PINTS UNDER A POUND IN KETTERING

November 2023. Kettering.

Yes, November. I thought I’d never get there.

Two years ago, that 2021/22 of GBG completion, I never actually went to a single pub in Northamptonshire, as Covid meant (in common with Ely) no surveys for new GBG pubs.

But last year our most underrated county bounced back, and GBG24 sees an immediate return to Kettering, which really is a challenge to sell to you, unless you’re five and are lured to Wicksteed Park’s fun ride.

Anyway, start at the church

and head to the market place where there’s a tiny bit of county (second) town about it.

and at least this time I found a tiny bit of independent enterprise at Buster’s, which I thought was a record shop till I saw “potato salad” on the side, though that may be a Ska band from Isham.

But Kettering was desperately quiet, quieter than my acclaimed (by me) report during Covid.

Hang on ! Follow those mobility scooters…

Oh yes, “To the Spoons !”.

I beat BRAPA here by a week,

though in truth I beat him here by 25 years as I’m CERTAIN I came here during a Spoons festival and had one of those 3x a third tasters. But it wasn’t in the GBG then, so why (oh why) has it taken so long to Guide, using “Guide” as a verb like “medal”.

It’s their turn, I guess, and that Rugate mild priced under a quid was good enough (3+), and the Earl remains a vibrant community asset offering burger and Punk IPA for £6.75.

But will Kettering ever become a craft mecca, like neighbouring That Corby ?

Unknown's avatar

Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

7 thoughts on “PINTS UNDER A POUND IN KETTERING”

  2. Kettering has some of the very best estate pubs, but it’s yet another doughnut town that’s seriously lacking a hearty town centre filling. As for the Craft! You know that thing when a landlord says “sorry mate, there’s just no demand…”, and you pull what’s left of your hair out in frustration! Well, seriously, there’s no demand…

    Like

    Reply

    2. Speaking personally, you understand, I have never as yet found a true thing to be boring.

      In Holland, a “ketter” is a heretic, whereas here “plettering” is another word for plating, I’m privileged to be able to inform.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment