The Queens Arms, Kettering

We weren't quite sure if this solid village pub was actually open when we arrived on a Saturday lunchtime. The front door was closed, but did open to reveal two very plain doors, one to the left and one to the right. The one to the left led to a large dining area, with all tables made up for diners. But there were no diners to occupy them. The door to the right led into the much smaller bar, where a small group of locals were sat near the window. Premier League football was being shown on a TV. 3 handpulls in the bar stocked Digfield Barnwell Bitter, Young's London Original & Timothy Taylor Landlord. However, the barman luckily pointed out that there was a 4th ale on a separate handpull in the dining area side. This 4th ale was my drink of choice - Phipps NBC India Pale Ale. My IPA had been kept a little on the cold side, but was still ok. Having just been to the Stirrup Cup in Barton Seagrave, I was wondering how that pub could make the latest Good Beer Guide, when the Queen's Arms had not made it in since 2008! Perhaps a new edition will rectify this discrepancy.