The Hopping Hare

The food was so good we're already counting down until we go back. Between us we tried the local venison, sea bass, pork belly, and fish and chips. Every plate tasted as stunning as it looked, and the care put into each one was obvious. We couldn't fault a thing. The staff were smiling and friendly from the moment we arrived, and knew just when to come to the table and when to give us space. Can't recommend it enough.

The Hopping Hare has been one of my best work stays, and if I could give it a 10, I would. My first trip to Northampton couldn't have been a better introduction. It's in a lovely setting just outside the city centre, and only a 5 minute trip from work, shorter than my commute from home. If I come back to Northampton, you'll see me again, sorry! I travel a lot for work, and hope I'm booked down here again soon for another dose of the Hopping Hare. Housekeeping deserves a mention: the room was well kept and exemplary, even with a scruffy customer like me. There were biscuits, coffee, hot chocolate, and decent tea, even after I'd used them all each night. The bed was comfy and the shower decent. Five out of five for the room. Having worked in hospitality for years, I know good service, and the team went above and beyond, front of house and in the kitchen. The food was amazing each day, made with good ingredients to a high standard. I had lamb on day 1, a venison special on day 2, sea bass on day 3, and steak on day 4. I've eaten every bit each night, which is unusual for me. Everyone at work has heard me say, “I loved my tea last night.” I've still got one night to go, and, hint hint, I'm having the steak again. A special shout-out to the three front-of-house staff who went above and beyond for the Hopping Hare team. Tuesday was especially challenging, with a full restaurant and only three staff. Jonny was running around like a headless chicken and still managed the restaurant impeccably. He made every customer feel like family and found time for everyone. He juggled broken beer taps, a lot of food waiting to go out, hotel check-ins at the front desk, phone calls, and walk-ins without breaking a sweat. Keep this man at whatever cost. He's a walking example of what the hotel is striving for. He deserves a pay rise. Holly behind the bar was pouring Guinness zeros like they were going out of fashion in the middle of dry January, without breaking a sweat. I'm on the other side of the bar with my finger gun in my mouth thinking that would've pushed me over the edge. She still served me and everyone else in the bar, kept us entertained with polite banter, and helped the restaurant too. Credit to the team. Last mention goes to Lara, though I hope I've spelt her name right. She's the day's unsung hero. In all my years managing multiple restaurants, I've never seen anyone stay so calm. She took the situation on like a boss, while Jonny was juggling five tasks and she got on with the “fluffy stuff”. I'd have poached her for my old restaurant up north in a heartbeat. She's got the looks, the giggle, the banter, and a smile even under pressure. She just cracked on with whatever needed doing, no questions asked. A true patron of the Hopping Hare, and as I said, the real unsung hero of the day.

Friends and family came together here for a birthday on December 16th, and what an improvement since our poor previous visits. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and this place got one. The transformation was amazing, the food spectacular, and now I can give it five stars. Thoroughly recommend it for a group event!

This is a review of the pub only, not the rooms. We booked a family birthday celebration and couldn't fault a thing. It was a perfect family afternoon, with excellent value, lovely service, and great food. The starters were delicious and beautifully presented. The Sunday roast came in generous portions, with melt-in-the-mouth beef. Desserts were excellent too, traditional with a modern twist. We'll definitely go back.