Pub put on wheels to beat World Cup road closures

Pub landlords have come up with an innovative solution to road closures, which they fear may hamper trade during the World Cup.

Sophie McCreddie and Pete Goss, of Bildeston, Suffolk, are taking their beloved boozer, The King's Head, on the road in a converted horsebox.

The specialised vehicle, designed for transporting horses, will be kitted out with everything from beer pumps and cooking facilities to a dedicated space for a DJ.

McCreddie and Goss are hitting the road to dodge water mains works, which Anglian Water is carrying out along High Street in Bildeston, for five months from 22 June.

"It was a couple of years in the making because our friend Paul renovates horseboxes, so we'd been discussing with him what we could do," said McCreddie.

"We just thought it would be a fantastic idea because it enables us to get to people if they can't get to the pub - we can still provide them with the King's Head experience."

The main stationary pub, according to its website, was originally used as a wool warehouse in the 1400s before becoming a hostelry in the 16th Century.

It was taken over by McCreddie and Goss in 2022, who host everything from quizzes and wine and cheese tasting events to live music nights at the venue.

And they plan to do similar even when they are on the road.

"There is a ramp where the horse would normally walk up - that's its own individual bar where a DJ [can be]," added McCreddie.

"That provides a lot more scope for lots of people to rock up and get drinks. It will really feel like a pub experience."

The on-the-move bar will start up its engines in the middle of June and remain mobile until November, while Anglian Water carries out a £1m repairs project.

The scheme will see the High Street closed for months while engineers work to upgrade and replace nearly a kilometre of pipes.

"With the road closures, we don't know what is going to happen, but with the King's Head on wheels, we can visit different villages or private parties," said Goss.

"We can bring that same vibe to your home or to your village."

Anglian Water has been contacted for comment.

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