Corby Candle - Corby (pt.2)

The Corby Candle is without doubt Corby's favourite town centre, open all hours, classic post-war heritage keg-only boozer. Everyone knows that! In fact even people who've never heard of Corby know of the Corby Candle and its reputation, or at least know someone who's heard of its reputation. A reputation for convivial, if slightly sweary daytime drinking, and by total contrast, convivial and very sweary evening drinking. It's a bonafide Corby classic that even those unlikely to cross its threshold, perhaps for dietary reasons, would certainly miss it if it was gone.

Beer, Lighting, Tellies. The hallmark of a good pub.

The Candle management haven't rested on their laurels though, oh no! Recent refurbishment means the pub offers comfort, convenience, and tellies to rival any in the local area. In fact there's no handier pub for the town centre shopping, if we exclude the peerless Paletto Lounge, which doesn't have tellies. Mobility Scooter riders are particularly well catered for, a substantial 'Coral' area provided for parking at the front of the pub, and there's almost always a happy smoker on hand to 'watch yer scooter pal!', whilst relaxing with a few early morning Carlings.

Talking of the frontage, future plans include a revolutionary (for Corby) outdoor drinking area, the application for which appears to be still undecided. I popped in recently to check progress, of which there was none, though I have managed to track down the plan which I've reproduced here to assist with your letters of support. Of particular note is the provision of 'Breeze Screens' affording some measure of protection from the discomfort of drinking at the Candle In The Wind...

I was in town for other reasons though. Barely a month goes by without another major art happening in Corby Art Town, and the 2023 Postcard Show at Rooftop Arts (note: not on a rooftop anymore) was at its "err, it's not actually open yet, if you can come back on Friday...", development stage. Well I was washing my hair on Friday so I barged in for a work in progress preview, and was made very welcome as usual. It's a great asset to the town this arts centre, and there will be plenty more Postcard artworks on display by now, so do pop along for a look. Last day for 'postage' is 28th January, so plenty of time yet.

The unofficial refreshment room for the Rooftop Arts is of course the Corby Candle, which is where I repaired to for a 'Pint and a Ponder'© on the meaning of it all. I do love a pub that's lively at 11. The Clink & "Fuck!" of play on the Pool Table, bittersweet symphonic music from when Richard Ashcroft was good, the thunder of tiny hooves at Wolverhampton Racecourse. My understanding is you have to be here a bit earlier for the (sometimes heated) Art Discussion, but don't let that put you off.

I just sat back and enjoyed the friendly Corby banter from regulars who all seem to go by the name of 'Ya C**t' or similar, and yes there was a fair bit of the auld 18+ bantz on show, but then who in all honesty wants a silent pub.

At the races, 'Ya C**t' being the horse everyone seemed to have backed.