Ember restaurateur announces ownership of Northampton village pub

A Wellingborough restaurant owner is gearing up to take over a traditional village pub in Northampton – with sights set on an opening date for early May.

James Peck, who owns the award-winning wood-smoked restaurant, Ember, has today announced he will be taking over The Four Pears.

The Little Houghton pub is the third business in James’ growing catalogue, including Ember and Number 13 cocktail bar at Nene Court.

The pub will be a really special location because of its upstairs private dining space and emphasis on family-friendly Sunday roasts, according to its owner.

James said: “We’re taking over the pub from the first week of May and we want to hit the ground running.

“We’ve got a beautiful upstairs dining room, which is really special. Once we’ve got settled in it will become an intimate, premium restaurant space with tasting menus.

“We really want to put this beautiful part of Northamptonshire on the map and let the community drive it forward with us.”

The menu, which emphasises using local suppliers and producers, will take a different approach to its sister restaurant but it will have “Ember DNA” – including their famous miso sticky toffee pudding.

Clare Deer, the former owner of wine bar Ruby & Claret, in Earls Barton, is also joining the team to provide expert wine pairing.

“We’re not looking to replicate another Ember, as it won’t have the same feel, but there will 100% be signs of a restaurant that’s passionate about wood-fired cooking,” James added.

“We will be integrating the Japanese BBQ grills into the menu and during summer we will have our outdoor cooking space – and lots of guest chefs.

“If you want to pop in for a bar snack and a drink at lunchtime or if you fancy a fine dining experience with wine pairing – we are going to be serving the very best of both worlds.

“We want the pub to feel like a pillar of the community, like you’re walking into your home and for it to replicate the open family feeling Ember has done so well to create in Wellingborough.”

The pub, which will be available for conference hire, is dog-friendly and has a beer garden open to customers for the summer months.

“This venture is a dream come true for me and my team,” James added. “It’s been great to celebrate new job creations and the positives in hospitality.

“We can’t wait to welcome you all when we open.”

James is set to open The Four Pears from Wednesdays to Sundays initially with aspirations to trade seven days as soon as possible.

Grand plans are also in the pipeline for an exciting relaunch event.