The Axe and Compass in East Northamptonshire

First visit for a while. Will need to go back again. Food really good, good size portions and served piping hot. Very reasonable prices as well.

Excellent venue, great friendly staff, who go that extra mile to provide a great service 👍😍🥰

Had a lovely Sunday roast and plenty of delicious food.

Have just enjoyed a very nice lunch here with my Ramblers group. The staff were great and catered very well for our big group. Would be happy to come again. Thanks.

Plate was dirty and food took 45 minutes

Nice pub. Popped in for a drink. We used it as a rest stop, part of a walk around the lakes and canals. All good

I was at this pub 12 years ago and although I didn't eat here on this occasion, I was taken back just how much it had changed. The place was busy on one side so we sat in what use to be the restaurant with conservatory. The bar team were polite and efficient. The drink selection was good. The toilets were clean as were the table and chairs. However it was basic , not much comfort, it reminded me so much like our social club ... Car parking was fine but small but it is a village pub . It was however good to see people watching the football match and socialising .

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.

Another great visit. Quite busy due to good weather so worth booking ahead as food only served till 4 pm Sundays. Portions are very good value for money. Regular is plenty but do gondar large to share with our 4 legged friend who enjoys it as much as us. If you like smaller meals you can order a smaller child size portion for adults too. Not starters but a good selection of desserts. To be honest I don't think many would manage 3 courses as 2 is more than enough. Staff are always very welcoming and nothing too much trouble. Friends and I agree a good midway meet for us to have a lovely Sunday lunch. Pub has its on car parkng area and entrance is flat so wheelchairs are able.to access. Not sure about accessible toilet as don't need this facility.

My wife and I visited the Axe and Compass for lunch. Firstly, if I could, I would give the young lady behind the bar five stars but as it's the meal I'm reviewing my rating is solely on that. Myral of gammon, egg and chips was the worst meal I have ever had. The chips and gammon burnt. My wife's soup she could stand her spoon up in and the bread was stale. All in all not a good experience at all In mitigation after complaining the waived the price of the food

A busy local pub. 3 real ales on top, I tried Purity and it was good.

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.

Only been once so far but I’m sure it won’t be the last as I felt very welcome.

Food was very enjoyable and generous size portions. Only recommendation is that the restaurant and bar decor could do with a face lift.

Today my husband & I had lunch with two friends and the food was delicious. My friend and I had a prawn cocktail which was well presented & there were copious prawns as well as a dressed salad and bread & butter. My husband had mushrooms in a garlic dip and our friend had chicken strips with a chilli dip. Both starters were large & great. The mains of Hunters chicken & gammon & egg were served with home cooked chips & peas. Once again all dishes were well cooked & delicious. On our arrival the owners gave us a warm welcome & the service was excellent.The cost was very reasonable as we chose the lunchtime offer of 2 dishes for a set price. We will certainly visit again and recommend this pub to our friends.

We visited the Axe and Compass recently with friends. Upon entering the pub there are signs pointing to the bar and “restaurant.” The room was dark with far too many drab, plain, square tables with a stage in the window. No effort made to make it look like a dining room or restaurant. Menu is extensive and reasonably priced although some items were unavailable. Good choice of drinks. Our steaks were spoilt as there was far too much on the plate- chips, tomatoes, onion rings, mushrooms, coleslaw and vast amounts of salad. The presentation was poor. The curry was tasty as was the chicken burger. Overall, it was a disappointing experience although the waitress who served us during the evening was faultless- well done her.

Service was impeccable and staff were attentive and friendly. Couldn’t do enough for you :-) However the food we had on a Saturday night was below average. The mash was not fresh it was ‘smash’ which let down the home made pie which was lovely. The chicken burger and chips were frozen and not fresh chicken and the chips were over cooked. Sadly we wouldn’t we recommend as we didn’t feel it was good quality ingredients and worth the money we spent.

Very enjoyable impromptu visit with the Mrs. The beer (Timothy Taylor Landlord) was good and the Sunday lunch was excellent. No beer garden to speak of and a small car park, but the outside benches catch the afternoon sun, which was nice. Staff are very friendly. A pleasant hour spent on a Sunday afternoon!

Friendly staff and excellent service, food was delicious and reasonably priced, a real hidden gem will definitely be back

Fantastic pub great beer and food dogs welcome

A good local pub, busy on Tuesday nights when we come in regularly for a Dad &.Son beer night. As my son is a Ringstead resident it saves me extra driving. There's always some interesting guest beers on, good no alcohol choices if you're driving and nice food, so it pretty much ticks all the boxes. We've eaten here with the whole family on a good few occasions now and always enjoy it. Service is good, friendly and efficient. What's more, it feels friendly. You know that thing when you walk in to a pub and it doesn't feel welcoming? Its the opposite here and has a good atmosphere. All in all, we like it!

Went here for lunch on Tuesday. Beautiful old 200 year old village pub.... Food was lovely... I had the chicken tikka with poppadom and naan bread... Washed down with 4 pints of Guinness. Dog friendly too and just a 5 minutes drive from the A45 Raunds roundabout. Highly recommended.

Everything about the place was 10/10. We arrived to a relatively empty pub at 12pm today and were quickly seated. The lunchtime menu was quite varied and there was a specials board with a few extras too... So plenty to choose from. I had the chicken tikka with rice, a poppadom and a small naan bread which were all Indian restaurant standard and my friend had the Steak pie with new potatoes which he also thoroughly enjoyed. Both service and the atmosphere were spot on, the lady serving us, would regularly check in and see whether we needed more drinks etc, very impressed with her. Overall, this, beautiful pub, which is over 200 years old, certainly hit the mark, excellent bar, area and I would guess it is a very popular village pub at a weekend. Great food, service and a lovely pub too. Visited 1st November 2023.

Wasn't overly busy so quiet pleasant. All had Sunday roast, which you can choose from regular to large size. Food was very tasty and apple crumble was delicious .

After completion of a 4.5 mile walk, in the area, we called into the Axe & Compass for something to eat. The lunch menu had a good variety. Food was excellent. Proprietor was most helpful and welcoming. Price was good. Would call in again if in the area.

Cold uncomfortable. No soft chairs, no curtains, table and chairs like a 70s working men's club. Food smelt good but area not conducive to comfortable dining

I didnt go inside but sat outside for drinks with a friend. Seemed a nice friendly pub.

Good service. Nice range of drinks.

Party of 15 for Sunday roast and desserts. Excellent food and service. Will certainly be visiting again.

Lovely Sunday lunch for 16 very busy Ring to book.Great friendly staff

Had a very enjoyable Sunday roast here with family. Staff were lovely & friendly. Food was excellent & very reasonably priced.

Enjoyed a fabulous Sunday lunch with family. Our first visit and it won't be our last. A tasty choice of beef, turkey or pork. Offered in two portion options. I had the large with a mix of turkey and pork. Loads of crispy roasts, wide and generous selection of vegetables, yorkie and stuffing, choice of plain or mustard mash too. Superb value and very filling. So much so, I was unsure we had room for desserts, however, that was quickly dismissed and teased into one by a whole list of my favourites. Sticky Toffee pud!. This was made in heaven, light in texture and so delicious with ice cream. You will have to check out the others for yourselves ; ) The staff/team were engaging, attentive and welcoming. Topping off the perfect lunch.

Only went in for cheeky half but it seemed a very nice pub clean good friendly service would definitely use again

Friendly place, giving out chips during the Dunwich Dynamo.

Homemade pies are excellent. Lots of choice.

Parked for a round walk of Kinewell Lake and once back had lunch. Sat in the bar area. Bit 1980’s and lacking any real ambience. The inside does not match the look outside. Olde world pub out, 1980’s conference space in. Would benefit from a creation of snugs and more traditional pub. Food was fine. No ploughman’s though? Jacket spuds large and well cooked and fillings tasty. Selection of Panini’s. Decent bar. Local ale and nice gin selection. Not a place you would sit snugly inside over a pint as it is a bit too stark. Staff were lovely. Service no issues and we were checked in on. Just needs the revamp in the bar to bring life back to what could be a lovely traditional quirky pub.

I can not recommend The Axe and Compass highly enough! I have to be gluten and dairy free, and they were so switched on! The Landlord immediately explained how careful him and the chef are with any allergies or intolerances, and that they use a separate fryer, separate prep area and do a double wipe down for Coeliacs.....as long as they are informed about any allergies. They had a separate extensive GF, vegan, and Vegetarian menu, and, when the food came, the portions were very generous. I had Moroccan style Cauliflower Bites , Penang Curry, and fruit crumble with coconut vegan ice cream. It was all delicious. My table companions all said their food was excellent. I would definitely recommend a visit. It was such a treat. We will definitely be back!!! Keep up the good work Axe and Compass.

Very disappointed ,my husband and I both had fish and chips, the fish wasok but the chips were awful, they were nearly cold some were soft and soggy and others were hard and undercooked. I pointed this out to the person who served us who said they use different potatoes to what you get at home surely potatoes are potatoes what sort of answer was that? We have been there many times and never had any trouble before always been excellent, such a shame

Booked last minute for 8 people. Helpful friendly service , lovely food. Would definitely recommend a visit. Look forward to going again

Visited tonight with my dad and brother and we had the nicest time. The landlords are absolutely lovely, friendly and accommodating. The food is great. Big portion sizes and lots to choose from on the menu. Nice ales and lager. Will be coming back here again and to try the desserts next time too Thanks guys

Enjoyed our meal. Good veggie options.

Nice pub for socialising, friendly staff and pretty good food too.

Great atomosphere, fabulous food ,nachos awesome,really good value for money great local pub ,good background music and super staff

Went there for a funeral wake the spread was really good thanks

Very accommodating and warm place. Owners were very nice, and the drinks were great!

Where to start. We were booked in at the end of March to go for Sunday lunch. A 70th birthday celebration. Off the bat our table wasn't available despite the booking being made several weeks in advance. We had a 30 minute wait. Then we had to wait over an hour for our dinner to arrive. In a restaurant that has no children's menu and only does Sunday dinner on a Sunday... not very good to be honest. The food... what a meal to forget. From the mustard coloured peas that are clearly tinned, to the over boiled carrots, mash that you could use to cement a brick wall with and beef, well I assume it was beef, I was told it was beef. Beef dryer than Ghandi's flip flops and about as enjoyable to chew on. On a plus note the Yorkshire pudding was almost decent, it was just ruined by a very soggy, doughy bottom. The entire meal was lacking in seasoning, it was all just overcooked bland mush. Sat with 3 hungry children we ordered desert for them (3 servings of ice cream). After 30 minutes of waiting, presumably waiting for the staff to freeze some ice cream, go to Asda to buy some ice cream or being confused that it doesn't come in a can, we cancelled the order. With no apology from the staff, the bill was promptly slapped on the table. After complaining we were greeted by the chef/owner. The owner/chef justified this culinary performance by saying "Even Gordan has an off day". I am pretty sure Gordon Ramsey doesn't over cook everything and remembers the seasoning though. I am honestly baffled how people are awarding this place more than one star. Service was poor throughout from the waiting staff. We were never asked if we wished to order drinks, how the food was or anything. Generally a very poor show. I honestly don't think I have seen food served in a pub this bad since the 90s.

Where to start. We were booked in at the end of March to go for Sunday lunch. A 70th birthday celebration. Off the bat our table wasn't available despite the booking being made several weeks in advance. We had a 30 minute wait. Then we had to wait over an hour for our dinner to arrive. In a restaurant that has no children's menu and only does Sunday dinner on a Sunday... not very good to be honest. The food... what a meal to forget. From the mustard coloured peas that are clearly tinned, to the over boiled carrots, mash that you could use to cement a brick wall with and beef, well I assume it was beef, I was told it was beef. Beef dryer than Ghandi's flip flops and about as enjoyable to chew on. On a plus note the Yorkshire pudding was almost decent, it was just ruined by a very soggy, doughy bottom. The entire meal was lacking in seasoning, it was all just overcooked bland mush. Sat with 3 hungry children we ordered desert for them (3 servings of ice cream). After 30 minutes of waiting, presumably waiting for the staff to freeze some ice cream, go to Asda to buy some ice cream or being confused that it doesn't come in a can, we cancelled the order. With no apology from the staff, the bill was promptly slapped on the table. After complaining we were greeted by the chef/owner. The owner/chef justified this culinary performance by saying "Even Gordan has an off day". I am pretty sure Gordon Ramsey doesn't over cook everything and remembers the seasoning though. I am honestly baffled how people are awarding this place more than one star. Service was poor throughout from the waiting staff. We were never asked if we wished to order drinks, how the food was or anything. Generally a very poor show. I honestly don't think I have seen food served in a pub this bad since the 90s.

Went for Sunday lunch today and I've got to say I wasn't disappointed. Fantastic roast dinner. Service was great and nothing was too much trouble for the staff. Will definitely be returning. Highly recommended

Bloody lovely. Thoroughly recommend. Great to see bums on seats. Now we know why. Lovely food at a bargain price.

Lovely menu. Much more of a selection than I was expecting. The steak was cooked to perfection!! I'd highly recommend it

A last minute booking for valentines, the food was excellent and the staff friendly without being overbearing. We will be going back in the future and can wholeheartedly recommend them

Couldn't visit. I still don’t understand when this place is open

If you like microwave food then good,certain bar staff abit abrupt and terrible management, won't be going there again,Google asked me to write a review YESTERDAY about the axe and compass, so I did

Visited today for Sunday lunch. Had the most delicious roast, very generous portion, piping hot and served by very friendly staff. Congratulations to the chef. We will certainly be visiting again.

Friendly efficient service. Clean, good selection of drinks. Cauliflower bites were excellent. We were a large party of ladies, and we all enjoyed our meals.

The food was available from the menu was average..as two dishes were not available..and after 75 minutes waiting time to be served thank goodness the two childrens food arrived first...having booked a week before we all felt dissappointed by the service..

A nice dog friendly pub and smashing restaurant. A good menu at reasonable prices.

Wow. What used to be a lovely country pub is now like a 1970s cafe! Formica tables hard chairs and not a comfy spot in sight. Very disappointing

Great staff, delicious food, excellent motorbike gatherings. Dog and child friendly, nice atmosphere

Sunday lunch in a quiet village pub. The food was excellent, plentiful and served by very cheerful staff.

Four of us went to dinner at the Axe & Compass in Ringstead, Northants last night. It has probably been about 20 years since we went there and it has definitely changed for the better. 3 of us ordered steak which were all cooked perfectly to our requirements and the 4th had steak pie which he evidently enjoyed as he cleared his plate. The bottle of wine was lovely and the perfect temperature and the 2 men also had hand pump beer which they also said was good. The service was good at the right pace and the staff were friendly. Personally we couldn't fault it and we are looking forward to going there again.

Just had lunch here. Love this place, friendly and comfortable. They have an extensive menu. Food is great. Good local ales. And price is surprisingly reasonable.

First time @ the Axe & Compass, Xcllnt staff, very good food & Service.

Great choice of food. Food was really delicious and not overpriced. Nice recently redecorated, very clean and relaxing. Owners very friendly and nice to talk to. Highly recommend and look forward to revisiting.

Lovely place. Down to earth. Easy access. Table clean and tidy. Staff very helpful and knowledgeable. Drinks served. Sunday roast arrived quickly. Absolutely melt in the mouth. Loads of gravy. Good selection of puddings. I had waffle and mint ice cream. My husband had apple and blackberry crumble with custard great price would highly recomend a visit. Seems to be dog friendly.

UPDATE 10TH AUG 2022... UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT We went for dinner tonight and had a fantastic meal. I had mushrooms and Stilton on I think it was ciabatta which was lovely. Then had the tempura prawn salad ( it was boiling hot today) it was a mix of peppers, cherry tomato, red onion and cucumber and watercress with their homade coleslaw ... See photo... It was really nice, the prawns were really well cooked and not chewy ( so easy to over cook prawns) and I had a side of crispy, herby potatoes . The others had steak which looked great and tasted flame/bbq/griddle? Who knows but it tasted great apparently. Jenny who was serving was brilliant and kept the drinks coming and did a great job of telling us about how great Sunday lunch is, so we obviously will be booking to try it... A vastly improved service and great and well priced food 💕💕💕 The food was very nice, but a long wait... Apparently you can pre order but I wasn't informed of that when I booked.. They are having phone number problems and it took ages to find the new number... On the new Facebook page, I was about to give up and book elsewhere.. So guys my suggestion, take down the old Facebook page and add the telephone number to the top photo not on the stream where its been lost as more posts are added. Very odd bring asked to write our own order down by the waitress ( I think she may be the lease holder) who is very welcoming and a bit "quirky'... But added to the overall experience which was nice... It could be great with a few tweaks... Set the tables for prebookings it's much more welcoming.. Don't leave plates on previous now departed customer tables... Have some lights on in the dining room which is dark and not welcoming... We shall go back as we live locally and always loved it in there about 6 years ago fell out of favour a while but we shall see

We had not been to the Axe and Compass for quite a few years,so after seeing a friends recommendation,we tried it. There were a couple of menu's to choose from,depending what sort of meal you were looking for. It was Sunday lunchtime,so stating the obvious,that is what we went for,and I am so glad that we did. I opted for the regular size portion,and my wife went for the larger meal,(must have been a first for that way round). Both meals were very generous in size,and a good selection of fresh veg on our plates,and tender slices of meats. The young lady serving was very attentive & smart,and the chef came out of the engine room to have a chat,and told us about the direction that he wanted to take the food choices,and quality. Summing up,a very clean dining room,well ventilated on a hot day,loads of space between tables. As I mentioned the food was really tasty,and portions were plate filling. Prices for drinks were some of the best I have seen,and meal prices were very good. We have re-booked,so enough said,many thanks to all concerned.

Really nice staff and locals. Well behaved pets allowed and children. Games in bar for children. Very clean and wonderful flowers and nice size car park. Would like to try the food next time as hear good things.

Great village pub....nice selection of beers and very tasty bar food. Staff were also very pleasant.

Took a friend for a meal at the Axe and Compass and was very disappointed with the options for a non meat eater. For desert I ordered a waffle with ice cream. It had been put in the microwave and was so hard I couldnt cut it. Wouldnt be frequenting this establishment again.

Table booked for 7.45 Food finally served at 9.45!! Restaurant was full, property overbooked and kitchen couldn’t cope. Young waitress had attitude Will not be going back anytime soon

Popped in with friends for a sandwich lunch and Saxby’s cider. We were made to feel very welcome on a roasting hot day. Thoroughly recommend.

Pleasant evening sitting outside - friendly staff

Really enjoyed our lunch here. Had a delicious gluten free curry; they also cater for vegetarians and vegans. Very friendly chef and staff. Will definitely return.

Our first visit for perhaps 10 years, and our last. The outside of the pub was very welcoming but once inside it was untidy and looked dirty. The starters were poor very greasy and little taste when raised with the waiter he just said 'o' The mains were again poor and more was returned than eaten.The response was again 'o It's a shame as previously it was very good Perhaps that's why on a sunny Saturday we were the only customers eating'

Our first visit for some years of and never again, we seemed to be the only people eating.all in all a very poor meal the place was dirty and untidy and the waiter was not interested in our complaint.

Sunday lunch with my family. Choice of three meats plus veg in regular or large size plates. We all ordered regular meals but an additional size of small would have been perfect as no one manage to clear their plates. The food was plentiful and tasty. The desserts were also varied, delicious and well priced at £5.

Food excellent, service very good, value for money. Drinks are quite expensive, if you go don't eat before hand cos the portions are very generous.

Good service, pies overcooked, dry and hard

Lovely food definitely worth a call in yourself great staff

Sunday lunch at The Axe & Compass the very best, second time for us will definitely be going again. Thank you to the chef and staff.

A very nice meal out. Plenty of outside seating and easy to park. Welcoming bar service. Decent ales and sensibly priced bottle of Prosecco. Bar menu very reasonable. Main menu varied and also very reasonable. Good selection of starters all well presented. Rump steak £12....

The best local a person could wish for. A warm welcome, a cold beer and tasty food. The epitome of a village pub. Highly recommended. Keep up the good work!

Very welcoming pub with plenty of water in bowls for dogs. Staff are friendly and the food is tasty.

popped in for a sunday lunch .so glad we did had roast beef with all the trimmings only 8,95.all home cooked and didnt have room for dessert .will definitely be back highly recommended

We live in the village and first time back to the Axe for Sunday lunch since the re opening. Food was simply outstanding. Great price. New menu coming. Highly recommended.

Popped by after a walk in the country park. Sat outside with our 2 dogs. Very friendly staff, we opted for sandwiches that were tasty and served with lots of extras. Very good prices too. We will be back!

Good food cooked to perfection!

Went to go there for lunch today and arrived to a sign out front saying they weren't serving food until 19 May... there's nothing about this on their website which is annoying as it was a wasted trip for us.

My sister and I took mum for mother's day lunch yesterday, was the best food I have every tasted. The waitresses were also very attentive, polite and welcoming. Well done for our fantastic experience we will be back again 😀

Tasty food and great price. Very friendly and helpful chef. Would definitely recommend

Went for lunch there today. A truly magnificent experience, the food was divine and the service was 2nd to none. Cannot recommend this local public house enough.

Lovely pub, lovely ambience and lovely locals

Great food , great atmosphere, and good value , staff excellent . Had a great time . Sunday lunch 🤙

My wife and I visited this public house today for Sunday lunch and was more than pleased with the lovely food, what can only be described as a delicious home style Sunday lunch 10/10 and not forgetting the nice and friendly host. We look forward...

Reduced menu when we visited. Very friendly/ helpful staff. Lovely atmosphere. Will visit again.

Booked here for a group of walkers for a lunch time stop. Checked the website for menus but Google said it was permanently closed! As one of the group was here just a week ago, we weren’t too concerned. But, when we arrived this morning...

Popped in for lunch. Service was friendly, polite and helpful. Food was great and plenty of it. I thought it was reasonably priced too. I will definitely be going back. Now I need to lie down.

Lovely Sunday dinner 17 10 21 ...excellent service from our waitress despite being on her own in a busy restaurant...

Shame a lot of people came in that weren't eating and it needs a new sign on the main village road in to find the turning in the dark. Food is great.