‘We remain fully committed to finding a future for the cafe!’ Heritage Lincolnshire asks for community input to help resurrect soon-to-close meeting spot at Kirton’s Old King’s Head

Heritage Lincolnshire says it is willing to work with members of the public to ensure a soon-to-close community cafe could still have a future.

The charity recently announced the cafe at the recently-restored Old King’s Head in Kirton would close later this month due to ‘rising costs’.

Upset residents set up a petition in a bid to ensure the popular village asset remained open, and have gathered almost 700 signatures.

Although this looks unlikely to succeed in the short term, Heritage Lincolnshire Hopes the cafe at the 16th Century Grade II-listed building, which was saved from ruin and transformed into a nine-room bed and breakfast in 2021, will not remain permanently closed.

The charity says it is keen to work with villagers to find a new future for the operation, and is inviting input from the community and anyone interested in talking to Heritage Lincolnshire about possible future plans for the cafe.

“Regrettably, we have had to shut the cafe operation as it has become very clear over the last year that despite our best efforts, it is no longer financially viable for our charity to run the operation,” said Tracy Stringfellow, chief executive of Heritage Lincolnshire.

“However, I would like to assure people who I appreciate may be disappointed by this news that we remain fully committed to the Old King’s Head, and finding a future for the cafe space that aligns with the values of the charity and the community.

“We would welcome speaking to individuals or groups about possible ideas to sustain this important community resource.”

Charles Pinchbeck, chair of Heritage Lincolnshire added: “As a charity, it is so important that we prioritise our resources carefully to continue our mission of preserving Lincolnshire’s heritage.

“The Old King’s Head remains an important part of the Heritage Lincolnshire story and we are keen to see this space operational once more.

“We understand the deep connection the community has with The Old King’s Head.

“It stands as a symbol of local history, a gathering point, and a shared space for Kirton’s residents. And so, we also invite local people to be part of a conversation about potential future uses that could complement the building’s heritage while enhancing its role in the community.

“We share a common goal of maintaining a vibrant, heritage-rich venue in Kirton, and we hope to see The Old King’s Head cafe continue to contribute to local life under a new operator.

“Together, we can look for solutions that respect both the building’s legacy and the community’s needs.”

*Anyone interested in finding out more about the cafe operation and getting involved in the conversation about its future use, can get in touch at htladmin@heritagelincolnshire.org.”

Heritage Lincolnshire confirmed the bed and breakfast offering will remain unaffected by the cafe closure.