The Navigation, Towcester

Corporate Marstons outlet in an attractive stone-built building with a wonderful position overlooking the canalside. Whilst most of the original character has been lost, overall it isn’t too bad inside - a large multi-area interior with the aforementioned canal views if you're lucky and some outside seating affording an alfresco waterside experience. Note the old flagstone floor by the bar. Mute TV news, mass-catering food and muzak, you know the score. Four ales on from the Marstons stable; Pedigree, New World, Ringwood and Banks Bitter, the latter of which was in good shape. In terms of pub quality it can’t (and doesn’t really try to) compete with the Boat over the road. But it does the job it’s designed to do relatively well. And is probably well-worth a summer’s pint if you can bag a canalside seat.

The Navigation is down from the top lock in the attractive canal village of Stoke Bruerne. Despite its situation and a large car park, it's short of outdoor space with a childrens play area to the right as you enter, a small terrace at the back and tables and chairs spread along the towpath. I think it was an old Northamptonshire stone farmhouse as prior to its current incarnation it certainly wasn't a boozer. Inside,Marstons have done their very worst and it's been decked out in modern drinking barn style with any trace of original character and features lost. Three beers on from the Marstons stable, EPA, Pedigree, which was in good nick and Hobgoblin. For character, I'd head to The Boat by the top lock.