The Peacock, Towcester

A traditional pub in the centre of Towcester and a sister pub to the Monk and Tipster directly opposite, although the target clientele for each is somewhat different. This is very much a sports bar with an emphasis on drinking rather than eating. I think food may be offered going on the illuminated Pizza sign in the window, but the only indication of it was somebody walking through the pub with a pizza in a box and a plate of something delivered to the barman. Presumably it was a number of different rooms at one time, but it has now been knocked through in to one, albeit with the remnants of some of the walls braking up the space somewhat. The central area housing the bar counter is an L-shape room and relatively small with just some limited seating around the perimeter. A snug off to the right looked as though it may have been quite cosy at one time with an old fire-place and some shelving in the corner, but the presence of no less than three TV screens mounted directly above the fire-place spoilt the ambience somewhat. This theme continued throughout the pub, with numerous other screens all showing a sports channel of some sort along with a large projector screen at the far end. A pool table was in the middle bar as well as a darts board towards the rear. Decor wise, the flooring was a mixture of wood strip and carpet, whilst the colour scheme was predominantly cream and deep red with some khaki green infilling. Seating options were limited, with much of what was available being re-arranged to afford the best views of the match. A wood burning stove was housed in a free-standing chimney breast next to the pool table, although this was a poor electric imitation with no effort to look authentic. Beers on tap were London Pride and Greene King IPA, whilst a “Guest Ale” pump appeared unused. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately. All in all I suppose if you want to pop out and have a pint whilst watching the football or playing a game of pool this might suit you, but other than that I can see little reason to visit.

A genuine boozer with the focus on drinking ,no massed ranks of diners here thankfully.To the right of the entrance is what was probably an old snug,with a fine Victorian fireplace,a large banquette and a mini library of paperbacks.Above the fireplace was a flatscreen with Wimbledon being screen ,thankfully with volume off.To the left of the entrance there is a lobby,a pool table and finally an area with dining tables,unused on my trip on a hot Friday afternoon.The pub was well populated with locals,and there was a friendly atmosphere.The interior decor was neat and tidy and the carpet clean,with the pub dog settling down among the drinkers. Three handpumps with GK IPA and London Pride as regulars and the guest on my trip Stonehouse Station Bitter (£3,well kept standard bitter).A more adventurous ale policy would have gained more points,but it's still a decent place to drink.

Official site of the Peacock - www.thejwpubcompany.co.uk

Official site of the Peacock - www.thejwpubcompany.co.uk

Great friendly atmosphere Covers all types of sport and games-sky double channel to cover both important sporting events Friday for drinking - Saturday and Sunday for gambling and sport Background music and elite live music dates. Typical community pub of old - NO FOOD - be better when pub grub is introduced. Be prepared to be pulled into this family! ! You don't know it's happening