Welcome to The King and Queen in Hamble, known all over the world by sailors as "The Rum Pub". Voted as The World’s Best Yachting Bar in the World in 2014, and again, in 2022 and winners of The Best Bar Team in London & The South, Great British Pub awards 2015.

The King & Queen is a popular and historic pub frequented by international and local sailors alike, and a firm favourite with the locals. The name is thought to originate from the reign of the dual monarchs, William III and Mary II. The Grade Two listed building is situated in the centre of Hamble village, on the quaint cobbled High Street. The building was originally a cottage from which ale was sold, as early as 1745. The later extension is the Edwardian style rear building of the pub, now called The Lower Deck, that backs onto Rope Walk, very aptly named, as sailors used to lay out the sailing ship ropes on this stretch of lane. The Lower Deck is used as a dining area or private dining room for up to 24 guests seated or more, if standing for a buffet style meal. Great for special occasions, celebrations or wakes, or a gathering of yacht crew, pre or post regatta.

The pub boasts 3 front doors; a beautiful Victorian building, steeped in history; it has a cold stone cellar reportedly used as temporary mortuary for bodies of sailors who’d passed away at sea until they were buried. This part of the pub is believed to be haunted but is also an ideal beer & wine cellar! We don’t keep any spirits in there!

From the 1850’s the Robinson family, who were also the local blacksmiths, held the liquor licence, until 1920. We still have their original hand-painted sign in the pub. The pub has been a popular pre and post regatta meeting place, since the 1870’s.

Indoors we have an open log fire and a log burner which are lit at the end of September and kept going until the Spring and warmer weather. The decor is warm and cosy, with comfy cushioned seating areas, wooden tables, candelabras, low lights and always, always, fresh flowers on the tables. Our courtyard garden seats up to 80 with a mix of wicker and wooden chairs, on four different flagstone terraces, protected from the elements with canopies, olive trees and roses, gazebos, (heaters when required) with lanterns and string lights for ambience: ideal for family gatherings, crew suppers or romance!

We suggest that you make a reservation if you wish to dine with us and then choose an indoor or an outdoor table. We have seasonal menus which are updated on this website.
All the staff will be doing their best to ensure you have a great time.