The Thornhill Arms in Rushton is a beautiful stone-built village pub set in Northamptonshire countryside, taken on in 2026 by a team who have relocated from Oxfordshire. They have high standards in the kitchen, with thoughtful cooking and strong technique.
Our visit began with a smoked haddock fishcake served with a well-balanced sauce gribiche, alongside sautéed wild mushrooms on sourdough – simple dishes, carefully prepared and confidently executed. Elsewhere on the menu, options include the likes of ham hock terrine with plum chutney, smoked salmon and trout rillettes, and twice-baked cheese soufflé with Stilton cream.
Mains range from 48-hour pork collar cassoulet and braised ox cheek bourguignon to pan-roasted chicken supreme with salsa verde. There’s also crown prince squash risotto, aubergine schnitzel and a substantial 28-day aged tomahawk steak for two.
The pub itself is full of character and enjoys views across open fields. Co-owner Dan and the team have plans to build on this strong start and further revive this welcoming village local.
