Heritage Lincolnshire, in partnership with Poyntons Chartered Surveyors, is delighted to announce that The Old King’s Head in Kirton is set to begin a vibrant new chapter. Following an extensive restoration supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the iconic Grade II listed building will soon reopen under the stewardship of Mark and Katharine Nundy, local residents and business owners, with a passion for community, heritage, and hospitality.
This much-loved 16th-century building has stood at the heart of village life for over 400 years. Thanks to Heritage Lincolnshire’s tireless work, and the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, and Investors in Lincoln it has been sensitively brought back to life as a beautifully refurbished nine-room boutique hotel with café, courtyard, function barn, and on-site manager’s accommodation.
The Nundys will assume full operational control following a transitional handover period, with a full public opening anticipated in June 2025. Previously known as The Swan, The Old King’s Head has been many things over the centuries—an inn, a brewery, a residence, and a bustling social hub. Now, it’s ready to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of community life in Kirton.
Tracy Stringfellow, Chief Executive of Heritage Lincolnshire: “Saving The Old King’s Head has been a labour of love, not just for us as a charity, but for everyone who supported the project from the beginning. We are excited about this new partnership with Mark and Katharine, who bring energy, expertise, and deep roots in the local area. This is exactly what we hoped for—heritage secured, and a community asset reawakened for the future. We are deeply grateful to the exceptional team at the Old King’s Head and to all our supporters, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund, and Investors in Lincoln. Their belief in this project has made this bright future possible.”
Mark and Katharine Nundy, incoming custodians: “We feel incredibly lucky to take on this beautiful building and bring it back into the everyday lives of people in Kirton. As residents with a long-standing commitment to Lincolnshire food, farming and hospitality, our aim is to create something welcoming, meaningful, and proudly rooted in the community. From food festivals and live music to weddings and weekend brunch, we want The Old King’s Head to be a place full of life once again.”
James Fairman, Managing Director of Poyntons Chartered Surveyors: “It’s been a privilege to be part of this journey. What Heritage Lincolnshire has achieved here is extraordinary—they’ve not only saved an important building but created a brilliant platform for long-term success. Mark and Katharine are exactly the right people to carry that forward, and I think the people of Kirton are going to be delighted with what comes next.”
The upcoming opening marks a turning point—not just for the building, but for the village itself. This announcement offers reassurance: The Old King’s Head has a bright future, led by passionate local custodians who understand its history, value its community, and are ready to put both at the heart of what they do. The doors are set to reopen in June 2025 — and with that, a proud new era begins.
