Recommend a decent country pub Northants / Sth Leics border

[matt 74]

Some years ago when living nearby I used to be a fan of the Wheel and Compass in Weston by Welland. Nr to Mkt Harborough.

At that time it had a great feel, a good few regular locals at the bar that would welcome outsiders and the kitchen managed to serve up some decent 'pub grub' and the bar some decent ales - in my opinion a 'proper country pub' !!

It's been some time since we have visited but as the result of reading reviews it appears the reviews are quite mixed.

With a family gathering coming up am interested in any recommendations.

Thanks in anticipation!

[nta16]

might not quite be the same as you remember but near - ale range was nationals only last time I went in, food was (what I imagine, don't know) public school standards, pub stuff but not great in my opinion

what type of pub is best for your group - posh, pretentious, rose-tinted traditional, real tradition, ect.?

how many in your group?

I don't think it would take too much to equal or better W&C for food but some pubs will be below their standards

most pubs you'd have to book if it's for a Sunday lunch or Friday or Saturday night

Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 27th August 20:02

[matt 74]

Thanks for the reply NTA.

It's is likely to be early Sat evening, as for type pub favour a well kept well run traditional independent country boozer that serves real ales and good quality food without the pretentious approach.

[Jem0911]

The Fox in Hallaton has been consistent for months now.
Steaks are great.

[nta16]

a pub I think you’d like, the ale quality is very good (especially for Everards plus it has a guest), excellent building bit of a gem, unpretentious, the regulars talk to you, the landlord is a character (and recent MG Midget owner), I’ve no idea of the quality of the food but I can’t imagine it’d be bad and I’m sure you’d need to check for a Saturday night sitting, as with most village pubs find the church and the pub is nearby
Fox & Goose, Illiston on the Hill – http://www.everards.co.uk/our-pubs/fox-goose-illst...

in the Wheel and Compass mould perhaps the Bull’s Head, Arthingworth, we’ve not been for a while, ale was good and food looked W&C style – http://www.thebullsheadonline.co.uk/

an alternative, we’ve not been for a few years but I’m told the food is still good there and they still sell real ale (I don’t know the quality of the ale) but certainly a country pub – Bell Inn, East Langton – http://www.thebellinn-eastlangton.co.uk/index.html

one to avoid and I don’t think you’d like its style anyway is the Langton Arms, Church Langton

for yourself more than your group Bridge 61 at Foxton Locks, not the big plastic pub but walk over the small arched foot bridge, it’s the one the canal people go into so plenty of characters that will chat to strangers, ale is good and food is basic but OK (W&C quality perhaps) it’s dog friendly so you need to be too – http://www.fancyapint.com/Pub/foxton/bridge-61/436...

[mrloudly]

Red Lion at Thornby. Great beers and good food. New landlord Simon is doing a great job, long may it continue!