Soak Up the Sun: The Best Pubs to Visit in Northamptonshire This Summer

When the sun shines over Northamptonshire, there’s no better place to be than in a pub garden, drink in hand, delicious food on the table, and good company all around. Whether you’re after a peaceful countryside retreat, a lively venue with events and music, or a family-friendly spot with space for the kids to roam, the county has a perfect pub waiting for you.

We’ve rounded up some of the best pubs across Northamptonshire where you can eat, drink and unwind this summer.

The Tollemache Arms

An award-winning pub offering everything from nibbles and mains to desserts providing something for the whole family. Also offering a range of events including a Monday Monthly Quiz Night and a Sip and Paint (£35 per head), this place is an ideal destination for a relaxed meal or a fun night out. It has a huge outdoor area with a play area and plenty of seating, perfect for families.

Book here: The Tollemache Arms in Harrington – The Perfect Country Pub

The Fox and Hounds, Harlestone

Part of the Premium Country Club Collection, this pub offers a range of meals from a set daily menu to a freshly carved roast every Sunday, it truly has something for everyone. Also including a stunning, newly refurbished outdoor seating area it is perfect to relax and dine on those warm summer days. 

Book here: Book a Table Online Today at The Fox & Hounds Northampton

The Windhover 

A warm and dog-friendly pub that has a range of available dishes from hearty dishes to pub classics like fish and chips, burgers and seasonal specials. Whether you’re craving a Sunday lunch or smaller bites to share, there’s something for everyone. It includes a perfect outdoor seating area that is the ideal spot for a meal or drink with friends and family throughout the summer season. 

Book here: Book a Table at The Windhover, Northampton

The Cromwell Cottage

A charming pub which is perfect for relaxed drinking and dining, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features delicious food including nibbles for the table, main meals and hearty lunches, perfect for anyone. With attentive staff to ensure you have the perfect time while there, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a relaxed night.

Book here: Book a Table Online Today at The Cromwell Cottage Northampton

Althorp Coaching Inn

Having been refurbished, this cosy and comfortable pub offers a homey atmosphere welcoming anyone to relax, drink and dine. This pub offers a dedicated children’s menu, a Sunday lunch menu and even a range of tempting sandwiches – there’s something to satisfy every craving. It also has an inviting courtyard perfect for a relaxing drink with friends or family, especially on a sunny day.

Book here: Book a Table Online at Althorp Coaching Inn

The Charles Bradlaugh

It offers a large variety of events including live music and bands, karaoke nights and roast dinners every Sunday – making it an ideal spot for summertime fun with friends and family. It has a large garden area with many tables and plants creating a perfect environment for those hot summer nights. It offers a designated vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menus, making it perfect and inclusive for anyone and everyone. 

Book here: Book a Table — The Charles Bradlaugh

Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington is a beautifully-restored 18th century pub and restaurant situated close to stunning Stanwick Lakes and the Rushden Lakes shopping mall. With a vibrant atmosphere, the Duke of Wellington is a stunning location which is perfect for different summertime occasions, whether it may be a meal with friends and family or a relaxed drink with friends. They also have a huge, double-deck barn which hosts regular music events.

Book here: The Duke of Wellington | Pub & Restaurant

The Plough at Shutlanger 

This charming and inviting pub and restaurant includes a varying menu from signature pub dishes and seasonal flavours to innovating flavours and dishes. It has a breakfast and brunch menu as well as your pub classics and a dinner menu, there’s something for anytime of the day. 

It also has a tearoom which is stocked with different cakes and sweet treats every week – perfect for an afternoon in summer. The relaxed and inviting atmosphere is continued into the outdoor area which includes seating and plants for a calm environment, making it a perfect destination for relaxing or dining on a summers day.

Book here: Contact Us | The Plough

The Sheaf inn, West Haddon 

Having won many different awards, this pub has a cosy interior that features charming dining spaces and an outdoor area with a lot of available seating, parasols, plants and herbs – offering a perfect outdoor area in the hot summer’s sun. It includes a range of menus including a main menu, a Sunday menu, kids menu and a lunch menu. It also offers weekly events from cheese and steak nights to tapas evenings, which allow guests to sample new flavours and local produce.

Book here: Make a reservation | Book a table | The Sheaf Inn, West Haddon

The Olde Red Lion, Kislingbury 

The Olde Red Lion has two bars and a stylish dining room along with a beer garden which is ideal for gatherings with friends or family on summer nights. It also hosts monthly quiz nights and open-mic events, a perfect idea for any summer plans. The food available includes classic pub mains such as burgers and fish and chips, Sunday roasts and desserts. These ensure that everyone has something to indulge in during their visit. 

Book here: Make a Reservation | Book a table | The Olde Red Lion

Brampton Halt

The Brampton Halt pub offers a range of food and drinks including fresh, seasonal dishes. They have a wide range of menus including a Sunday menu, lunch menu, BBQ specials and brunch menu.

Their expansive outdoor area has a spacious patio and decking, providing a large amount of seating, scenic lakeside view and a covered marquee area, perfect for events in the summer. A newly refurbished outdoor play area also makes it a welcoming destination for families as it offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Book here: Brampton Halt | Country Pub | Food | Sunday Lunch | Book a Table

Wig and Walnut 

This stunning pub and restaurant has a generous outdoor seating area making it the perfect location for a relaxed drink or a leisurely meal out in the summer period. The food varies from lunchtime classics to sizzling grill favourites, making it suitable for all tastes and appetites. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming that invites you in to relax and dine. Whether you’re catching up with friends over drinks or having a family meal, it’s an ideal location for relaxed summer dining.

Book here: The Wig & Walnut in Grange Park – Pub & Restaurant