Meet the ‘friendly’ husband and wife duo set to reopen a closed down Northampton pub this weekend

Emilia Sipos and her husband Florian have refurbished the pub in Standens Barn after taking on the tenancy from pub company Trust Inns earlier this year.

The venue closed in December 2025 before the couple began work to renovate the interior, outdoor area and menu ahead of reopening on Friday (March 6).

Speaking to Chronicle and Echo, Emilia said the aim was to create a place where residents could meet, eat and socialise.

She said: “We took over the pub and completely refurbished it, including the outdoor area, and we also changed the menu and added a lot of new elements.

“We spoke with a lot of the people who live locally and asked them what they would like to see here. That’s how we built everything.”

Their new menu includes breakfasts, grills, pasta, soups and desserts, with grills expected to become a speciality.

Emilia said: “We have a full English breakfast, omelettes, desserts, pasta, soups and a lot of grills. The speciality of the house will be the grills because they go really well with beer.”

The couple also run a restaurant and function business in Northampton, called Select Events, but are now moving into the pub trade for the first time.

Emilia said: “This is our first pub. What we had before was a restaurant and function room. We had our eyes on this pub for a while, so we’re really happy to be here.”

Inside, the pub has been split into different areas, including a bar with a pool table, large screens and gaming machines, and a quieter lounge designed for families and diners.

Emilia said: “At the entrance you have the outdoor covered terrace where people can relax with a drink.

"Inside there is the bar area with the pool table and screens, and then after that there is a lounge area which is quieter for families or people who want to have dinner.

“We wanted to create different experiences for different people.”

Emilia added: “We really believe this will attract the community because before that some people felt it wasn’t the right place to bring children. Now families can come and enjoy a meal together.”

Asked what type of landlords they will be, Emilia said: “I would say we are very friendly and open. My husband is even more friendly than I am. We want people to feel comfortable coming in, having a chat and enjoying the place.”

The restaurant area will also be used as a function space for private events.

The pub will officially open its doors at 3pm on Friday, with a balloon arch outside and a free glass of champagne for the first visitors.

Emilia said: “A lot of people have been asking when we are opening because they were worried the pub might not reopen. We’re expecting a lot of people to come and see it.”

Looking ahead, the couple hope to introduce events such as karaoke, themed music nights and other community activities depending on demand.

Emilia said: “Our main purpose is to grow together with the community by offering exactly what people want.

“We want people to come, enjoy themselves and give us feedback so we can keep improving.”