19 St Giles' St, Northampton NN1 1JA

About This Pub

Ah, The Wig & Pen – it's one of those pubs that just warms your cockles the moment you step inside, with its cosy traditional decor and that sense of history lingering in the air. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, folks absolutely love the food; think big, tasty portions and a fresh menu that's perfect for a casual catch-up over lunch in the garden terrace, especially when the sun's out and you've got that retractable roof keeping things comfortable. The drink options are brilliant too – a massive range of ales, ciders, and beers that cater to every taste, and it's clear they're passionate about it, having been crowned CAMRA's pub of the year. Live music and screening major sports like rugby make it a go-to spot for a great night out, and the staff always come across as genuinely friendly, adding to that homely feel. On the flip side, it can be a bit hit or miss with the crowds; sometimes it's lovely and relaxed, but other times, particularly on match days, it gets heaving, which might not be ideal if you're after a quiet pint. Overall, though, it's a solid choice for anyone in Northampton looking for a balanced mix of good grub, cracking drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere – I'd say give it a try and see for yourself!

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The atmosphere is absolutely charming with its traditional decor and rich history, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
  • They've got a fantastic selection of drinks, including 13 rotating guest ales, ciders, and loads of global beers – it's no wonder they were voted CAMRA Northamptonshire's pub of the year!
  • The food is spot on, with generous portions and a new menu that's getting rave reviews; perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner with friends.
  • Outdoor space is a real winner, especially that raised garden terrace with its retractable roof and heaters, so you can enjoy a drink outside no matter the weather.
  • Friendly staff and great service make every visit feel welcoming, whether you're there for live music, watching the rugby, or just unwinding after a long day.
Cons
  • It can sometimes feel a bit quiet, especially on certain evenings, which might not suit if you're after a buzzing, lively crowd.
  • With its central location, it gets packed during big events like rugby matches, so you might have to deal with queues or wait for a table.
  • Opening times seem a tad inconsistent in the details shared, which could catch you out if you're planning a visit on a bank holiday.

Contact Information

19 St Giles' St, Northampton NN1 1JA
+441604622178
Pub
Opens at 11:00

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday12:00 - 23:00
Thursday12:00 - 23:00
Friday (Today)11:00 - 01:00
Saturday11:00 - 01:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

A great music event we loved it. Very friendly pub staff so all good.
RF
Ray French
Went for lunch on my break to have food with a friend what great food very nice and big did not disappoint. Love the new menu. Service was with a smile and nice weather in the garden. Good times.
AD
Adam Dotan
I am very grateful to the staff who played a rugby match for me. It was a URC quarter-final. They were very professional, and I can see that this is definitely a good rugby pub. Many thanks - your hospitality was second to none.
BA
Bruce Ayling
Really great Rugby pub , center of Northampton, amazing food great outdoor and indoor space. Gets quite busy on rugby match day's and they often have great live band nights .
SS
Sarah Shatford
I came here for an evening out on a Friday. Maybe a sign of the times, but it wasn't too busy. What was nice was the security guard was welcoming, there were a lot of servers available so there wasn't a long wait at all. The bar had a considerable selection available and multiple beers including some craft beers on tap. The prices were reasonable and a round came to about £16 for 3 people. Out back there was a covered area in the beer "garden", but mostly patio, where a live band set up shop. the only reason it didn't get 5 stars from me was the band was a little loud (literally only had to turn it down a bit) because it made conversation super difficult.
TM
The Mighty One

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