6th June 2006

Hook Norton’s youngest tenant fulfils a dream

At 22 years old Mark Higgs has already fulfilled one of his life goals. He has just started to run his own pub - the Carpenters Arms, Lower Boddington, Daventry, Northamptonshire.
And his next ambition for this rural Hook Norton pub is to make the Carpenters Arms a proper local, where the food is fresh, the company fun and the service friendly. “People just want a nice pub that serves proper beer,” he said.
“I want to make this the sort of pub where someone can come in have a Hooky Bitter after work, decide to try one of our steaks rather than go home and cook, and then stay for another pint at the bar.”
And already his fresh, fun and friendly formula is proving a hit with many local farmers and tradesman who are dropping in for a pint after the end of a hard day’s work. The comfortable bar has been simply painted, and the small dining room is dressed with tablecloths and vases of fresh flowers.
”It’s the little touches that make all the difference,” he says, “around here there is a big cry out for a proper local pub, which serves good local beer, local food and has good, friendly service.”
Pub games have returned to the Carpenters – chess, draughts and dominoes can all be played - and members are being recruited for a darts team.
And for the adventurous, Mark plans a series of poker nights where customers will learn about straights and flushes and how to draw, raise and have a showdown. Quiz nights will be a feature and as a big supporter of local charities he hopes to fund raise for a different charity every six months.
A simple menu has been prepared and Mark, drawing upon his farming background, is sourcing his meat, vegetables and bread from local producers.
“I want to keep the menu small and simple but change it regularly, when lamb is available we will serve lamb and if game is in season, we will serve game. And my chips will be hand-cut proper chips. “People know what they want and it is good and simple food at sensible prices. “Most food will be prepared in the pub’s kitchen, but when the sun shines we will get he barbecue out. “Thus is my home and I want people to enjoy it,” he said.

The pub opens every day at 5pm, but currently it is only open at lunchtimes on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mark Higgs
Carpenters Arms,
Lower Boddington,
Daventry,
Northamptonshire
NN11 6YB
Phone: 01327 260451
Email: thecarpentersarms@hotmail.com