Pub of the week: Village pub The Brewers Arms in Martinstown

The Brewers Arms in Martinstown has been run by Ben and Leanne Carter for nine years and in that time, they have become a pillar of the community. 

Ben and Leanne decided to follow their dream of running a pub and took over the Brewers Arms after travelling the world together.

Ben and Leanne Carter outside the Brewers Arms in Martinstown (Image: Ben Carter) "When I worked in pubs, I loved it, especially the village pubs," Ben explained. "So when the opportunity came about, we sat down to see how it would work and we made the leap - it's nice to be my own boss."

The married couple live at the pub with their three children and bringing the community together is something that they look to do as the village pub. 

"We support local charities and clubs, we sponsor the cricket club and have supported the church as well," Ben added.

"We like to be a pillar of the community and give some solace for some of our regulars."

Originally built as a girls' school in the 1830s, the building was repurposed into a pub in 1856 and 168 years later there are rumours a ghost haunts its halls.

The Brewers Arms in Martinstown sunset beer garden (Image: Ben Carter) Ben said: "Some people have suggested a little girl walks around, I have not seen anything, but some odd things have happened, but we are use to it now."

The pub is a gathering place for locals but it also relies heavily on the summer tourist trade, however, Ben has never wanted to stray from their roots as a traditional village pub.

"Without the tourists trade we would not be here," he explained, "but outside of that time we are here for the locals.

"We are not a gastro pub. We are a local traditional English pub selling nice pub grub with a few specials - all of our food is sourced locally and made on site.

A traditional Sunday roast at the Brewers Arms in Martinstown (Image: Ben Carter) "We have people stood at the bar daily, it's lovely and people come in on a Friday to wind down after a week at work - that is what we are about."

The pub has plenty of outdoor space too.

In lockdown Ben created an outside shelter and bar which allowed people to gather for a pint safely and the feature has become a mainstay.

Along with their sunset beer garden, heated outdoor spaces and roaring open fires, there are plenty of different ways to enjoy a pint at this proper English village pub.