Quick info
About The Axe and Compass
Reopened after refurbishment under new management, The Axe and Compass is a village pub in Kettering, found at 14 Carlow Rd. Steaks are a recurring order from the kitchen, so food sits alongside the drinks here, and the bar has ales and beer on offer for anyone stopping in for a pint. Dogs are welcome, so owners can bring their pets along whether they come for a full meal, a quick drink or a longer stay with friends.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingFree parking lot · Free street parking · Paid parking lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, parking lot, restroom
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak, tempura prawn salad, homemade pie and live band.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention steak, tempura prawn salad, homemade pie and live band.
Customer Review Summary
Steak is the dish diners mention most, described as cooked to perfection and tasting of the grill, with a tempura prawn salad and mushrooms with Stilton also singled out. Reviewers repeatedly call the food good value, with decent, filling portions of honest pub fare. Close behind are the friendly welcome from the owner and staff, the lovely village pub atmosphere, and the beer and ales, with one visit including an excellent live band. Reviewers also credit new management for a vastly improved service. The caveats are specific. One diner found the mash was packet "smash", the chicken burger was frozen and the chips overcooked, though the homemade pie was lovely. Another had a long wait, was not told about pre-ordering, struggled to find the new phone number, and described a dark dining room with plates left on empty tables. That reviewer was asked to write their own order down, yet still plans to return, and another has booked ahead for the Sunday lunch the server described.
Customer Review Summary
Steak is the dish diners mention most, described as cooked to perfection and tasting of the grill, with a tempura prawn salad and mushrooms with Stilton also singled out. Reviewers repeatedly call the food good value, with decent, filling portions of honest pub fare. Close behind are the friendly welcome from the owner and staff, the lovely village pub atmosphere, and the beer and ales, with one visit including an excellent live band. Reviewers also credit new management for a vastly improved service. The caveats are specific. One diner found the mash was packet "smash", the chicken burger was frozen and the chips overcooked, though the homemade pie was lovely. Another had a long wait, was not told about pre-ordering, struggled to find the new phone number, and described a dark dining room with plates left on empty tables. That reviewer was asked to write their own order down, yet still plans to return, and another has booked ahead for the Sunday lunch the server described.
Featured reviews
- Gordon Bland
“A great friendly pub with a great atsmosphere and good ales to choose.”
- James Harrison
“Newly re-opened after refurbishment. Independent hospitality - a rare thing in this day-and-age. Lovely spot, you should try it. The beer was excellent and ambience friendly. Very impressed.”
- Beverley Brown
“Our first visit to the Axe and Compass at Ringstead. Lovely village pub. Great customer service. Saw a live band that was excellent. Thoroughly enjoyable evening. Will definitely return”
- Gill
“Went to the Axe and compass last night with my son and daughter-in-law 2b. Can't recommend them enough the food was cooked to perfection (we all had steaks) the owner couldn't be more welcoming, and the staff were so helpful. The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone was very friendly this is now my new favourite place to eat. I will definitely be back soon. Anyone looking for fabulous food at very reasonable prices or just a lovely village pub to have a few drinks it's well worth the travel to come here.”
- Simon C
“Called in for dinner. The menu can be described as honest pub fayre. Nothing pretentious or unnecessary. There is a decent choice of starters, mains and desserts. Definitely worth a short detour if you're travelling on the A14. The food is outstandingly good value. Portions are decent and filling.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
Show more amenities
- Cozy
- Beer
- Dancing
- Food
- Table service
- Solo dining
- Dining options· 1
- Seating
- Highlights· 4
- Great beer selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Live performances
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Crowd· 1
- Groups
- Parking· 4
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Parking
- Offerings· 3
- Alcohol
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Location
Bars near The Axe and Compass
- Needle & Awl4.24,5805.2 mi away£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
english breakfast, assigned seating on arrival, chicken new yorker
- Ock n Dough4.22,9987.1 mi away
large group bookings, hot fast-served food, mocktails and cocktails
- Warren3.91,3007.1 mi away£10–20ReservationsWheelchair accessibleGood for kids
chicken new yorker, toy machine, drinks
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Axe and CompassReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.5279 | — | £10–20 | steak, tempura prawn salad, homemade pie |
| Needle & AwlReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 4.24,580 | 5.2 mi away | £10–20 | english breakfast, assigned seating on arrival, chicken new yorker |
| Ock n Dough | 4.22,998 | 7.1 mi away | — | large group bookings, hot fast-served food, mocktails and cocktails |
| WarrenReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Good for kids | 3.91,300 | 7.1 mi away | £10–20 | chicken new yorker, toy machine, drinks |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
