The Old White Hart, Northampton

The exterior of this building, advertising "P Phipps & Cos Wines Spirits and Ales" as well as "Ratliffes Stout", gives a first impression of slightly run-down scruffiness, so it's a surprise on entering to find a smart hotel bar that would not be out of place in a city centre glass and steel monstrosity. There's a dining room to the left, where all the tables had been pushed together, boardroom style, and another up a few steps to the right and rear of the bar, where there was a very nice fireplace. In front of the bar is an area for drinkers, or for bar snacks, with small tables and easy chairs. On the bar were three hand pumps, serving Phipps IPA (from the revived brewery whose name still adorns the façade) and Purity Pure Gold. The beer was well poured and not expensive for the area, and in good condition. There's shouty-diva music on the sound system, and the modern art on the walls is pretty loud too, but somehow not out of place. This would not be a destination pub unless you're into food, perhaps, but as a stopping point between the Golden Horse and the Pomfret Arms it does just fine.

Official site of The Old White Hart - www.theoldwhitehartinn.com

Official site of The Old White Hart - www.theoldwhitehartinn.com