Barley Mow, Towcester

A traditional white-washed stone pub in the centre of the village, this is currently to let but still trading fortunately. There are a couple of tables out the front and a surprisingly large car park at the rear. Inside it’s a single L-shape room of quite traditional appearance, with the wood panelled bar counter at the corner of the “L”. To the right is an area with floor to ceiling wood panelling on the walls making is somewhat reminiscent of an old hotel drawing room. It’s carpeted throughout with the same kind of generic red patterned carpet that you find in many pubs, and there is a low ceiling with a few beams on it, although I suspect these are decorative rather than structural. To the right is a massive old stone built fireplace with a blank lintel above it, although at this time of year the only things actually in the fire were a couple of potted plants. Various old black and white photos of the local area were hung on the walls. The walls are mostly white plasterwork, although there is exposed brick work in some places. A plasma was hung on the wall at the back showing some type of music channel, although the volume was down low and this wasn’t too obtrusive. A dart board was tucked away around the corner. I enquired if they were doing food, and was told “not at the moment”. Whether that meant they don’t do it on Monday’s, or whether it’s a longer moment, I’m not sure. The barmaid didn’t seem to have much in the way of any personality, but then if the pub’s to let that’s perhaps understandable. Beers on tap were Young’s Bitter, Abbot Ale and London Pride. The solitary cider was Strongbow, unfortunately.