Malt Shovel Tavern

July 27, 2005 [ Updated February 9, 2007 ]
I have a love/hate relationship with The Malt Shovel. It’s the pub I drink in the most so hence it’s the pub I’m disappointed in the most. I’m doubtless over critical but it winds me up when I walk in and only 2 or 3 guests are on whilst there is space for 8 or 9. If a beer goes during a session it’s rarely replaced inspite of there being plenty waiting in the cellar. But they are the criticisms. On the plus part the beer is always in good condition. There will be a minimum of 6 ales on (up to 12) and almost always a real cider. There are 20 odd Belgian bottles and draught Liefmans Kriek and Frambozen and Leffe Blonde. Beer festivals over the late May and August Bank Holidays feature beer from every available brewery from a chosen English county. Food is standard pub fare but only available lunchtimes. Guest beers usually feature something interesting and I have scored many a new brewery in the pub. Now has beers from Great Oakley Brewery on permenantly as the owner of the brewery is part owner of the pub. Definitely one of the two best pubs in Northamptonshire

December 2, 2004
Consistently the best pub in the area - beers always in perfect condition - a great selection from UK micro breweries CAMRA pub winner many times - East Midlands Pub of the Year 2004