The Tollemache Arms in Harrington is celebrating after becoming the first Northamptonshire-based finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence.
One of the county’s best-loved pubs has enjoyed success locally and nationally over the past few years; it was named Gastropub of the Year at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards in 2023, and National Pub & Bar’s regional winner for the East Midlands in 2024, and took the Pub of the Year title in the Discover Northamptonshire Tourism Awards earlier this year.
Owner Joe Buckley and his team will be with other finalists, guests, judges and hosts when they gather under the wing of Concorde Alpha Foxtrot at Aerospace Bristol on June 3, to celebrate the best in English tourism.
Joe said: “We are incredibly proud to become the first Northamptonshire finalist in the Visit England Awards for Excellence. It’s been a tough few years for the hospitality sector and it’s not getting any easier and we are thrilled to be recognised like this.
“We think of ourselves as a true community pub and have had so much support from not just the locals at The Tolly but across the county as a whole, and we put our success down to that as much as anything.”
The Visit England Awards for Excellence described The Tollemache Arms as being ‘where timeless pub heritage meets outstanding modern hospitality. At the heart of its community, it offers warm, intuitive service, a lively atmosphere and beautifully kept, character-rich interiors. The bar champions quality ales, premium spirits and local craft drinks, while fresh seasonal menus showcase trusted local suppliers, making food central to relaxed lunches and memorable evenings alike’.
Two years ago, when Joe Buckley had plans to carry out a major refurbishment at the 17th Century pub that would create more dining space, cosier surroundings and make better use of the gardens, he took inspiration from leading chef Gary Usher, who has used crowdfunding to support his ambitions.
Joe and The Tolly team took the decision to go down the same route, set a target of £33,000, and saw their crowdfunding target smashed in just three and a half days.
People made pledges in exchange for rewards, including meal vouchers, private hire, a 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.
Joe said: “The worst thing for me is when we have to turn people away because we are full and so we wanted to expand the premises and make the pub cosier and more comfortable.
“It took a lot of soul searching, we wondered whether crowdfunding 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.
“And it turned out to be one of the best things we could have done – we were blown away by the backing we got from the community, and it really brought everyone together – so much so that we have launched Fireside Feasts, which circles back to our crowdfunding and long-table banquets, where we cook in our Orchard Barn in front of our guests with a live fire. It makes for a theatrical and immersive night, where guests soak up the vibe. We also bring in some amazingly talented local musicians to make sure our guests can have a real party come the end of the meal.”
The next two Fireside Feasts are on June 12 and July 10. Tickets are available via The Tollemache Arms website.
