The Gorilla — Restaurant in Great Britain

TLDR - rude staff. Won't be back.

I write this somewhat reluctantly, and held off a week doing so - it is a considered reflection.

The food in Beer Guerrilla is fantastic. The pizzas are second to none in Northampton, and they're reasonably priced. The beer is incredible - keg & cask changes frequently for the explorative, enthusiast types. If you find something you like, you can keep buying it in cans. I have lived in Northampton for about four years and, as someone who loves craft beer and IPA, it was a great find.

The service is another story. Two of the three owners/partners in the business are incredibly awkward and difficult to deal with. I don't think they realise how poorly they come across. Almost everyone I have brought to BG (colleagues, friends, family visiting N'ton) has remarked on it. The response - every time - to asking to try (half a shot glass) of a beer before committing to a circa £10 pint is uncomfortable and embarrassing. I'd understand if I wanted to try every beer, every time. But I've only ever asked to try one or two.

Last week I was in to catch the end of a football game - I had my dog with me, he's friendly & dosile. Most of the handful of people in the bar had approached him to stroke/fuss over him as I was ordering my drink. Once sat, two or so people had gone to the toilet over a 15 min period, and I'd told them to push past the dog which they had done, also whilst stroking him and smiling. I was subsequently asked by one of the owners to move him out of the way "because he was making people feel uncomfortable". I was sat on my own, in the corner. Nobody was uncomfortable.

Having a preference about where dogs stand or lie is totally fine - tell me it's your preference, as the manager. Don't blame it on one of half a dozen customers who - to a normal person - were clearly, worst case, absolutely fine and best case, loved the dog.

I was prepared to overlook the generally rude and abrasive approach, but I'll take my business...

Second time I went, yesterday and loved the beer I tried, again. Strawberry sundae sour was very special. Awesome selection of beers and other alcohol. Prices are just right as you get what you pay for and it's all been quality. The cans I've taken home on the first occasion were a real treat. Would go more if I could.

Has a very cosy feel, good atmosphere and music was good. It is small and I like that. It means everyone can have interaction if they want it, like pubs used to be. Was friendly and I did see two dogs in there that were very well behaved. We'll take ours next time.

Staff are very knowledgeable, as you'd expect from a diamond place like...

Staff are friendly, the shop is clean and welcoming. They offer a good variety of craft beers, both refrigerated, or shelved around the shop, plus they have half a dozen or so beers on tap. So you can have a draught half or whatever whilst you browse their stock. They're always happy to help and provide tips on what to try. The parking outside can be hit and miss. But otherwise this is a welcome addition to Northampton and the best place (perhaps the only place) to visit to stock up on a variety of decent...