If it felt like a risk, it was one worth taking and when one of Northamptonshire’s best-loved pubs called on the community for its support, the community delivered – in style.
Owner Joe Buckley had plans for a refurbishment that would give The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, better known as The Tolly, a new lease of life. The aim is to create more dining space, cosier surroundings and make better use of the gardens to ensure as many people as possible get to experience what the pub, which Joe has transformed over the past nine years, has to offer.
Encouraged by leading chef Gary Usher, who has a number of successful restaurants in the north-west, and who has used crowdfunding to support his ambitions, Joe and The Tolly team took the decision to go down the same route. People were invited to make pledges in exchange for rewards, including meal vouchers, private hire for up to 40 guests, a delicious three-course meal for home delivery, and a chance to experience Chef’s Tables – long-table banquets with a special guest chef, drinks and live entertainment. With a target of £33,000, the crowdfunder went live in early March, set to run for a number of weeks, but the target was smashed in just three and a half days.
Admitting to being blown away by the level of support, Joe Buckley said:
“Our minds went in every direction as we made the decision, whether it was negative, or if we might look desperate, but when you think about it, all we’re doing is asking people to pay up front for experiences. Other businesses do it – you pay in advance to go to the theatre or to a football match, so why not for a meal in a pub or restaurant.
“The hospitality industry has been so badly hit over recent years with Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, and hopefully we’ve shown other businesses that it’s something they could think about doing in the future. It’s just bringing in investment to grow and develop, businesses do it all the time, it’s just a different way to do it, but one that is becoming more and more common in the industry.
“We’ve perhaps shown what pubs can do. Times have been tough, Covid accelerated a lot of the problems. We could sit and cry about it and whinge about how tough it is, or we can get on and do something.”
The Tolly is planning to create a Wall of Fame with the names of those who supported the crowdfunder. Around 350 names will be included in the wall and people have been buying ‘names’ for their children and grandchildren so that they can be a permanent part of a community pub.
Three local businesses booked staff parties in advance as part of the scheme and others booked Chef’s Table experiences with the likes of Gary Usher and Northamptonshire-based James Peck, the man behind Restaurant Ember in Wellingborough.
Tom Warner from Warner’s Distillery, which has its headquarters just down the road at Falls Farm, will be staging a Gin Takeover, where ten Northampton Saints players will be in attendance to meet and greet guests and serve the food and drinks.
“Rewards were anything from a meal with wine through to what we consider once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Joe. “The Wall of Fame has proven incredibly popular and I think that says a lot about The Tolly and its connection with the community.
“I came here nine years ago and the pub had had its ups and downs over the years. My aim was to turn it into a quality-led pub and restaurant that had something for all parts of the community, ways it could support all different areas of local life.
“We had quite a big job on our hands, but I love that people like what we have done. We support 45 people who work here, and we support 12 other businesses that are our suppliers and that is something that makes me incredibly proud. We know who our customers are and to know that they are prepared to support us in this way is amazing.”
The success of The Tolly, which dates back to the 17th Century, has been borne out by titles in some leading food and drink awards including Gastropub of the Year at last year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards, National Pub & Bar’s regional winner for the East Midlands, and the BII’s Licensee of the Year Award. Joe added:
“The worst thing is when we have to turn people away because we are full and so we wanted to make better use of the premises. ere will be structural changes to make better use of the space, we’re adding some soundproo ng so those having dinner can enjoy their meal in peace, the rest will be made more cosy and comfortable and we’ll be making the most of the gardens.“We had already planned the refurbishment and would have done it anyway, with or without the crowdfunder, but we are delighted to have received the support we did from our customers and the community.”
Visit The Tollemache Arms website here to find out more
