The Cordwainer

You'll find this 'Spoons tucked away near Northampton station, and it's one of the better examples of what the chain does well. The usual suspects are all here – curry club on Thursday, cheap pints, and breakfast served until noon – but The Cordwainer feels less corporate than some of its siblings. The building has character, with high ceilings and proper pub proportions that haven't been completely sanitised. The food's standard Wetherspoons fare but executed competently enough. Fish and chips for under a tenner, burgers that don't disappoint, and a decent selection of ales including local brews. It's particularly handy if you're catching a train or need somewhere reliable that won't break the bank. The staff keep things moving efficiently, and there's usually a good mix of commuters, locals, and the odd tourist who's wandered over from the town centre.