The Wig & Pen, Northampton

This is an old long and narrow pub with the bar at the end. It wasn't overly busy on my Friday afternoon visit but certainly wasn't quiet. I counted eight hand pumps at the front of the bar and three at the side. The front eight had Nethergate Old Growler, Adnam's Ghost Ship, Old Speckled Hen, Slater's Queen Bee, Elgood's Golden Newt & Black Dog Mild, Potbelly Best and one unused that was being changed. The three side pumps had Fuller's London Pride & Oliver's Island and Greene King IPA. Apart from two beers all of these were from the old regional or long established brewers. I thought I would try the Old Growler which was in good nick but cost the ridiculous price of £4.20. I have to admit that I had failed to spot the 10% CAMRA discount but even at £3.78 it's still over the top for the Midlands. I didn't see anything special about this pub at all and just left feeling I'd been ripped off.

Official site of Wig & Pen - www.thewigandpennorthampton.com

Attractive old building with an extension to the rear, and rather larger than the narrow frontage would suggest. The low ceilinged are inside the door leads to a 'L'-shaped bar with more headroom further back. Traditional furniture and decor. Silent news on large TV screens, and background music at a sensible volume. Covered patio beer garden. Excellent choice from 11 beers and two ciders on handpump, and my pint of Langton Inclined Plane (£3.60 less 10% Camra discount) was in fine form. Well worth a visit.

Official site of Wig & Pen - www.thewigandpennorthampton.com