The Lilacs Pub in Kettering

39 Church St, Isham, Kettering NN14 1HD

About This Pub

Oh, The Lilacs is just lovely – it's one of those pubs that feels like a proper hidden gem in the heart of the countryside, where you can pop in for a bite and end up having a cracking time. The food really stands out; it's fresh, traditional with a bit of flair, and they go out of their way to accommodate any dietary needs if you give them a heads-up, which is spot on for a relaxed meal with mates. The staff are an absolute delight, always up for a chat and making sure everything runs smoothly, and with events like quizzes and live music, there's plenty to keep things entertaining without it feeling overwhelming. That said, it does fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it's worth planning ahead to avoid any disappointment. On the flip side, if you're after a more subdued setting away from the hustle, its village charm might be just the ticket, though I do wish the online updates were a tad more reliable. All in all, it's a solid spot for good grub and good company, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a go if you're in the area.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The food is absolutely delicious and freshly prepared, with hearty portions and options that can be adapted for allergies – it's a real treat for a pub meal.
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
It's got a welcoming atmosphere with fun events like quizzes, live music, and even a dart board, plus a large car park and covered outdoor space that's perfect for gatherings.
Prices are reasonable for the quality, and it's a hidden gem in a quiet village, ideal for a relaxed catch-up with friends.

Cons

It can get pretty busy, especially on Sundays or bank holidays, so you might need to book ahead to snag a table.
Being a village pub, it doesn't have the same lively buzz as some city spots, which could feel a bit low-key if you're after more excitement.
The online presence isn't fully claimed, so updates on events might not be as straightforward or frequent as you'd hope.

Contact Information

39 Church St, Isham, Kettering NN14 1HD

+441536722348

Pub

Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday (Today)	12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 23:00
Thursday	12:00 - 23:00
Friday	12:00 - 23:00
Saturday	09:00 - 23:00
Sunday	12:00 - 22:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Really enjoyed our visit here met up with 4 of our close friends. A very deceptive establishment a real hidden gem, we received a friendly welcome, it was reasonably quiet but quickly filled up , staff are very friendly and helpful, the meals were great, plates full and really tasty, we all chose different meals so saw a good range of the menu. More seating than there looks, good sized free car park. Most definitely worth a visit.

Sarah Shatford

Beautiful service and amazing pub. Food was delicious 😁 Thank you!

Mr SupaKins

We popped in on the off chance for the Sunday carvery. It was so busy that we were lucky to get a table! No wonder it was so busy as the food and service were excellent. The meats and veg were cooked to perfection. If we are in the area again we will definitely return.

Brendan McGrath

Popped in for lunch, service was very friendly, opted for the jerk chicken kebab with garlic mayo, served with chips. Tasty and reasonably priced. The meal with a drink came to £18, I'd definitely eat here again.

john noble

Visited for the first time this Sunday afternoon after having spied the Lilacs whilst out for a walk a couple of weeks previously. What a lovely place, a bit TARDIS like, it's bigger on the inside than it looks this is a really nice pub, with a big open airy restaurant and multiple outside spaces. The Sunday menu is good, not a wide selection, but everything on the menu appears to be well balanced and from our experience is done well. We had starters, carvery and dessert and all were lovely. The carvery was one of the best I've had, veg wasn't overcooked or dried out from being sat on the hot plate too long, the meat was juicy, tender and cooked nicely and the cauliflower cheese I could have eaten by the gallon. A delightful selection of desserts were on display in the cabinet, and the chocolate and cheesy mousse dessert I selected was beautiful, a rich deep flavour whilst still being light enough after a big meal. Topped it all off with a latte with Bailey's in and I was a happy man. The staff were all really friendly, and very attentive and helpful, service was quick and came with smiles and personality. We're already looking at when we can return to try the regular evening menu and another of the cakes from the cabinet.

Giles Batchelor