The Red Cow, Market Harborough

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.

This is a Greene King tied house but there is a guest ale policy,Oakham Citra (£3.28 ,in tired condition)and that was the sole reason to go into the pub. There was a large welcome committee of smokers outside the pub,and a good number of bar blockers who were very reluctant to move so that I could access the bar.Five handpumps in total but both GK IPA and Old Speckled Hen were doubled up.The front room is dominated by a darts board to the right and a flatscreen Sky Sports to the left and with little furniture to pitch down on ,we left the rum bunch of regulars to their private space and headed to the small back room,where there is just enough room for a Northamptonshire skittles table ,an alcove for another dart board,some stools around a drinking shelf and two small round tables.This area was marginally more welcoming than the front bar. A local pub for local people,I wont be disturbing their karma again.