The Exeter Arms in Barrowden reopens under new ownership

A family is hoping that the personal touch will put a pub in the hearts of the community.

Amanda and Darren Wells bought The Exeter Arms in Barrowden and have even got their teenage children, Josh and Sienna involved.

The pub reopened under their ownership on March 8, with head chef Nigel Fish and front-of-house manager Marina Florea on board.

Amanda, who previously worked in accounts, said: “We work well as a family.

“Darren grew up in a pub family business so it is kind of second nature.

“It is something we all enjoy and it is definitely a positive environment.”

The family was always keen to own a pub and after coming across The Exeter Arms, they ‘felt it had everything’.

Amanda and Darren are looking for an assistant chef so they can expand the hours that food is served. However, with uncertainty in the industry and fewer people looking to work in hospitality it is proving a struggle.

“I think a lot of people came out of the industry in covid and haven’t come back to it,” Amanda said.

Since opening demand from diners ‘hasn’t stopped’.

Amanda, 42, said: “We have received really lovely support.

“It is great that people, who haven’t visited in years, tell us it’s nice to get a smile and be made to feel welcome.”

The menu at the pub changes weekly to keep it ‘interesting for regular diners’.

Amanda and Darren are also keen to hold dining events which allow people to interact, with the popular garden bar at the pub opening in June too, weather permitting.

“Pubs should be the heart of a village where people come to meet friends and neighbours,” Amanda said.

“It is really important for a village pub to be maintained.”