The Wheatsheaf, Kettering

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Blackthorn _ left this review about The Wheatsheaf

The sign outside the pub describes itself as a “Country Pub and Restaurant” which immediately gives you an idea what sort of establishment to expect. Inside it looks as though it’s recently had an extensive refurbishment and has many indicators to it’s gastropub genre, although it’s not somewhere that you’d feel unwelcome if you just popped in for a pint.

There was a slated tiled floor in the front bar with freshly painted walls in shades of cream and brown along with some wood panelling. At one end was a large stone built fireplace with a small wood burning stove, although this was clearly not in use as one of the tables was practically in the fireplace. You certainly needed to watch your head when getting up.

The tables were well spaced chunky wooden affairs and the chairs wood framed with a wicker back rest and seat. At the other end of the bar were a couple of low leather sofa’s and a scattering of cushions. There was a plasma stuck up on the wall which seemed a little out of place, but fortunately it was off on a recent lunchtime visit. There were a few high chairs at the bar.

The loos were very posh and reminded me of the type you get in some upmarket hotels. Lots of dark wood, granite and infra-red flushes. The up-market theme continued with tie-back curtains, cushions on the bench seating in the windows, and some impressive wildlife prints on the walls which I understand were all photographed by a local lady. The menu was typical gastropub fayre, with most of the mains being around the £12 - £13 mark. There was also a small selection of bar snacks, and my ham, egg & chips at £6.50 was a decent dish with a thick slab of ham, two eggs and some chunky home-made chips.

There was a separate restaurant area at the rear of the pub, although I didn’t investigate this, and an attractive and reasonable sized patio area. The barman was friendly and helpful.

Beers on this occasion were Greene King IPA and Wadworth’s Lily The Pink, which is a new one on me. The solitary cider was Stowford Press.

On 17^th May 2011 - rating: 7
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