The Northbrook Arms, East Stratton

I used to live just a few miles from the Northbrook Arms, on the outskirts of Winchester, so the pub was always one of those places I knew of but perhaps didn’t fully appreciate at the time. Tucked away in the picturesque village of East Stratton, with the gorgeous village green out the front, The Northbrook Arms has long been a quintessential country pub - the kind you imagine would be in a big budget English rom-com . 

Returning recently after several years, I expected more of the same. What I found was something far more striking than I expected. The pub I remembered is still very much there, but the transformation of the space is remarkable. The result is a venue that manages to honour its heritage while embracing contemporary design in a way that feels both bold and respectful.

Transformation

From the outside, the Northbrook Arms retains the charm that has always defined it. Its original Georgian features remain intact, with symmetrical box sash windows that frame the façade. Sitting beside the village green, the building still feels perfectly at home in its surroundings, quietly anchoring the heart of the village.

Step inside, however, and the scale of the renovation becomes clear.

The redesign of the pub courtyard involved a carefully considered transformation,  introduced a striking modern glazed extension at the rear of the pub; contemporary and confident in its design yet sensitively integrated with the historic structure.

The most immediate impact of the extension is light. Where the pub once felt enclosed, natural light now pours into the space through the expansive glass structure. The dining areas feel open and airy, creating an atmosphere that is both relaxed and visually impressive. The layout has also been rethought to maximise the available space, allowing the dining room to expand while maintaining the intimacy you expect from a village pub.

Discoveries Beneath the Floor

One of the most intriguing features of the renovation was an unexpected discovery made during construction. As work progressed, builders uncovered an old well beneath the building a definite complication during renovations. Rather than viewing it as an obstacle, the team embraced it.

Today the well has been transformed into a unique visual feature within the pub. Set beneath a glass floor, visitors can see the water table rising and falling below their feet, serving as a subtle but fascinating reminder of the building’s past. It’s the kind of detail that elevates a venue from simply well designed to genuinely memorable.

Elsewhere, well-chosen contemporary artwork adorns the walls, adding character and colour to the interior. These modern touches sit comfortably alongside the historic elements of the building, reinforcing the sense that the Northbrook Arms is a place where old and new coexist.

Making the Most of the Space

 Beyond the dining and entertainment spaces, the property now includes three holiday cottages as well as four rooms above the pub offering bed and breakfast.

A former stable, has been converted into a lively games rooms complete with a pool table and interactive dart boards, providing a playful nod to traditional pub games while introducing a modern twist.

By converting the outbuildings into places for visitors to stay, the Northbrook Arms has expanded from a simple pub into a small hospitality destination; one that attracts both locals and travellers exploring the Hampshire countryside.

The People Behind the Pub

Of course, great venues are never just about the building. A key part of that success is a well established, collaborative team headed up by general manager Callum Farthing who joined the business in August 2024. His enthusiasm, warmth and professionalism are immediately evident, and he clearly knows the locals, the venue and the broader vision for the business.

Six years ago, Kate and Adam Shanley purchased the freehold of the Northbrook Arms and began the process of transforming the site. Their vision extended beyond renovating the building; they wanted to ensure the pub remained a thriving hub for the local community while also welcoming visitors from further afield. That balance can be difficult to achieve, but here it seems to be working.

Crucially, the pub hasn’t lost the loyalty of its regulars. Despite the changes, it still feels like a proper village pub, somewhere people come not just for food and drink, but to socialise.

A Stage for Surprises

Events have also become an important part of life at the Northbrook Arms.

A regular music and comedy nights in the venue’s 70-seat event space, drawing a mixture of established performers and emerging talent. Recently the stage hosted a particularly unexpected guest when Alan Carr made a surprise appearance- the sort of moment that quickly becomes local legend. I did consider not sharing this information, for fear of you all buying my tickets, but I decided sharing is caring. 

These events bring new energy to the pub while reinforcing its role as a gathering place for the community.

And Then There’s the Food

Of course, no visit to a pub would be complete without mentioning the food. The Northbrook Arms takes its kitchen seriously, and with the upcoming launch of the new spring menu there’s every excuse to stop in and see what’s on offer.

Seasonal dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and thoughtful presentation all play a part in the dining experience here. It’s clear that the kitchen aims to match the quality and ambition of the building itself. Their Sunday roasts have become legendary, with most getting weeks fully booked, so remember to book ahead.

A Pub Worth Rediscovering

Revisiting the Northbrook Arms felt a little like rediscovering an old favourite that has quietly reinvented itself. The familiar charm of the village pub remains, but it has been enhanced by thoughtful design, creative use of space and a strong sense of vision.

It’s definitely worth going out of your way to discover or rediscover The Northbrook Arms in East Stratton. With its blend of history, design, community and good food, here is proof that the traditional English village pub is not only alive and well, but capable of evolving in exciting ways.