The Royal Oak in Northampton

Oh, let me tell you about The Royal Oak – it's one of those pubs that just feels like a proper local gem, tucked away in Cogenhoe with its charming history dating back to the 1800s. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the food really steals the show; people rave about the Sunday lunches and that fish and chips that's apparently unbeatable, all served up in a cosy, rustic setting that's perfect for a catch-up or even a family do. The team there seems dead helpful too, always accommodating like when they sorted a smaller portion for someone's elderly relative or managed a massive table without a hitch – it's those little touches that make it stand out. On the flip side, it's not all roses; a few mentions of the steak not being up to snuff, a bit fatty for the price, so you might want to steer clear if that's your go-to. Plus, with it being closed on Mondays and varying hours, it's handy to plan around that. All in all, with a solid 4.7 rating from heaps of happy visitors, I'd say it's well worth a punt if you're in the area – just go with an open mind and you'll likely have a top-notch time.