“When you get to the end of your life, the sum total of all the things you paid attention to… will have been your life.”

- Oliver Burkeman, journalist.

Local success story:

Flo Pearce and Joe Buckley, co-owners of The Tollemache Arms in Harrington, Northampton, have achieved remarkable recognition by winning Great British Pub of the Year at the prestigious Great British Pub Awards.

The pub, affectionately known as "The Tolly” by locals, was celebrated for its stunning thatched building and commitment to using local suppliers. This historic establishment once had an unusual past, with a local vicar taking over in the 19th century to prevent parishioners from visiting on Sundays!

Flo and Joe took over the pub nine years ago, and their dedication has seen it grow into a cherished community hub, renowned for its annual music events in the beer garden. Their passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere, combined with a talented and dedicated team, has made The Tolly a shining example of the incredible talents found within Northamptonshire.

Joe expressed his excitement, calling the award ceremony an “amazing experience” and describing their victory as “crazy.” Despite the current challenges in the hospitality industry, he emphasised how much they love running the pub and the privilege of serving their guests and working with their team daily.

Congratulations, Flo and Joe! Keep up the fantastic work at The Tolly, a true gem in Northamptonshire!