Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak has visited one of North Yorkshire’s most historic village pubs to meet its new owners and hear about their plans for the future.
Mr Sunak called in at the Bolton Arms in the village of Downholme, near Richmond, after Paul and Toni Foot took over the business earlier this year following the retirement of its previous owners after 27 years.
The couple, who moved from Scotland where they previously ran a pub, purchased the Bolton Arms in April after spending two years searching for a business in the Yorkshire Dales.
Since taking over, they have carried out a programme of refurbishment, including redecorating the premises, replacing flooring and furniture and introducing a new menu. Further improvements, including upgrades to the kitchen, are also planned.
During his visit, Mr Sunak discussed the role village pubs continue to play in bringing rural communities together and supporting local events.
He said: “Village pubs remain an important part of community life across the dales and rural communities, and it was great to meet Paul and Toni and hear about their plans for the Bolton Arms.
“Taking on a pub is a significant commitment and it is encouraging to see new owners investing in a well-known local business and building on what people already value about it.”
Mr Foot said the couple knew immediately that the pub was the right opportunity when it came onto the market.
“We’d been actively searching for a small business to buy in the dales for a couple of years,” he said.
“As soon as The Bolton Arms came onto the market, we didn’t hesitate as it perfectly suited what we were looking for and offered a home as well as a business.
“We’re looking forward to introducing some small enhancements to what was already a thriving community pub.”
The Bolton Arms has a unique place in English pub history. Before being sold into private ownership in 2013, it was the only pub in England owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II because it stood on Ministry of Defence land.
Its unusual ownership made it a well-known curiosity, and it has remained a popular destination for both local residents and visitors.
The new owners say they are keen to build on the pub’s strong community reputation while making sympathetic improvements to ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.
Comments are closed.
Added to the list of pubs inside which I shall never set foot.