.
The premises were found in June 14 and lease signed in October, it took 5 weeks to lay the floor, get the stillage, build the benches (with thanks to John Deeming), source tables and chairs, install the cooling system. Oh, and get the beers and ciders.
We have a passion for real ale and cider, having been keen followers of the local football team, and CAMRA members, we have been in many pubs on away days and drunk many pints of good and not so good beers. We thought that we might be able to supplement the beers sold by other establishments in Tamworth. Our aim is to complement the other pubs that sell real ales in the town, by stocking beers from different breweries.
Dave decided early in 2015 that working behind the bar wasn’t for him, so he left the company. Ged and Ade jointly ran the pub for the next eight years, winning many CAMRA awards during that time. In October 2023, pub regular Chris Collinge took over and continues to run the pub along the same lines. The King's Ditch has recently been awarded Branch Cider Pub of the Year (Staffordshire) 2024, by Lichfield, Sutton & Tamworth CAMRA.
FINDING THE KING'S DITCH
TAMWORTH
Finding us from Tamworth railway station:
We’re just an 8 minute walk from the railway station. Head to the island from the station forecourt, follow the path to the right to the crossing, cross road and take the left path towards Domino’s Pizza, pass this building on your left and go up Albert Road. Pass the Albert Pub, until you come to the junction with the traffic lights. Turn left into Lower Gungate. We are 50 metres down on the right.