The Best Pubs in Kettering
In Kettering, a historic market town nestled in Northamptonshire between the River Ise and the region’s rolling countryside, the pub scene is as varied as its storied past. Here, you can hop from a wallet-friendly local with a revolving selection of real ales to a lively sports bar buzzing with live music, or from a cosy village inn with a book-lined interior and a dog-friendly garden to a community hub offering everything from bottomless brunches to Sunday roasts. Whether you’re after a quiet pint by a real fire, a family-friendly beer garden with a playground, or a night of blues and folk tunes, the town’s welcoming mix of historic inns and modern all-rounders ensures there’s a perfect spot for every mood. Come and discover for yourself what makes the best pubs in Kettering so special.


1. Alexandra Arms
Victoria Court, 39 Victoria St, Kettering NN16 0BU, UK
Step into the Alexandra Arms, a wonderfully wallet-friendly local where the walls are a delightful gallery of quirky beer mats and the cask ale selection is always changing and top-notch. The welcoming crew and a loyal, chatty crowd make every visit feel like a homecoming, whether you're settling into the outdoor seating with your dog or grabbing a fantastic pint for just £4. It’s a true hidden gem for groups and solo explorers alike, promising a cracking night with seriously good beer and great company every time.
Photo by Alex McGregor — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Stirrup Cup
Woodland Ave, Barton Seagrave, Kettering NN15 6QR, UK
Head to The Stirrup Cup in Barton Seagrave, a wonderfully versatile local that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're catching a match in the lively sports bar, enjoying live music on a Thursday, or tucking into a home cooked meal with the family, this dog friendly pub delivers. With a fantastic selection of cask ales, wines, and cocktails, plus a separate Coffee Lounge for a relaxed daytime bite, it’s the perfect spot for groups, sports fans, and food lovers alike.


3. The Shire Horse
Newlands Shopping Centre, 18 Newland St, Kettering NN16 8JH, UK
Tucked away and full of character, The Shire Horse is a proper, wallet friendly local where the welcome is as warm as the real fire. The beer selection is excellent, the live music events are always a blast, and the big open back garden is perfect for sunny days with your dog in tow. With a happy, safe vibe and a menu that includes a seriously satisfying ploughman's lunch, it is a brilliant spot for groups and anyone after a genuinely good time.
Photo by David Dixon — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The Peacock
7 Lower St, Kettering NN16 8DH, UK
For a cracking value breakfast or a lively night out with friends, The Peacock is an absolute gem right in the town centre. This spot is a brilliant all rounder, serving up everything from a mega Irish fry up and tasty burgers to a fantastic bottomless brunch, all at a great price. With pool tables, TVs for the football, and a buzzing live music scene, it is the perfect place for groups to gather, enjoy a cocktail, and have a brilliant time.
Photo by David Gruar — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. Wayfarers Inn
296 London Rd, Kettering NN15 6DX, UK
Wayfarers Inn is a brilliant all rounder where you can settle in for a quiet pint in a cozy, welcoming setting or join the crowd for a fantastic live music night. The beer selection is top notch, with real ales, wines, and cocktails all on offer, and the huge outdoor beer garden complete with a playground makes it a perfect spot for families and dog walkers alike. Whether you’re catching a match, tucking into a delicious Sunday roast, or enjoying a summer evening outside, this place delivers a genuinely superb experience every time.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The Woolcomber
St, St John's Rd, Kettering NN15 5AZ, UK
The Woolcomber, affectionately known as 'the Wooly,' is a brilliant community hub on the Ise Lodge estate that truly has it all. Whether you're here to catch the Premier League on the big screens, enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the peaceful outdoor seating, or bring the whole group (including the dog) for a lively night, this place delivers. With a fantastic range of drinks, live music, and a genuinely warm welcome from the team, it's the perfect spot for a cheeky pint after work or a proper night out dancing.


7. The Red Lion
7 High St, Broughton, Kettering NN14 1NF, UK
The Red Lion is a fantastic local pub that absolutely nails the essentials: superb real ales, brilliant live music from blues to folk, and an incredibly warm welcome for everyone, including your dog. It’s a spacious yet cosy spot where you can settle in for a pint, enjoy a game of skittles or darts, and tuck into an unbelievable Sunday roast or a delicious pie. With great value drinks, a lively quiz night, and a calendar full of music events, this friendly gem is perfect for a relaxed evening or a proper night out with friends.


8. Three Cranes Inn Cransley
1 Loddington Rd, Cransley, Kettering NN14 1PY, UK
The Three Cranes Inn is a wonderfully welcoming village local where the beer and wine flow freely and the dog friendly garden beckons for a sunny afternoon. The menu may be small, but every dish is crafted with top quality ingredients, making it a brilliant spot for a relaxed meal with friends. With a cosy fire to warm you and a calm, book lined interior, this moderately priced gem is perfect for a quiet pint or a special celebration.
Photo by Bikeboy — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Piper
Windmill Ave, Kettering NN15 6PS, UK
The Piper is a wonderful, dog friendly local where the welcome is as warm as the home cooked Sunday roasts and the beer garden is perfect for groups. It’s the ideal spot to settle in with a pint of real ale and catch the big game, or simply enjoy a quiet wine with a truly lovely team. With its charming, cosy interior and a menu that delivers proper, piping hot meals every time, this pub is a genuine treat for any occasion.


10. The Cordwainer
Bath Rd, Kettering NN16 9NA, UK
The Cordwainer is a brilliant, wallet friendly local that truly has a personality all its own, welcoming you in for anything from a quiet pint to a lively night of live music. With a fantastic range of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus a kitchen serving up classics and daily specials like Pizza Tuesdays and Sunday roasts, there's always a reason to gather a group and settle in. Whether you're catching Sky Sports in the bar, enjoying the outdoor seating, or joining in a fun event like a card game tournament or a jam session, this genuine pub delivers a consistently warm and satisfying experience.




