Rural Hampshire pub prepares for resurrection

The new Northbrook Arms owners have a plan to ensure the pub thrives in future

Like many pubs in Hampshire, Northbrook Arms succumbed to market forces and closed last year. However, a husband and wife team are set to bring the pub back to East Stratton.

Kate and Adam Shanley have purchased the pub, which is on the A33 between Winchester and Basingstoke, and have submitted redevelopment plans as they bid to return the site to its former glory.

The plans include a complete refit, modernisation of the letting rooms and accommodation, as well as a new spa facility. Apart from three ‘modest’ building extensions, all of the plans will be housed within the original buildings. Kate and Adam have a history of renovating self-catering sites, and they believe that accommodation  is “the key to making the remote public house viable and sustainable.”

Kate and Adam Shanley, the new Northbrook Arms owners

“An independent pub in isolation and remote location does not work. An independent pub supported by self-catering accommodation and spa facilities not only better serves the area but stands a much better chance of being viable, sustainable and robust through trading peaks and troughs,” says Kate Shanley.

As well as submitting plans to Winchester City Council, Kate and Adam held a Q&A event for local residents who gave positive feedback and backing for the project.

East Stratton resident, Patrick Craze commented: “the village is delighted at the prospect of regaining our public house, it is good to see that a lot of time, effort and investment will go into restoring all of the sites permanent structures”.

For more information and to join the mailing list, please contact Adam at: thenorthbrookarms@gmail.com