The Nevill arms
Tim Relf takes us behind the scenes at one of the region’s cosiest and most-charming pubs
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Market Harborough has appeared in the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’ list for two years running, highlighting how the town is fast-establishing itself as one of the nation’s favourite spots.
Hardly surprising, then, that the villages around it are becoming ever-more popular ‘getaway’ destinations for those looking for a weekend break or a holiday destination that offers great walking and cycling, is full of history and culture, and all in beautiful countryside. This is good news for business owners in our region, including publicans and hoteliers – and one such venue is The Nevill Arms. This country hotel and pub is a familiar landmark for many – a Grade II building constructed of honey-coloured local stone and situated beside a brook in the historic village of Medbourne. Co-owner Ellie Uppal has noticed the upturn in interest in the area – both from those travelling here from cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester, and also from Leicestershire locals and the surrounding counties looking for a ‘getaway’ without the risk of traffic, train delays or airport queues. ‘The Welland Valley is beautiful and is really beginning to register with people as a place worth visiting,’ says Ellie. Ellie and her business partners bought the venue in 2021 and have since completed a £1m-plus refurbishment of the 10 boutique bedrooms, with the design partly inspired by the Beaverbrook Hotel in London. The restaurant and bar have also been refurbished, along with the outside spaces where there is now a garden courtyard with the Josper bar and grill, plus a river terrace. Along with The Sun Inn at Great Easton, The Red Lion at Great Bowden and No. 23 restaurant in Uppingham, The Nevill Arms forms part of the ‘Three Goats’ group – a small hospitality and events business operating in Leicestershire and Rutland. Quality, local, seasonal food sits at the heart of the offering, and much of the meat comes from Ellie’s farm just four miles away in Great Easton. There, on the lush green pastures for which this valley is acclaimed, beef, lamb and pork is produced, allowing full pasture-to-plate traceability. At the heart of the farm is a herd of Belted Galloway cattle – a traditional breed producing incredibly flavoursome meat. Game is also popular with diners at The Nevill Arms, with pheasant, partridge and venison dishes enjoyed in the colder months. As well as attracting customers from far and wide, Ellie believes village pubs should act as a hub of local life – hence The Nevill Arms is a magnet for those from surrounding villages and a go-to spot for Harborough residents. In a bid to foster this ‘community’ feel, there is even a Monday evening supper club offering two courses for just £15. Country Life called The Nevill Arms a ‘stunning venue’, it has appeared in The Daily Mail’s ‘Best 100 pubs in Britain 2024’ list, plus won a recent spot in The Sunday Times’ ‘best cosy boltholes for winter’ recommendations. It was even included in The Good Hotel Guide – one of the most influential and respected publications in the hospitality sector. It’s certainly an ideal venue to hunker down in during the winter months – whether you want to call in for a quick drink and snack in the bar (where wet wellies and muddy paws are welcome), enjoy a quality dining experience in the restaurant or stay in one of the superb rooms. ‘Harborough has a real buzz about it and I’m proud to be part of the Welland Valley community,’ says Ellie. ‘I live locally and feel invested, personally as well as professionally, in this area, so I want to play my part by bringing more visitors, spending and employment here. It’s a beautiful area and I would love to see more people enjoy it.’ The Nevill Arms is open: Monday-Saturday 7.30am to 11.00pm and Sunday 7.30am to 9.00pm.
nevillarms.co.uk |
Issue 24
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