Food & Drink

A Wellingborough restaurant owner is gearing up to take over a traditional village pub in Northampton - with sights set on an opening date for early May. James Peck, who owns the award-winning wood-smoked restaurant, Ember, has today announced he will be taking over The Four Pears. The Little Houghton pub is the third business in James’ growing catalogue, including Ember and Number 13 cocktail bar at Nene Court. The pub will be a really special location because of its upstairs private dining space and emphasis on family-friendly Sunday roasts, according to its owner. James said: “We’re taking over the pub from the first week of May and we want to hit the ground running. “We’ve got a beautiful upstairs dining room, which is really special. Once we’ve got settled in it will become an intimate, premium restaurant space with tasting menus. “We really want to put this beautiful part..

Chefs across Northamptonshire are uniting for an evening of incredible food, drink and entertainment next month - with doors being thrown open to the public for the first time. Restaurant owner James Peck and DJ duo Reverb Parties are playing host to 70 guests at their latest event, ‘Industry Night’, on Sunday, 5th May at Ember and Number 13 in Wellingborough. The fun-filled bank holiday party not only promises foodies a night of amazing DJ sets and fire breathing performances, but popular county guest chefs will also come together to showcase fan-favourite dishes - with names to be announced in the coming days. Smoked BBQ street food on the night will be cooked by James and his award-winning team at Ember’s restaurant and outside terrace - while mouth-watering specialty cocktails and tasty drinks will be made by their sister bar, Number 13. It’s the second year James has hosted the..

The new season has officially arrived at Rushden Lakes. The deckchairs are coming out, the lake will soon be covered in canoes and the shops are bursting with pastel shades. This spring, Rushden Lakes wants to highlight that it's the perfect time to enjoy the simple things in life and how the destination offers a space to connect, indulge in joyful fun, and seize the latest seasonal trends. It's time to pause and discover how we can all make time for spring. Donna French, Rushden Lakes Centre Manager said, "We're always excited to welcome a new season at Rushden Lakes. This spring, we've launched our 'Let's Make Time For' campaign, to highlight how visitors can ensure they're making time for self-care, nature, eating well, and enjoying each other's company. At our destination, Shop, Eat, Explore is the motto, and the springtime calendar is full of ways to do just that."..

The UK’s leading Japanese food brand, YO! Is opening its doors at Rushden Lakes on Good Friday, 29th March 2024. The retail and leisure destination will be home to a new format of the famous YO! sushi restaurant. YO! promises to be a quick and convenient option for visitors, who can find the new store between neighbours, Five Guys and Greggs. On the extensive menu will be new customisable donburi rice and noodle bowls inspired by the Japanese food scene, you will find, restaurant quality, sustainably sourced, hand-crafted sushi, and the best of Tokyo Street food. Ramen, poke, and salads will also be readily available, as well as Kid’s Bentos and dessert options including Little Moons Mochi. Visitors will also have the option to click and collect. Donna French, Rushden Lakes Centre Manager said, “We’re delighted to welcome YO! to Rushden Lakes. YO! is joining an already impressive line-up of restaurants..

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards are back for a sixteenth year of shining a spotlight on local culinary excellence. Recognising and celebrating the county’s brilliant people, places and producers, the Awards fly the flag for buying and supporting local, and as spending pressures continue, that support for independent and local is more important than ever. With a sensational set of sponsors, and eighteen categories, this year’s Awards are a toast to all that is great about the county’s experiences, produce and drink; a reward for those who work so hard locally – rising to not insignificant challenges facing the hospitality sector – and keep Northamptonshire firmly on the foodie map of England. Headline sponsor, Weetabix, who last year committed to supporting the competition for another three years, will once again be joined by category sponsors including All Things Business, Booker, British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd, Daily Bread..

Looking to spoil the special women in your life this Mother's Day in Northamptonshire? Look no further – we've got the lowdown on some fantastic spots. Whether you want to treat your mum, sister, auntie, friend, or grandparent, these restaurants will ensure you all celebrate a memorable other's Day. The Cromwell Cottage Freshly refurbished and reopening on 1st March, The Cromwell Cottage boasts a new look with impressive decor and vibrant vibes. Their Mother's Day menu offers three delicious courses for £33.95, featuring options like roast pork belly, sirloin of beef, and even a dirty burger. Vegans are catered for, and dessert choices range from homemade brownies to pavlova. You can even swap dessert for a cocktail! The Fox and Hounds For a stylish and relaxed celebration, head to The Fox and Hounds in Harlestone. This premium pub and restaurant, centrally located in Lower Harlestone, offers a three-course set menu..

The creators of Towcester Food Festival and Bite Street NN are launching a brand new gastronomic extravaganza this summer – the Delapré Food Festival. The food and drink festival will take place within the beautiful surrounds of Delapré Abbey, which organiser Crispin Slee says is tailor-made for the event. He said: “It’s such a special place and the perfect spot for the festival. We want to bring the grounds to life for a grand summer weekend celebrating artisan food and drink.” Delapré Food Festival will feature all the temptations that made Towcester Food Festival so popular – bustling with food and drink stalls, hourly chef demos, tasting sessions and masterclasses. The outdoor street food market will be curated by Bite Street NN, the Northampton street food pop-up, which regularly features the best traders for miles around. Many top local chefs are already lined-up to take part on the demo stage...

Looking for a local restaurant to celebrate with the one you love this Valentine's Day? Whether you'd like to head out for a meal with your significant other, or celebrate Galentine's with the girls, these businesses have got you covered. Here's where to head for Valentine's Day in Northampton... The Fox and Hounds Harlestone At The Fox and Hounds in Harlestone, romance takes centre stage with an exquisite three-course Valentine's menu available from the 12th to the 17th of February. Treat a loved one to three courses for £35pp or you can make it extra special by upgrading to £55pp which includes a bottle of luxury wine or Moet champagne. Book your spot here. The Plough at Shutlanger The award-winning Plough at Shutlanger have not one, but three different course options this Valentine's Day. Choose two courses for £35.50, four courses for £50.00 or five courses for £60.00. Book here...

This year, February 13th officially marks Pancake Day. So whether you fancy heading out to have pancakes for breakfast, brunch or dinner, there’s options for all. Here's a round up of restaurants and Café in Northamptonshire that offer pancakes on their menu. So what will it be, savoury or sweet? Or both?! Saints Coffee Situated on St Giles Street, Saints Coffee is a popular spot in Northampton to head to for brunch. The stacks served here are not only delicious but also visually impressive. Take your pick from a selection of sweet, savoury, or classic pancake options. Wythmails For a delectable experience featuring pancakes and French toast, Wythmails in Orlingbury is the place to be. Known for its aesthetically pleasing food presentations, it's no wonder that the coffeehouse is going from strength to strength. Bartella’s Coffee House The friendly coffeehouse on Wellingborough Road is an ideal choice for catching up..

January proves to be a challenging month for many of us financially. Fortunately, local restaurants and cafés in Northampton have risen to the occasion with offers such as 50% discounts, 2-for-1 deals, and exclusive discounts across the county. Here are some tempting deals at various eateries in Northampton throughout January... Restaurants The award-winning The Plough at Shutlanger are offering 15% off your food bill until March when you sign up to their newsletter. Find out more and sign up here. The Windhover country pub based in Chapel Brampton are offering a generous 50% off mains when you download their Vintage Inn app. There will also be other offers on the app so it's worth downloading for future discounts. Visit their website here. La Terraza based in Upton are offering 10% off your bill throughout the whole of January. Simply use code 'MEGATAPAS' when booking online. Find out more and book..

More than simply fuel and sustenance, we really enjoy our food, and sharing details of it! But too much of the wrong sort can end up on the belly, clog our arteries and leave a legacy of ill health. If only we could enjoy truly tempting food that feeds the body in all the right ways... Enter Eat Curious, a tasty new proposition for the plate. Sammy Jones tucked in... The Northamptonshire-based food development company says it is ‘bringing innovation and sustainability to the plant-based food sector.’ “Our whole passion is around nutrition and health, rather than just trying to copy meat,” says Preyesh Patel, one of the three co-founders of Eat Curious. Between them, the partners boast backgrounds in health care and renewable energy technologies. The perfect meeting of business minds. “We were interested in the technology and the science behind vertical farming, and that’s why we started this..

One of the UK’s best-loved television sitcoms is being brought to life through a critically acclaimed immersive dining experience being held at a hotel in Northampton. The Northampton Town Centre Hotel, in Silver Street, will welcome the cast of ‘Faulty Towers’ – a tribute to John Cleese’s classic comedy series Fawlty Towers. The show, which is coming to Northampton from April 4-7 2024, is billed as a “highly interactive experience”, where audiences enjoy a three-course meal and five-star comedy, complete with the customary antics from the show’s best-loved characters. Chris Langsford, sales manager at Northampton Town Centre Hotel, said: “When the audience become diners in the ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant, pretty much anything can happen – because 70 per cent of the show is improvised. The fun starts as guests wait to be seated. It then hurtles along in a two-hour tour de force of gags and shambolic service as Basil,..

Founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC Milly Fyfe has been crowned one of the UK’s most impressive female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain’s ‘f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100’ campaign. Milly, who founded No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC in 2023, is being profiled among 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs from across the country, as part of the campaign to celebrate the multi-achievements of women running businesses in the UK today. From AI companies to female-run tradeswoman platforms and sustainable fashion designers, the f:Entrepreneur ‘#IAlso100’ line-up particularly showcases trailblazing female founders who lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support. Milly Fyfe was also called out for her work in the community helping more people to cook from scratch using British in season produce and creating video tutorials to help make cooking more accessible, especially for low income working parents. On being featured..

Looking for a nice restaurant to celebrate New Year's Eve in Northamptonshire? Whether you'd like to go out for a three course meal, or fancy ordering something at home, these local businesses have got you covered for NYE. The Fox and Hounds Harlestone The Fox and Hounds in Harlestone have shared their New Year's Eve menu that will make it a night to remember. Diners can enjoy three courses for £60 and the menu included delicious dishes such as 30 day-aged Rib Eye Steak, slow-cooked pork belly, prime beef burger, and much more. There are also options for Vegans and vegetarians. Book here. Cromwell Cottage Sister restaurant to The Fox and Hounds, Cromwell Cottage will also be serving up the delicious three course menu as above. Starter options include dishes such as baked camembert, pan-fried scallops, smoked salmon, and more. The Cromwell is situated in Kislingbury and is a popular..

An award-winning Northampton restaurant will ensure nobody goes hungry on Christmas Day by offering complimentary takeaways to the homeless community. Saffron, In Castilian Street, will be handing out a hot meal and a soft drink to those living on the streets between 2pm and 3pm on Christmas Day. Saffron manager Nahim Islam said: “Supporting the most vulnerable members of our society is a key priority for all of us over the festive period and providing a hot meal for those who find themselves without a roof over their heads on Christmas Day is the least we could do. “Christmas is a time where we enjoy spending time with our loved ones but not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to do that. We want to ensure those people don’t get forgotten about and that they are looked after.” Saffron was named the winner of the Food & Drink category..