The Walnut Tree Inn, Northampton

A hotel / restaurant with a separate public bar, this L-shaped room and bar offered a couple of local ales in Towcester Mill's Mill Race and Phipps' IPA (Doom Bar was a third option, an additional local ale - Great Oakley Wagtail - was chalked on the board behind the fourth handpump was unclipped): Curious Brew was also available on keg. Bare-boarded floor throughout, with a small raised section far right for gigs (and much postered espousement thereof) and a chalked bar menu with standard pub grub fayre. A couple of sofas in front of a fireplace to the left and unobtrusive muzak added to the quiet cosiness. It's also close to the Grand Union Canal, so ideally placed for hungry / thirsty walkers.

Official site of the Walnut Tree, contains menu and wine list - www.walnut-tree.co.uk

Official site of the Walnut Tree, contains menu and wine list - www.walnut-tree.co.uk

Stayed here with my family, having found it on laterooms. Room was in top condition, and beautifully decorated. Bar downstairs had a good range of real ales, and the meals we had were delicious. Only downside was the proximity to the main railway line, so trains passed frequently and noisily.

A local pub for local people,mainly from the nearby caravan site.I was rather disappointed by the quality of the Phipps IPA and the smokers committee gathered at the front door.Didnt stay to sample the extensive menu,for which there were few takers.