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KETTERING A far northern outpost of the league, fans from southern clubs will probably only get one chance to visit before the league reorganisation next year. Good fast rail srvice from StPancras/St Albans/Bedford, but be warned that the ground is about a mile and half from the station. The first point of interst is that the clubhouse itself is one of those rare places where real ale can be had. A bit run down it may be in the eyes of home fans but most of us can only dream of two or three real ales in our clubhouse. Adnams bitter is a regular and Oakham JHB a frequent vistor. So Beerhound's advice is whatever else you do, support a club bar that serves the real stuff- they are few and far between! If you are venturing beyond the bar, there are a couple of recommended options but both are some distance from the Rockingham Road ground.:- The PIPER* in Windmill Avenue, is probably the best bet, on the A6003 near Wicksteed Park. [Beerhound writes: this must be Wicksteed where they made all the playground equipment in the good old days- anyone else remember the name on all the steps of those big slides?] Beers are Hook Norton Best Bitter; Theakston Old Peculier and a varied list of guest beers. Bar snacks. Follow this link for a map of the area:- Another possibility
is the ALEXANDRA ARMS*, Victoria Street, about 400 yds from bus
station, but again a long way from the ground, about 1½
miles , straight along Rockingham Road. Frog Island Best Bitter;
Greene King IPA and a very good range of huest ales from micro
breweries, including some that we southerners don't get to taste
so often in our travels. No food, no music, no machines. Worth
a look if you can get to it. Again follow
the map link: One recommended out of town option if you have a chauffeur is the VANE ARMS* at Sudborough, about 5 miles to the east of Kettering. This lovely rural pub shows off some fine Northamptonshire stonework on the outside, has an excellent rotating beer menu, a Belgian beer list and interesting food. Its on the High St, just off the A6116 [Thanks to Alex, Martin and other Kettering fans for help with this entry] |