The Butchers Arms has been at the heart of village life for generations — from its early days as a humble pub to the celebrated years when it gained fame as a destination restaurant. This archive is a place to celebrate that rich history, capturing stories, memories, and moments from across the decades.
If you have old photographs, menus, press clippings, or just a tale to tell, we’d love to hear from you. Every bit helps bring the story of The Butchers Arms to life.
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The Butchers Arms in the Flower and Sons days
An historic view of The Butchers Arms, which for a period of its long history was a Flower & Sons pub. The Stratford-upon-Avon brewery was founded in 1831 and remained a local favourite until 1961, when it was absorbed into Whitbread leading to the brewery closing in 1966. This link to Flowers places The Butchers Arms within a century-old tradition of Warwickshire brewing.
Free House
The Butchers during its Freehouse days, likely in the mid-1960s. The newly built Lych Gate is visible, and the Flower & Sons brewery had already closed, marking the end of its days as a tied house
Final Moments
The final days of The Butchers Arms before its 2024 closure. Here we see it bathed in dusk light — a fitting metaphor for the end of an era. Yet, as twilight fades, there’s growing hope that a new Butchers Arms will soon rise in its place.
Lino and Family
During its heyday, The Butchers Arms was transformed into a renowned Portuguese restaurant under the passionate care of Lino Pires and his family. With warm hospitality and unforgettable food, Lino built a reputation that reached well beyond the village.
Here they are – the family behind the flavour – captured in a moment from those golden years.
Lino and Roy
Lino is pictured here with Roy Meakins – a close family friend and much-loved regular at The Butchers Arms. Roy was our special guest in the July 2025 Podcast, where he shared a treasure trove of artefacts from the pub’s heyday, along with a few hilarious stories that had us all laughing.
A brilliant snapshot of friendship and village history.
1995 Wine List
Take a look at this original wine list from 1995 — a snapshot of the Butchers Arms at its peak under Lino’s expert care. The prices might raise eyebrows today, but back then they reflected the exceptional quality and ambition of the menu.
Lino’s carefully curated selection helped build the restaurant’s reputation far beyond the village — a true taste of Portugal, paired with style and substance.