Although it's pretty new, I've spent a fair amount of time here while waiting to watch my wife perform at Royal and Derngate. It's a solid bar with a wide selection of beers, including some unusual finds from places like Norway, and more locally, some experimental English brewers. Which is to say, don't come here if you're looking for the standard selection of ales and lagers, as there's no shortage of that at any other pub in Northampton. Instead, Bar Hygge features some local and not-so-local craft brews. Of course, there's no shortage of beer-of-the-moment IPAs, but they also have Westmalle Dubbel, a superb dark Belgian Trappist ale.
I have two points of contention, though: dissimilar service and a limited food menu. Starting with food, it's tasty but limited. Think of sandwich tapas. I had three of them, and each was nicely prepared aesthetically, and also flavourful. You can also put together your own meat and cheese plate. Just be warned its a pretty niche menu so you may be disappointed.
The other point is dissimilar service. On my first trip here, I was allowed to open a tab while sitting outside. However, on my second trip I was told I could only start a tab if I was sitting inside. It's not a big deal, but nice to be extended this courtesy on one day, and disappointing the next.
Still, these two relatively minor points don't significantly detract from what is otherwise a refreshing and unique choice for a drink in Northampton, for which Royal and Derngate should be commended, their vision for Northampton continues to shape the surrounding areas into a great town center. read more