Two centuries of history on Burton Street. From the Adcock family’s brewing legacy to today, the Noel’s Arms has been at the heart of Melton Mowbray since 1823.
For more than two centuries, the Noel’s Arms has stood at the heart of Melton Mowbray – a familiar landmark shaped by the people, families and craftspeople who have passed through its doors. What began as a coaching inn in the early 1800s grew into a beloved public house, closely tied to the town’s brewing heritage and the generations of landlords who tended it.
Our story is one of evolution. From the Adcock family’s brewing legacy to the era of bustling market-town hospitality, the Noel’s Arms has continually adapted while remaining a constant presence on Burton Street. After its closure in 2022, the building fell briefly silent. We’re proud to begin a new chapter – one that restores the spirit of the pub, celebrates its history and brings it forward with thoughtful, modern British food, a curated bar and a warm welcome for locals and visitors alike.
From a mention in the Leicester Journal to two hundred years of serving Melton Mowbray, here’s how we got here.
The Noel's Arms first appears in the Leicester Journal in March 1823. The first known landlord was William Dickman, who ran the pub from 1825 to 1826.
William Adcock becomes the next licensee. The Adcock name becomes prominent in Melton Mowbray—they were known as purveyors of spirits, wines, ales and porters, innkeepers and brewers.
The Adcock family establishes the Egerton Brewery in 1855. Five years later, in 1860, they take ownership of the Noel's Arms.
Henry Walker, who would later become known as the founder of Walkers crisps, serves as landlord of the Noel's Arms from 1870 to 1877.
The company becomes Adcock, Pacey and Co, running the brewery while expanding the pub's estate.
The brewery leaves Adcock ownership in 1900. In 1919 the estate is sold to Bindley and Co, owned by Ind Coope.
The pub passes through owners including Ruddles and Ansells, but remains a Melton Mowbray fixture.
Janet Ling becomes landlady and runs the pub for 25 years—the longest-serving landlady in its history.
The Noel's Arms closes after nearly 200 years of service.
The Noel's Arms reopens after restoration, focusing on seasonal British cooking and traditional pub hospitality.
At the Noel’s Arms, our cooking is guided by a simple philosophy – respect the ingredient, honour the craft and never serve anything without purpose. Our kitchen draws on classic British technique while embracing modern, thoughtful touches that let each ingredient speak for itself.
We work closely with trusted producers from across the UK, choosing suppliers who share our commitment to quality and seasonality. Whether it’s fish landed from day boats, carefully cured meats or heritage vegetables at their peak, every dish begins with ingredients that deserve attention.
What arrives at your table is food that feels familiar yet elevated – honest, flavour-driven and shaped by the best each season has to offer.
Whether you’re joining us for a drink at the bar or dinner in the restaurant, we’d be delighted to welcome you.
