Historic Northamptonshire village pub wins best British pub award

A pub that was once taken over by the local vicar so he could stop parishioners drinking on Sundays has won the top prize in a national pub awards.

The Tollemache Arms, in the Northamptonshire village of Harrington, has been named Great British Pub of the Year.

Known locally as “The Tolly”, the hostelry took the crown for “its beautiful, thatched site, and using homegrown suppliers”.

Co-owner Flo Pearce said it was a “fantastic and beautiful pub”.

According to Harrington Parish Council the pub was originally called The Red Cow, before being renamed after the Honourable Hugh Tollemache, who was rector of the parish for 58 years until his death in 1890.

A later rector, the Reverend Horace Atkins, objected to his parishioners attending the pub on Sundays so he took it over, the parish council said.

Ms Pearce took over the pub nine years ago, along with co-owner Joe Buckley.

They impressed the judged with their annual music event in the beer garden, as well as the use of homegrown suppliers.

Ms Pearce said it was the building, location and “fantastic team around us that make it the place it is”.

Mr Buckley said it was an “amazing ceremony” at the awards on Tuesday.

He said winning the top prize was “crazy”.

Despite the challenges facing the hospitality industry, such as the rising cost of living and increased energy costs, Mr Buckley said he “loves” running the pub.

“We love our guests, we love our staff , we’re privileged to do what we do day-in-day-out,” he added.