21st December 2009

Couple’s two year search for a proper pub ends in Lower Boddington, Northamptonshire

The Carpenters Arms, Lower Boddington, Northamptonshire is a proper rural pub and its new tenants Phil Ashford and Beverly White intend to keep it that way. For two years the couple – who have a background in catering and pubs – had wanted to stop living in London – and run their own business together - a rural pub.

“We often came to Oxfordshire and knew we wanted to run a pub in this area,” said Phil. “While researching other pubs, on several occasions we had a drink and something to eat in the Carpenters.

It always seemed so warm and friendly, but we never thought we end up running it.” But when the tenancy at the Hook Norton pub became vacant Phil and Beverly jumped at the chance to run the pub. And their ambition for this rural Hook Norton pub is to keep the Carpenters Arms as a proper local pub, where the food is fresh, the company is fun and the service is friendly.

"This is the sort of pub where someone can come in have a glass of Hooky Bitter after work, and rather than go home and cook, they can decide to try one of our beef or venison steaks, and then stay for another beer at the bar," said Beverly. The Carpenters has a comfortable bar, with a contemporary feel to it – there is a Welsh slate stone floor, a seating area around a wood burning stove and plenty of space for people to stand at the bar.

"It's the little touches that make all the difference,” said Beverley. “We know that around here there is a big cry out for a proper local pub, which serves good local beer from the Hook Norton Brewer, has local food, with good, friendly service - and that place is the Carpenters,” she said. “The Carpenters is a proper pub, it is small and friendly, and welcomes everyone providing they are well behaved,” said Phil.

The Carpenters is the perfect pub for walkers, workers, well behaved dogs on leads and even people on a drive out from Banbury or Daventry. Close-by are a number of equestrian centres, fisheries and shoots offering activities for both the beginner and the expert.

Phil Ashford and Beverley White
Carpenters Arms
Lower Boddington
Daventry
Northamptonshire
NN11 6YB.
Tel: 01327 260451