The Duke William

The portions were enormous, the food was fantastic, and it was great value. Everyone working there was friendly and attentive, and made us feel welcome. A lovely countryside spot, and we’ll definitely come back.

The fire was a treat on such a bitterly cold day, and the pub was a lovely place to settle in. It’s an old building with plenty of room, plus a warm welcome when we arrived for lunch. I loved my food and the service, and my friend did too. It’s dog friendly as well, so he enjoyed the visit. Looking forward to going back soon.

I hadn’t been to the Duke William since visiting with my parents more than twenty years ago. This time I brought a valued friend for a late birthday dinner, and the evening lived up to my memories. The proprietor has kept the atmosphere just as I remembered it. Our waitress was charming, helpful, and a delight. The food was splendid and very reasonably priced. Thank you both for a perfect evening. I’m sorry I didn’t ask our waitress’s name. I plan to return soon, and hopefully won’t leave it so long this time.

A hot sausage roll and a pint of Adnams Ghost Ship (3.4%) were exactly what I needed after the wet walk from Wingham to Canterbury. The sausage roll may be the best in Kent: flaky, substantial, and served hot. The beer was bright and citrusy, with a lower ABV that suited the remaining miles. Lily handled a busy Saturday with real poise, and our food arrived in about ten minutes despite a birthday party in full swing. The Duke William was a welcome refuge in Ickham. The fire warmed us while we dried off, and the pub has the genuine rural character that newer places try to recreate. Ickham itself is a beautifully preserved historic village. The medieval church is worth a visit, and it’s the resting place of William of Heytesbury, the 14th-century logician and former Chancellor of Oxford University. He formulated the Mean Speed Theorem, also called the Merton Rule: d=1/2(vi+vf)t. It shows that a body under constant acceleration travels the same distance as one moving at a steady speed equal to its average velocity. Galileo owes a lot to those Oxford calculators! Whether you’re interested in the history, the logic, or just need shelter from the rain, it’s a welcoming stop. I’d happily return for another sausage roll.