Culinary duo in new pub venture

Acclaimed culinary duo and business partners, Tom Noest and Pete Creed, have opened two new pubs bringing their growing portfolio to five sites

2023 sees the launch of two new sites and a return to their roots – The Fox Inn, Broadwell and The Sherborne Arms in Northleach. Together they already operate The Bell at Langford (opened in 2017), The Little Bell at Soho Farmhouse (2019) and The Lamb at Shipton under Wychwood which opened in July 2021..

The Sherborne Arms – opened Sunday 28th May

The Sherborne Arms opened its doors this weekend and is the most exciting opening for the pair, as it sees them return to the very town where they first met and went into business together. Many years back, the duo crossed paths whilst working at The Wheatsheaf Inn - Tom as a chef and Pete as the general manager - when it was a part of The Lucky Onion group. Since then, they have built quite the reputation, Dolly Alderton who was “charmed into submission by a Cotswold Classic”, Giles Coren’s “Best mouthful of the year, best mouthful of my life more like” and making The Times Best Places “Pub of the Year” 2022 and GQ’s Food & Drink Awards 2022 Best Pub.

The Sherborne Arms has been derelict for the last 3 years until Peter and Tom took on the lease in March of this year. A quintessential Cotswold village pub dating back to the 1700’s, it is situated on the historic market square of the pretty market town of Northleach. The pair have lovingly restored the 100-cover pub and plan to add 3 en-suite bedrooms which will follow in July. Steeped in history, the Sherborne began life as a blacksmiths and in the early 1900’s, when it was repurposed into a pub, the publicans used to cook food in the original forge.

The new seasonal menu offers a well-rounded array of dishes inspired by local produce and a nose-to-tail philosophy. Leading the way with innovative twists on pub classics, expect dishes that are both understated and outrageously delicious.

Example dishes:

Donnigton Brewery Rarebit, Pickles & Soldiers £7

Devilled Kidneys on Toast £11

Venison Lasagne, Conygree Farm Mixed Salad £19

Courgettes, Butterbeans, Dorstone, Basil & Pine nuts £19

Sticky Toffee Pudding £9

Flourless Valrhona Chocolate Cake & Crème Fraiche £11

The Fox Inn – opened March 2023

Quietly, the pair also took over management of The Fox at Broadwell, a much-loved local pub, in March 2023. The Fox offers a modern country pub feel, showcasing the pairs passion for hearty cooking. Overlooking the village green in Broadwell near Stow on the Wold, The Fox Inn is very much a traditional pub for locals and visitors alike. The menu is inspired by hearty pub classics using local meats, vegetables grown on the landlord’s allotment and fresh fish delivered from Brixham every day. It's also a great place to start and finish a walk around the North Cotswolds for any keen ramblers. The Fox is owned by The Donnington brewery, just two miles away, who brew traditional English ales that complement the character of this simple pub. There is a cosy bar area with lots of seating to have a quiet drink, a restaurant, and a large beer garden at the back.