Celebrities back campaign to save historic Northamptonshire pub

The limestone-built King’s Arms in Polebrook, Northamptonshire, has been a community focal point since the 17th Century but is struggling financially due to rising taxes and operating costs.

Since its purchase in July last year, the thatched Grade II listed pub has stopped serving food and without new investment, is likely to be closed for good.

Following a meeting at the village hall in January, local residents now hope to buy it back through a not-for-profit business known as a charitable community benefit society.

Kieron Maughan, who helped to launch the scheme alongside a team of dedicated locals, said: “This venture is one of the first of its kind in the UK.

“Like many in Polebrook, we enjoy a good pint in good company and having a welcoming place to gather and make lasting memories.

“Our vision is simple - to ensure the future of the King’s Arms as a thriving community-owned hub at the heart of village life.”

The team has already secured more than £450,000 in contributions and is part way to its target of £650,000 and says any surplus will be reinvested into the pub and its facilities including a community shop for people less able to travel.

In recent weeks, the Save the King’s Arms campaign has won public support from a series of famous names such as chef Tom Kerridge who asked people to ‘dig deep, because rural pubs are what keep us all going’.

Other celebrity backers include Mobland actor Anson Boon, Strictly star Craig Revel Horwood, singer Paul Young, as well as presenters Charlie Boorman and Fenella Fudge.

Jim Broadbent, who starred in Paddington, posted a video saying the ‘wonderful’ King’s Arms “has been around for 300 years and will hopefully be around for another 300 with your help”.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has added its support to the Save the Kings Arms Polebrook campaign, which it described as ‘genuinely exciting’.

Director J Mark Dodds said: “This is exactly the sort of work CAMRA’s long-term advocacy for pubs champions and I hope to be able to work with the group.

“What particularly impresses me is the team’s understanding of the pub’s social value; it anchors the community and captures the spirit and tradition of countryside hospitality, serving people from a much wider area, of all ages and backgrounds.”

About two pubs close every day in the UK, with 161 shutting down in the first three months of 2026 according to the British Beer and Pub Association.

The Countryside Alliance says increases to National Insurance costs and beer duty, as well as cuts to relief on property tax has placed constant strain on the industry.

Kieron said: “We hope this project will become a blueprint of how rural village pubs can be preserved when traditional models are no longer viable.

“By demonstrating what can be achieved when local people take ownership of their future, we aim to inspire and support other villages facing the loss of their own cherished pubs.”

There are a number of ways to help financially via the campaign website or by donating to its crowdfunding page.