Now in its 11th year, the Parkers Arms has reached the dizzying heights of accolades and recognition, not least a top 10 spot in the 2018 Top 50 Gastropubs list.
- Watch the video above to hear what Madi has to say
The menu is strictly ruled by what is local, following an historic decision to use meat and produce from within a 30-mile radius, with the exception of certain herbs and spices, such as vanilla, said Madi.
"The Parkers Arms, over the past 11 years, has come along massively," explained the chef.
Rundown and closed
She continued: "When myself and my business partner Kathy took this pub on 11 years ago, it was rundown and closed."
A series of unfortunate events – mismanagement and two years of closure – had left the pub's reputation in a sorry state. "So we took it on and it’s gone from nothing to being nationally acclaimed, award-winning and a very recognised landmark of the area and I’m very proud of that."
Her gastropub, like many others, are typical examples of what she likens to a French auberge dining style – food that is casual, informal, quick, easy but tasty.
She explained: "For me, the gastropub is the auberge of England where you can go and eat beautiful food really well, but you don’t have to get dressed up or worry about all of the pomp and circumstance and frills and fuss of a restaurant."
Gastropub reputation
Now the gastropub has a well-established reputation and customer base, Madi is stepping into the multiple operator territory with the launch of a venue in a more urban environment.
Though it will be powered by the creativity and skill of Madi, the new venue won't be anything like the Parkers Arms. Instead, it will be more of a lunchtime destination, a place to pick up some deli-style food, made with the same passion as her pub's dishes.
That's not to say the Parkers Arms won't be the recipient of more love, far from it, Madi revealed plans to add more rooms to the venue to make it "more sustainable", as a captive audience in a rural location could prove lucrative.
