Hume Arms reopens with back to the past approach
A much loved village pub in Lincolnshire has opened its doors for the first time in 18 months following a £150,000 revamp by its new leaseholders.
The Hume Arms, in the heart of Torksey, has been restored to its former glory by Ever So Sensible Restaurants, under the Lincolnshire Pub & Kitchen brand, after the company took on the lease in March this year.
Work undertaken at the venue on Main Street includes a complete refit of the interior, creating a warm and welcoming feel throughout the pub’s warren of cosy rooms, as well as the landscaping of the extensive garden area.
For Chris Bulaitis, managing director of Ever So Sensible Restaurants, the renovation has been about restoring some of The Hume Arms’ lost beauty and charm:
“After taking on the lease, we found ourselves with a stunning old building with plenty of character. It just needed plenty of care and attention.
“It’s clear that The Hume Arms was once a vital part of the community in Torksey and it’s been about restoring that for the people of the village. Since opening the doors, we’ve had an incredibly warm welcome.
“I have to say that this is testament to the importance of the local pub and the vital role it can play in the community. So many great venues have fallen by the wayside in the past few years, and we are proud to be in a position where we can actually open doors.”
The food and drink offering at The Hume Arms has also received an extensive overhaul, with a real focus on local suppliers. As well as an extensive wine list, customers can also choose from a selection of six cask ales, many from small local breweries.
Diners can select from a wide array of great value classic dishes, using ingredients sourced from the surrounding area. As well as a choice of light lunches and evening menus, the venue will also have a traditional Sunday lunch offering. As Chris explains, for a less formal meal, he has also invested in a stone baked pizza oven, so there is also the option to take food home after a couple of drinks:
“We know that some of our customers just pop in to see us on the way home and others are passing through the village and we wanted to make sure they had the option to try something from our menu too. That’s why we made the decision to offer traditional fish and chips and handmade pizzas to takeaway too.”
Parts of the extensive building are also available to hire for businesses across Lincolnshire, with full conferencing and meeting facilities and catering provided. It also presents the perfect rural retreat for weddings and parties, with bespoke packages available.
The process of re-opening former iconic pubs is a tried and tested process for Ever So Sensible Restaurants, with the company having done the same at the Horse & Groom in Lincoln. Since taking over the leasehold in 2011, also under the Lincolnshire Pub & Kitchen name, the venue has gone from strength-to-strength.
For Adam Garmory, general manager of the two Lincolnshire sites, the formula for success is straightforward:
“It’s about not over complicating things. People want great food, a wide selection of drinks and a relaxed atmosphere and of course good service. Over the years some have tried to be too gimmicky and that kind of thing has a natural shelf life. We are almost moving forward by taking things back to how they used to be, and it’s working.
For more information on The Hume Arms and the Horse & Groom, visit eversosensible.com.
