Village Pub Ready to Rise from the Ashes
The Fox at Farthinghoe is preparing to reopen to much applause after it was destroyed in an arson attack over three years ago.
The pub was one of the most badly damaged buildings when an estimated 20 properties and cars were targeted during Autumn 2005. It has remained closed ever since but is now ready to rise from the ashes and help restore community spirit in the Northamptonshire village as only a neighbourhood pub can.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that The Fox is ready to reclaim its rightful place at the heart of the Farthinghoe community” explained Charles Wells Pub Company Sales & Marketing Director, Peter Wells. “It’s been a labour of love to get the pub reopened and the villagers have been very supportive whilst we’ve explored a number of different options for the redevelopment with them. It’s been a long process to complete the planning and refurbishment programme to our demanding standards but I’m sure that everyone will be delighted with the outcome and that The Fox at Farthinghoe will once again welcome locals and visitors alike through its doors.”
From start to finish, the redevelopment project has included preparing six sets of drawings, four meetings with the Parish Council, two planning submissions and an investment of £800,000, including lessee investment. The project has included opening up the trading areas to provide more space, improving the kitchen and toilet facilities and converting unused space into 4 en-suite letting rooms. Everything comes to fruition when the doors of The Fox at Farthinghoe are finally thrown open on Friday 24th April 2009.
One of the most difficult pieces of the jigsaw to get in place, however, was finding the right licensee to develop the trading potential of the outlet. “The choice of retailer for any pub is critical to its success” continued Peter Wells “and this is even more so for The Fox after being closed for so long. We know that we’ve been very lucky to find Mark Higgs, who’s taken the pub on a long term lease agreement, and I know that he’s got the vision, skills and experience to get everyone talking about The Fox at Farthinghoe again for all the right reasons.”
Mark Higgs already runs The Carpenters Arms in Lower Boddington, Northamptonshire and will be looking to replicate the success he’s had transforming the pub into a centre for the social life of the local neighbourhood. He has a fun and friendly approach and manages to combine a great food offering with a sense of community spirit through a regular social calendar. Mark was shortlisted in the prestigious Publican Awards 2009 for the industry elite as Newcomer of the Year and is ready to take on his second pub in under 3 years.
“I firmly believe that any pub has a vital role to play in its community” explained Mark “and I plan to be at the heart of social activity in Farthinghoe when I open The Fox. There’ll be something for everyone from the village and the surrounding area and I hope they’ll all find a reason to call in and see us very soon. Whether they want a quiet drink with friends, a good meal made from local produce, to attend a club event or throw a birthday celebration – The Fox at Farthinghoe will be the place to be. My team and I are looking forward to meeting our new regulars and making many new friends after we open on Friday 24th April.”
The Fox is situated on Baker Street in Farthinghoe and will be celebrating its reopening on Friday 24th April 2009. For further information on the menu, beers, upcoming events, to make a booking, or to join Mark’s mailing list, please see the website www.foxatfarthinghoe.co.uk
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For Immediate Release: Friday 3rd April 2009
For Further Information, please contact: Kate Hempsall
Tel: + 44 (0)1234 272625
or Mark Higgs
Tel: +44 (0)7766 756293
