And over the last 12 months, many of those pubs have either undergone major refurbishment or welcomed new owners.
From six figure revamps at well-known, popular pubs, to well-established publicans taking on new venues in villages and quieter parts of town, it is great to see investment being pumped into the watering holes in the area.
Why not pay some of the refurbished pubs a visit over the Christmas and New Year period?
Below are ten pubs in Northampton and beyond, which have undergone refurbishment or welcomed new owners in 2025.
9. The Five Bells
The Bugbrooke pub reopened on December 6 after a £400,000 refurbishment. The venue had been shut since July 2023. The pub has a new bar and lounge area, dining space with disabled access, and a reconfigured kitchen. The building has also been redecorated throughout with new flooring, furniture and toilets. Outside, the pub has been repainted blue with matching signage and lighting, new planters and seating at the front, and a revamped patio area with festoon lighting at the rear. A new, wide-ranging menu has also been introduced. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
10. The Wharf
The canalside pub in Bugbrooke reopened at the start of December, after sitting closed since the start of the year. The new owners revamped the outside of the pub and kept the inside as a quintessential English pub and restaurant. They also hope to offer draft pints at 75p to £1 cheaper than nearby venues, as well as being a welcoming, happy and comfortable venue, with a focus on attracting families and providing a safe space. The pool table, slot machines and bar stools have been removed. A fish and chip shop is also expected to open in the venue's car park in 2026. Photo: Fleurets
11. The Phipps
The Sir Pickering Phipps in Wellingborough Road reopened on December 5, after being rebranded as The Phipps following a two-month refurbishment. New owners - the McManus Pub Company - have redesigned the pub as a ‘modern neighbourhood pub’, with the bar moved to the centre of the venue and a new focus on cocktails and sharing-style dishes. The owners say the refurbished space includes an expanded drinks range and updated interior aimed at creating a livelier atmosphere. A private karaoke booth has ben added. Photo: McManus Pub Company