County Tavern, Northamptonback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
After a short closure the County has re-opened after a facelift. There is actually a sign outside now and a name on the wall.
Lot of re-decoration, new furniture, new lights, new bars etc. Lighting still at low level.
TV screens now concentrated in games area which is retained.
4 beers on handpump in good condition (maybe less in future?).
The pub is to do food, although not in time for re-opening night which was much more crowded than usual. Remains to be seen how much the new popularity affects the "unique atmosphere" of the old place.
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My views haven't changed much.
It is a funny place, dark, dingey, an ancient banner outside describing it as "newly refurbished" (or similar), which was some years ago, and no pub sign (missing for a few years).
But it is strangely OK. You don't exactly feel welcome, but certainly not unwelcome.
TV screens show 2 different sports channels (which doesn't exactly encourage conversation).
New "aquarium" is very minimalist.
1 to 3 real ales on. Always the same but a decent range and usually well kept and not expensive.
(When Australia were playing at the adjacent cricket ground they somehow managed to run out of real ale! But got it on for the next day).
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Cliquey until you get known, that can take a while.
Several Plasma TV's with Sky Sport, no Sentana yet.
Good Ladies and Men's Skittle teams, Darts Team. Nice Locals of all walks of life. Excellent well trained bar staff, good cellar skills. Generally good beers but limited choice, cask ales can sometimes be variable quality, but usually OK. Best Guinness. Lighting very dull and depressing, don't try reading a paper without a torch. In need of a redecor but otherwise clean. No food, not even a cheese/ham roll. Good garden with children's play area. The best ever Smoking Shelter. Odd hints of hidden CCTV from some?? Self regulating pub so very little trouble. Swiftly dealt with when there is. Children allowed in daytime if behaved. Management can be bit odd, can insult customers but with humour, but oversteps the humour line sometimes. Been going here a few years since moving here from the smoke. Prices high-ish.
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WHen I was in Northampton in the early 90s the CT was notorious for giving short measure, which the then staff would defy customers to take or leave. Has it improved?
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Having moved to the area, this is now my local. It's a good pub, it serves you what you ask for and there are telly's with Sky on, but that's about it. I like it as it's nice and quiet, usually.
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Awful pub, dark, smoky and depressing.
TheGP - 23 Apr 2007 12:32 |
Beer very expensive and gets very smokey at times.
Quiz night on thursdays is good fun.
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An adequate pub, but not more.
Away from weekends quiet non-threatening atmosphere, friendly with pleasant clientele.
Real ale unfortunately the "usual suspects" and not too well kept.
Pstairs was where county cricketers had their lunch before new pavilion was built in 70s (?).
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Recently decorated, went in on sunday afternoon, and was served by "deanie" - not her real name!!!
Absolutely lovely, went out of her way to help me, when I needed directions and a place to stay. Would recommend her to everybody. v.v good customer service.
m singleton - 16 Aug 2004 23:11 |
this pub the county tavern was an wonderful place to be the food was delicious the drinks were fresh and the service was excilent
simon - 9 Sep 2003 11:52 |
In the Phippsville area
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Next to the cricket ground
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