The Red Cow, Market Harborough

This is a Greene King tied house with two separate rooms. I went in the bar with the six hand pumps and didn't venture into the other one. Five beers were available all GK orientated, OSH, IPA, Abbot, Hardy & Hanson's Bitter and a London Red Ale which apparently is a collaboration between GK and London Beer Factory. I went for this one (£3.30) and found it to be an excellent pint even though red ales are not my favourite. I found this pub to be much more welcoming than its nearest neighbours and thought it well worth a visit.

A deceptively small, decidedly unfriendly, Greene King boozer. Outside the Red Cow is an attractive period building but, once you've fought your way through the massed ranks of the unsmiling smokers welcoming committee, you find that inside is really quite small with all the space being taken up by darts and skittles. Any tables and chairs were occupied by dartists discarded clothing. In trying to get to the bar you're reminded that Gartree maximum security prison is close by and are rewarded by the massed ranks of Greene King handpumps. GK IPA, Abbot and Old Speckled Hen were passed over in our case for Oakham Cita which wasn't in the best condition. Market Harborough isn't blessed with great pubs and the Red Cow fits right in.