A Warm Welcome in the Heart of Brampton

When Ruth and Andrew Seggie took over the Howard Arms in December last year they were determined to return the Inn back to its traditional role at the heart of the community.

Charles Dickens spent time there back in the 19th century and while the warm welcome is still the same, a total refurbishment has brought the Howard Arms into the modern age.

Ruth previously worked at the coffee shop next door for two years, so when the opportunity arose to take over the Howard Arms she and Andrew could not refuse.

“We could see the potential of the place, it hadn’t had much work done to it for quite sometime and it needed a bit of life injected into it. The Inn is owned by Thwaites Brewery and when they wanted to give the place an overhaul they felt that it would take new owners to make it possible, we approached them with our ideas and went from there.”

The Howard Arms was closed for the better part of a month as the bar, restaurant and function room were renovated, when the doors reopened in February the place was transformed.

A modern glass entrance leads into the revamped interior but it was important for Ruth to keep a historic feel:

“The pictures on the walls and the some of the decor pay tribute to the Inns role in town. With copies of original maps, historic pictures and works from our famous visitors we acknowledge the Howard Arms has played a significant part in the history of Brampton, it’s always been a community pub and that’s how we’d like it to stay.”

They host meetings and events from the likes of the British legion and folk groups. Jazz fills the Inn on the first Wednesday of every month and Ukele’s on a Thursday.

“We cater for everybody,” said Ruth. “There’s the locals but we also look after walkers and cycling groups. Of course we are also completely dog friendly too, my dogs Sam and Paris are always lounging about somewhere and we know that dogs are part of the family too.”

As well as the bar and restaurant there is a large function room that can be booked to cater for bigger events. With weddings already booked for the summer, it’s a cozy space filled with comfortable sofas and is a haven for people looking for some quiet time on a busy night in the bar.

Work is still in progress on the accomodation but when it’s finished the 8 ensuite rooms will be modern, comfortable and fit out to the same high standard as the rest of the hotel.

Ruth has been in the hospitality industry since she was 14, she’s managed various hotels and knows that top quality food is a must:

“We serve food from 8am until 9pm seven days a week. That’s breakfast right through to evening meals and we do a fantastic Sunday dinner. We have great deals during the week like our steak night on Tuesday, which is two steaks and a bottle of wine for £30.

The Howard Arms has a traditional pub menu but it’s extensive and our emphasis is on quality. Everything is cooked from fresh and we have a great children’s menu. Our chef’s are flexible so if you’d like something you can’t find then just ask.”

The Howard Arms has fulfilled many roles in Brampton over the years, thankfully it’s days as a Temperance Hotel are long gone, so whether you want to spend a warm summer afternoon in the beer garden or sink into a comfy chair in front of the open fire, new hosts Andrew and Ruth guarantee a warm welcome, hearty food, fine ales and wines.

“We are close to Hadrian’s wall and in an area of outstanding beauty,’ explained Ruth. “Brampton is a wonderful town to visit and you’ll find us right in the heart of town, so stop in and say hello.”

Find them on Facebook @howardarmsbrampton or call 016977 42758