Great British Pubs… The Earl of Dalkeith (Kettering)

Exclusive Interview by Karen Beishuizen
Photos courtesy of David Webb

The Earl of Dalkeith is a striking late Victorian building in Kettering which was originally built as a warehouse for leather merchants and importers. It became part of Wetherspoon in 1996. One of the pub’s best-kept secrets is its mezzanine gallery upstairs. Surrounded by bookcases, it has the feel of a hidden library, creating a cozy and unique space. The Hugo Spritz has quickly become one of their most popular drinks. One dish remains the standout favorite – their classic All-Day Brunch. A true British institution, it includes Lincolnshire sausages, free-range eggs cooked to your preference, rashers of back bacon, Heinz baked beans and their signature chips. For those with an even heartier appetite, there’s also the option to add a slice of traditional fried black pudding. The Earl of Dalkeith offers far more than great value food and drink – it’s a chance to experience an important part of Kettering’s history. Whether you’re interested in the building’s fascinating past, looking to enjoy one of their classic British favorites or trying something new from their recently expanded menu, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a regular or visiting Kettering for the first time, you’ll always receive a warm welcome at The Earl of Dalkeith.

KB: Since when does the pub building exist and when did it become a Wetherspoon pub?

The Earl of Dalkeith is housed in a striking late Victorian building dating back to the late 1890s. Originally built as a spacious warehouse for leather merchants and importers W.H. Staynes and Smith, the building has served a variety of purposes throughout its history.

During the early 20th century, it became the Dalkeith Billiard Hall before later being used as furniture showrooms for Hadden’s and Francis Watts. Following an extensive refurbishment, it opened as a J D Wetherspoon pub in December 1996, giving the historic building a new lease of life while preserving many of its original architectural features.

KB: What is a fun fact about the pub not many people know?

One of the pub’s best-kept secrets is its mezzanine gallery upstairs. Surrounded by bookcases, it has the feel of a hidden library, creating a cozy and unique space that’s unlike many other Wetherspoon pubs. It’s a favorite spot for customers looking for a quieter corner to enjoy a drink, catch up with friends or simply relax over a meal.

KB: What drink is a favorite and people must try?

The Hugo Spritz has quickly become one of our most popular drinks. Light, refreshing and perfect for any occasion, it’s a crisp blend of elderflower, mint and sparkling wine that has become a firm favorite with customers looking for something a little different.

KB: What dish on the menu is a favorite and people must try?

We’ve recently expanded our menu to reflect a wider range of global flavours, introducing new dishes such as the Korean Chicken Bowl, Spice Bag and Chicken Katsu Curry. These additions have proved extremely popular with customers and showcase how our menu continues to evolve while offering something for every taste.

That said, one dish remains the standout favorite – our classic All-Day Brunch. A true British institution, it includes Lincolnshire sausages, free-range eggs cooked to your preference, rashers of back bacon, Heinz baked beans and our signature chips. For those with an even heartier appetite, there’s also the option to add a slice of traditional fried black pudding.

It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that’s remained one of our best sellers for years and continues to be the dish many customers return for time and time again.

KB: Which famous people have visited the pub over the years?

While The Earl of Dalkeith isn’t known for celebrity sightings, it has built a reputation of its own as a much-loved part of Kettering’s social scene. Since opening as a J D Wetherspoon in 1996, it has welcomed generations of customers through its doors, from local regulars and families to visitors from across the UK and beyond.

It’s those loyal customers, returning year after year, who have helped shape the pub’s character and made it the welcoming place it is today.

KB: I step inside your pub. What do I see? Walk me through it.

Stepping inside The Earl of Dalkeith, you’re immediately greeted by the character and history of the building. Original Victorian features have been carefully preserved, while the interior has evolved to create a welcoming space that remains in keeping with the building’s heritage.

At the front of the pub, large windows flood the seating area with natural light, creating a bright and inviting space to enjoy breakfast, lunch or simply watch the world go by. As you make your way towards the rear, the atmosphere becomes more intimate, with warm ambient lighting creating a cozy setting that’s perfect for an evening meal or relaxed drinks with friends.

One of the pub’s most distinctive features is the second-floor layout, which takes the form of a large square wrap-around balcony overlooking the main bar and seating area below. This open design creates a sense of connection between the two floors while allowing customers upstairs to enjoy a different perspective of the pub.

Within this upper level, you’ll find the Mezzanine gallery lined with bookcases, giving the impression of a hidden library. Above, a large skylight fills the space with natural light, adding to its unique character and making it a favorite spot for customers looking to unwind in a quieter corner of the pub.

KB: Why should people visit your pub?

The Earl of Dalkeith offers far more than great value food and drink – it’s a chance to experience an important part of Kettering’s history. Whether you’re interested in the building’s fascinating past, looking to enjoy one of our classic British favorites or trying something new from our recently expanded menu, there’s something for everyone.

From breakfast through to evening meals, coffees with friends or a refreshing Hugo Spritz after work, we pride ourselves on offering a relaxed atmosphere, friendly service and a pub full of character.

Whether you’re a regular or visiting Kettering for the first time, you’ll always receive a warm welcome at The Earl of Dalkeith.

For more information, check out The Earl of Dalkeith’s website: HERE

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