Northampton Guildhall; not sure what beer they sell
If you can, do your drinking before you get anywhere near the ground!
Sixfields, where the stadium is located, is one of those retail/leisure/sports parks - all plastic, glass and chrome, and nothing but identikit multi-national chains present. Prices are steep, and most football fans who like a decent beer wouldn't be seen dead in the place......except unfortunately we have to go there because there's a football match on.
However, if your coming in by coach this is where your going to end up.
The drinking establishments go by the names of (well they did when we last played them in September 2010, but there will be no great loss if they have, all of them!):
Magic Tower (formerly Chevys) - big gorillas on the door grilling fans and booting out any who might vaguely resemble away supporters.
Sixfields Tavern - slightly more tolerant gorillas, but they don't like away colours; has one thing in its favour should you get in - it's from the Hungry Horse chain, which means some tolerable alcohol and large meals.
Old Orleans - faux Americana, with alcohol and food to match, which clearly would prefer not to have nasty football fans in at all.
The Sports Bar - part of a large complex, containing bowling alleys, pool tables, and large screens.
TGI Friday - see 'Old Orleans'.
Franky and Benny's - another restaurant/bar on the site, but quite some way from the ground.
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By the station
 Malt Shovel Tavern: 121, Bridge Street, NN1 1QF. Just off the inner ring road, and an easy walk from the train station but not exactly on the best side of town for the stadium unfortunately. Despite this, and the fact one can see the Carlsberg Brewery from the pub, this is our hostelry of choice in Northampton. Tetley, London Pride, and the local Frog Island Natterjack are regulars, with plenty more guests on too amongst the 14 handpumps. There is also a cider, a large range of Belgian draught and bottled beers, lots of unusual gins and fifty single malts.
A couple of years ago they launched their own micro-brewery under the name of The Great Oakley Brewery, (www.greatoakleybrewery.co.uk/)
Wot's Occurring and Harpers are regularly on sale, Tailshaker, Gobble and Delapre Dark more occasionally as brewed.
Food is at lunchtimes only, from 12.00 noon until 14.00, and children are allowed in the pub up to 19.00. Pleasant courtyard at the back. Website: http://maltshoveltavern.com/mst2011/
Foundrymans Arms: St. James Road, NN5 5LE.
Stopping off point for those arriving by train and heading from the station to Sixfields along the A45. Shortly before the junction with the A4500 and Franklin Gardens, home of Northampton Rugby Club.
If still planning to walk, make sure your out before 14.30, or be very fit.
      Station to Stadium: From the blue blob, follow the A45 up St. James Rd. turning into Weedon Rd. top left. 25-30 minute walk. Malt Shovel Tavern: Bottom right, pub in Bridge St. just under the A508 sign leading into Auctioneers Way, good 45 minutes to Sixfields. Foundrymans Arms: Top left, shortly before the junction with the A428, 15-20 minutes to Sixfields. In the Village It may be better, if you have the time and the transport, to look outside the town. If you are coming into Northampton from the M1, via the A45, you will pass The Turnpike Pub, which is okay for away fans. Or The Abington, excellent ales on offer and by the Northampton cricket ground and the old football ground.
 The Fox and Hounds (NN7 4JA), in the village of Great Brington close to Northampton, is a delightful old inn dating back to the 18th century.
It retains many of it's original features; the characterful bar, attractive garden and courtyard all make a splendid setting in which to enjoy a pint of 'Fire-Bellied Toad' and take a look at the menu of home cooked food. Leave at J16, join the A4500, then find the A428 on the outskirts of the town.
This stop would take you north of the stadium but well worth it. It can then be found on the main street. If you wish Princess Di is buried at nearby Althorp!
(Many thanks for help from the hardened drinkers of www.ciderspace.co.uk for their help with this article, including pinching one of their photos!)
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