12 minute read

KNEAD Pubs

16 KNEAD Pubs

12 St Paul’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2BE tobie@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01780 753 800

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One of the best-loved pubs in the KNEAD family, the heritage of the Tobie Norris is truly something special even by Stamford’s impressive standards. The building itself dates back to 1280, whilst the pub takes its name from local man Tobias Norris who purchased the building back in 1617.

Tobias set up a bell foundry (look out for the nod to this business on the sign!) and created bells for churches throughout the region. His customers incorporated several of Stamford’s very own churches including St George’s and St Mary’s, where the bell is dated 1626. Norris was buried at St George’s on his death in 1626 and is commemorated by a plaque which can be found at the end of the north aisle of the church.

The building itself still boasts a plethora of striking original features. Step into the wood panelled room on the ground floor and you will be standing in the original heart of the building which has been standing since the 13th century whilst if you venture up to the top floor and look up, you will see beautifully preserved original beams which still bear smoke marks made by the building’s original inhabitants over 700 years ago!

Back in the present day, the Tobie Norris was home to the Royal Air Force Association Club until it was acquired by Michael Thurlby of KNEAD Pubs in 2006.

We have lovingly refurbished this ancient building and its maze of rooms are now a gorgeous venue for drinking and dining. There are plenty of nooks and crannies spread across three floors for you to settle in and while away an hour or two with a glass of wine, or an attractive outdoor courtyard if you feel like dining alfresco.

As well as the enchanting surroundings, we are very proud of our menu which showcases the highest-quality local produce that Stamford and the surrounding area has to offer (some ingredients are even supplied from KNEAD’s very own farm), not to mention the best build-your-own pizzas in Stamford, even if we do say so ourselves! Behind the bar, you can find an extensive wine list alongside an ever-changing selection of delicious ales and other regional favourites including Two Birds Gin.

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18 KNEAD Pubs

7 All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG paten@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01780 408 647

Paten & Co is the newest member of the group and incorporates a unique blend of history and contemporary design to provide the perfect spot for a drink and a bite to eat in the heart of Stamford, just a stone’s throw from The Crown.

The building itself is just as full of history as The Crown and the Tobie Norris and has a particularly rich heritage when it comes to conviviality. Built between 1791 and 1798, the building was taken over in October 1837 by a gentleman named William Smith, who used it as a base for his merchant business dealing in wines and spirits. It is recorded that Smith paid the grand total of £315 for the three-storey building which featured fashionable Regency features on the frontage looking out over Red Lion Square; these remain intact to this day.

Smith ran a successful business here until 1909, when the premises were taken over by Peterborough-based brewer and wine and spirits merchants Paten & Co. The new owners updated the building and added the eye-catching tiles and stained-glass windows which also remain an integral part of the building. Paten sold their own range of beers here alongside their day-to-day activity – keep an eye out for the carved Paten & Co logo which still survives above the entrance from Red Lion Street!

The building became a public house by the name of the Marsh Harrier in the 1970s and underwent various changes until it was bought by Michael at KNEAD in 1996 and extensively refurbished several times, operating under the name the Periwig – a title which brings back fond memories for many who’ve enjoyed a good night out in Stamford! It was reimagined and modernised again in 2017, re-opening in November of that year, going back to its roots with its original name, but with a striking new outlook. The building was redesigned to both pay tribute to its merchant heritage and create a unique venue quite unlike anything else in Stamford. You will even be able to notice some of the original Paten & Co signage adorning the walls on the ground floor!

The result? A chic, comfortable bar and restaurant with an industrial twist which offers an unrivalled cocktail menu, specially selected wines, craft beers and a mouth-watering menu designed to create a truly social experience. Choose any number of small plates to share with friends and family or customise larger dishes with an impressive array of sides until your dinner is exactly as you’d like it!

The Paten & Co experience is truly a special one and our team look forward to welcoming you through the door. Stamford 19

20 KNEAD Pubs

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BOURNE

The popular market town of Bourne lies just 10 miles from Stamford. Located on an ancient Roman road, the original settlement dates back to at least 960 when it appears in a document referring to it as Brunna, an ancient Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘stream’. Bourne is also referenced in the Domesday Book as Brune. The main landmark in the town is Bourne Abbey, founded in 1138 by the rather brilliantly named Baldwin Fitzgilbert de Clare. The building is beautifully well-preserved and remains in use to this day. De Clare also built Bourne Castle, a motte and bailey structure which was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1645; the land on which the castle was built is now a public park known as the Well Head. Bourne is also the birthplace of William Cecil, the immensely powerful advisor to Queen Elizabeth I who went on to build Burghley House in Stamford.

In the present day, Bourne is a pretty, bustling town renowned for its beautiful parks and open spaces as well as an ever-growing choice of shops, bars and restaurants – which feature amongst them two of the best venues that KNEAD Pubs has to offer!

22 KNEAD Pubs

25 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AE smiths@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01778 426 819

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Smith’s occupies the former site of John Smith of Bourne, a greengrocer who first opened his shop on North Street in 1857. His family ran this popular business in this spot for almost 150 years, supplying premium goods to the gentry with their characteristic welcoming courtesy, until finally closing in 1998. The building was converted into a pub by KNEAD, winning a CAMRA/English Heritage award for their successful and imaginative work which preserved many original features. To this day, Smith’s continues to be one of the most popular venues in Bourne – although with a somewhat different clientele in recent years!

The pub is spread across a number of beautifully designed rooms and features a spacious yet intimate garden perfect for sunny days. The menu here has it all, whether you’re looking for a casual pizza or something more substantial, and the bar has a constantly changing selection of real ales – so good in fact, that in 2013 it was presented an award by CAMRA for ten years of continuous entries in the Good Beer Guide! Smith’s is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening of good food and great drinks, making sure you’re spoilt for choice every step of the way in the pub’s welcoming, traditional surroundings.

24 KNEAD Pubs

30 North Street, Bourne, PE10 9AB jubilee@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01778 392 700

Just the shortest of hops across the road from Smith’s will bring you to the second Bourne-based KNEAD property, the Jubilee Garage. This property was a working garage in the heart of the town for many years – and in true KNEAD style, the original building has been carefully and creatively refurbished to give visitors a themed venue that’s brimming with personality and character. As usual, we’ve stayed true to the heritage of the building and so the Jubilee Garage showcases a fabulous array of vintage vehicle memorabilia which honours its history. Expect Castrol signs, a 1950s petrol pump and in pride of place, a 1972 VW campervan which serves as our upstairs bar!

As well as a menu featuring classic pub favourites with a Stateside twist (think focaccia pizzas, hot dogs, mac n cheese and a choice of over ten different types of burger!) the Jubilee Garage is kitted out with 10 HD televisions showing all live football, rugby and other sport, which helps to create the exciting, buzzing atmosphere that this venue is famous for.

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26 KNEAD Pubs

OAKHAM

The town of Oakham is one of only two towns in Rutland, the smallest county in the UK, and occupies an enviable position on the edge of breath-taking Rutland Water. This attractive traditional market town is full of fascinating heritage, including Oakham Castle, the finest example of Norman architecture in the UK, and the stunning sixteenth century buildings which make up the campus for the prestigious Oakham School.

Oakham is a busy, bustling town, well worth a visit particularly on market days, which fall on a Wednesday and Saturday. Pick up a fabulous selection of local and artisan produce, from local cheese to delicious fresh bread, before taking in the sights and maybe even strolling out to Rutland Water.

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28 KNEAD Pubs

Did you know?

Traditionally, members of royalty and peers of the realm who visited or passed through Oakham had to pay a forfeit in the form of a horseshoe.

When you’ve finished taking in the sights of Oakham and Rutland, there’s nowhere better to enjoy an afternoon or evening than at our very own Lord Nelson. In true KNEAD style, this ancient building dates back to the 1500s and has been completely restored by Michael and the team to give it a whole new lease of life as a traditional and utterly charming country pub.

There are plenty of cosy corners to nestle into in the winter months (a spot next to the fire is always particularly sought after!) whilst our peaceful pub garden is perfect for a pint or two in the sun. Speaking of pints, we’re passionate about serving up the perfect Oakham 29

11 Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DT nelson@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01572 868 340

pour, and with a wide selection of ales, lagers, wines and spirits on offer we can guarantee that there’s something for everyone. Combine this with our lovingly created menu that’s famous for stonebaked pizzas and a creative selection of delectable main courses, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Well, we think so anyway!

30 KNEAD Pubs

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NEWARKON

TRENT Newark-on-Trent lies approximately 45 minutes north of Stamford and is a fascinating market town awash with history. It’s likely that the town’s origins are Roman, as it lies directly on the Fosse Way, an important Roman road which linked Exeter in the South-West to the city of Lincoln. The town as we know it today grew up around Newark Castle, founded in the 12th century and originally built in timber before being reconstructed in stone towards the end of the century whilst the settlement around it thrived thanks to profits from the wool and cloth trades.

The town also played a significant role in the English Civil War. It was a stronghold for the Royalists as a result of Charles I raising his standard in neighbouring Nottingham, and was besieged by Parlimentarian forces on several occasions. A particularly notable siege took place in 1644, when the town remained under attack for several months until it was relieved by Royalist forces led by Prince Rupert in a battle known as the Relief of Newark.

The town has remained prosperous into the 21st century and has served as everything from a base for several RAF units during the Second World War, to an important base for agriculture and sugar-beet processing in particular which continues into the present day.

32 KNEAD Pubs

The Prince Rupert is the perfect place to end a day taking in the history of Newark and is in fact an important part of that history in its own right. The building that houses this pub is a historical gem, a fabulous example of a Wealden hall house which was built in 1452. A sympathetic renovation by KNEAD has created a magnificent venue which remains true to the fantastic heritage of the building whilst providing somewhere truly special for 21st century visitors. It’s still possible to look up and see the original beamed and vaulted ceiling of the house above you as you settle in!

The pub is a hive of activity, with regular live music events and beer festivals which create a fantastically vibrant community atmosphere. On a normal day, you can expect to find an inspiring selection of real ales and ciders alongside a menu which showcases the best that the KNEAD chefs have to offer with pub classics and produce from the KNEAD Farm taking centre stage. It’s a great place to stop for a brief respite as you journey up the Great North Road!

Did you know? The Prince Rupert is the oldest and most northern example of a Wealdon House in the country albeit only 2/3 are remaining with the third missing, probably damaged in the Civil War.

33 KNEAD Pubs Newark 33

46 Stodman Street, Newark, NG24 1AW rupert@kneadpubs.co.uk | 01636 918 121

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