The Northumberland Arms in Felton has recently been acquired by rising hospitality stars Alice Lawson & Jack Brown (they also took over Hadrian's Hotel in Northumberland earlier this year).
For Alice, taking over the pub & hotel is far more than a business venture, it’s a homecoming. Generations of her family have called the Northumberland village home, and as a teenager she worked behind the bar of the much-loved inn.
Alice you grew up in Felton – what does it mean to you personally to now own The Northumberland Arms?
Taking on The Northumberland Arms is a big full circle moment for me, from working there on and off from the age of 17 to now owning the business. It’s always been one of my favourite pubs.
What are your earliest memories of the pub, and did you ever imagine you’d one day be running it?
My memories of the pub is back when I worked here, all the locals were in every Friday night including my family. The atmosphere was always great. This is something that we want to bring back, the real local pub feeling.
Can you tell us about your journey into hospitality and what led you this amazing aquizition?
I have worked in hospitality since I was 15 working in many different venues from pubs, restaurants and wedding venues. I came out of the industry for a couple of years however fell back into it when Jack opened his venues in Heaton where we worked together to make them successful businesses.
When the opportunity to take over The Northumberland Arms came along, what made you and Jack decide to go for it?
The Northumberland Arms has always been on our radar so when the opportunity to take over came a long we couldn’t say no even though we were already in the early stages of taking over Hadrians Hotel as well- it was fun on but we are so happy we did it.
The Northumberland Arms has such a strong reputation – how do you balance respecting its heritage while bringing your own ideas to it?
We don’t plan on making massive changes to the pub but look to continue growing the brand and bringing our own personality into the interior and service.
What kind of experience do you want guests, whether they’re locals or visitors, to have when they walk through the door?
We want everyone to have a warm & welcoming experience. The offer is simple- a comfortable and relaxed setting, great food, wine and atmosphere.
How important is it to you to keep the pub at the heart of the Felton community?
Keeping the pub at the heart of the Felton community is extremely important. A village pub is much more than a place to eat and drink, it is a meeting place where people of all ages can come together, build friendships, and support one another. We want the pub to be a welcoming, inclusive space that reflects the needs of the local community while also attracting visitors to the village.
What do you think you and Jack bring as a team, and how do your strengths complement each other?
We have always been hands on operators from opening the Heaton venues and recently opening Hadrians Hotel so we will continue to bring that attitude to the Northumberland Arms.
What has been the biggest challenge since taking over?
Finding the balance between wanting to do new things in the pub and not changing too much of an already successful business is probably the main thing.
If you could describe your hopes for The Northumberland Arms over the next five years, what would that picture look like?
To grow the brand and reputation, whilst keeping The Northumberland Arms right in the centre of the community for everyone.
northumberlandarms-felton.co.uk