The Mail Coach, Northampton

A former traditional pub now modernised , clean and smart inside though more comfortable than clinical. Quiet early on a Saturday morning though two or three punters drifted in and out during my half hour stay. Four handpumps all in use surprised me with their selection apart from the Sharps Atalantic the other three were IPAs , Peerless Knee Buckler, LBC IPA and Phipps IPA, being before noon with a long day ahead I opted for the weaker of the trio, The Phipps at 4.3%, It was excellent, the pub was apparently in the midst of an IPA festival and there were a number of Craft IPAs in bottles on display backing up the handpumps. I didn't dislike it here although not my preferred style of pub.

The Mail Coach now sports the horrible battleship grey on its lower half and signs outside say pub kitchen. Once inside there is a single room wrapped around the bar on three sides,the floor is stone tiled,there are tall tables and chairs to the front left and normal tables and chairs to the rear left,there is also some bench seating to the front. There were six pumps on the bar with only one being clipped,this had Slaters Haka on,this tasted vile but not off,why do all Slaters beers taste crap. Food was being served and background music was playing. We were not that impressed with this pub. Pub visited 1/10/2016

Fairly traditional looking from the outside, but once inside it's very modern with 2 of the 3 areas given over to a bistro. Very interesting area to the rear with a brick built, covered room with posters for bands all over the walls. 4 handpumps on the bar serving St Austell Tribute, Doom Bar, Adnams Broadside & Purity Mad Goose. A bit expensive at £1.75 for a half. Very quiet on my Thursday, late afternoon visit, but the beer quality was good.