Food & Drink

Scroll for the tastiest food and drink from across Northamptonshire.

28th Dec 2023

Where to dine for New Year’s Eve in Northamptonshire

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..

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21st Dec 2023

Homeless community to be given Christmas Day curry

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..

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03rd Dec 2023

Vaha Lounge launches new Turkish-inspired brunch menu

Vaha Lounge, based on Wellingborough Road in Northampton, is proud to unveil its exciting new brunch menu, a delightful fusion of Turkish flavours and traditional breakfast offerings. The dedicated team have been working hard behind the scenes to curate a menu that caters to all tastes and preferences. The brunch menu features a diverse selection, including breakfast classics, tasty omelettes, burgers and rolls, sweet brunch options, and potato brunches. Complementing these dishes are a variety of refreshing smoothies and hot drinks. Alina, Marketing Manager of Vaha Lounge, shared her thoughts on the new brunch venture, stating, "We wanted to launch a brunch menu as we felt there was a gap in the area for Turkish brunch. Our head chef put a lot of time and effort into creating a menu that would appeal to everyone. It's been very successful so far, and the feedback we've had has been brilliant." If..

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07th Nov 2023

Where to get your roast dinner fix in Northamptonshire

The cosy weather is here, which means one thing... it's time to bring back roast dinners! Whether you're after a warm roast by the fire in a charming country pub, or you're on the lookout for a family-friendly carvery, rest assured, we've got the prime spots just for you. Here's where to enjoy the best roast dinners across Northamptonshire... The Fox and Hounds, Harlestone Nestled in Harlestone, The Fox and Hounds is renowned for its delightful roast dinners. The charming and snug interior sets the perfect scene for a Sunday lunch that's ideal for couples, families, and friendly gatherings. Choose from a menu featuring succulent beef, chicken, pork, and roasted vegetables, complemented by a tempting array of starters and desserts. View the impressive menu here. The Plough at Shutlanger An award-winning pub in Shutlanger, The Plough offers a diverse menu with mouth-watering roast dinners every Sunday. Indulge in options such..

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02nd Nov 2023

College students past and present scoop top honours at Food & Drink Awards

Past and present students at Northampton College were the stars of the show at a top awards night, landing a total of six trophies between them. The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards took place at the Royal & Derngate theatre on Wednesday, November 1 – celebrating the producers, artisans, chefs and restaurateurs who have catapulted the county’s hospitality and catering sector into one of the best in the country. Northampton College curriculum manager for culinary arts, hospitality, travel and tourism, Phil Martin was given the Patron’s Award in recognition of his services to the sector. He said: “Winning this award was a total shock. As a college we have always been big supporters of the awards and the local food and drink scene in general so to get recognition for our work in supplying young chefs to restaurants across the county and given them a platform from which they..

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17th Oct 2023

Category Finalists for the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards

The final nominations are in, as the shortlisting has been taking place throughout September for the remaining four categories: Local Food Hero; Farming Environment; Sustainability and Event Venue. The Farming Environment category (sponsored by the Weetabix Growers Group) is designed to recognise those protocol growers who have supplied Weetabix within the last two years and who have taken demonstrable action to reduce the environmental impact of growing wheat through carbon footprint reduction, promoting wildlife or regenerative agriculture. Finalists for the Farming Environment Award are: Ben Atkinson, J.E Atkinson & Son Jim Beaty, Wold Farm Ed Dale, Stetchworth Estate Farms Will Green, White House Farm Matt Knight ,J.A Knight & Sons Johnny Wake, Courteenhall Estate For the Local Food Hero award, the team are looking for people and businesses in the food and drink sector who go further in producing, supplying, promoting or selling local goods or food services, thereby contributing..

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05th Oct 2023

Where to go for afternoon tea in Northamptonshire

If there's one thing that Northampton is known for - it's the brilliant range of afternoon tea that it offers. From a selection of teas, homemade cakes and sandwiches, through to scones and prosecco - these places have got it all. Here's where to go for afternoon tea in Northampton. The Orangery at Delapré Abbey Head to Delapre Abbey for an afternoon tea experience amidst beautiful gardens and historic buildings. They offer a traditional yet charming twist in their vintage room. Prices start at £14.95, and it's recommended to make a reservation. After indulging in your afternoon tea, why not take a leisurely walk through the gardens and savor the stunning views? Book here. Beckworth Emporium One of the delightful things Beckworth Emporium is renowned for is their popular afternoon tea. Here, you can indulge in an assortment of sandwiches, homemade scones, tasty cakes, and piping hot beverages, or treat..

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05th Oct 2023

From Naples to Northampton

If you haven't already heard, Naples has come to Northampton in the form of new Pala Restaurant. The teams behind Saints Coffee and Santina's Wood Fired Pizza Co have joined forces to bring us the artistry of wood-fired pizzas in a cosy new setting. The dynamic duo's saw an opportunity to combine their expertise and create something exceptional. United by a love for quality ingredients, innovative dishes, and a commitment to community, Pala Restaurant was born. We spoke to Nicola and Ben - the team behind Saints Coffee - to find out how the restaurant has been received so far. Nicola shared: "The reception we've had so far from customers has been nothing short of incredible. Since opening we've been blown away by the support from the community as well as local businesses. "Our team has poured their heart and soul into Pala, and the response has been a testament..

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19th Sep 2023

More finalists revealed at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink awards

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drinks Awards are on the final countdown to the Awards Dinner and have revealed more category finalists.  This time it’s the turn of Healthy Food and Wellbeing, One to Watch, F&B Achiever, and Food & Drink College Student of the Year. The Food & Drink College Student of the Year Award is aimed at students aged between 16 and 21 currently undertaking a full or part-time food/drink-related course at a Northamptonshire college (Moulton, Northampton or Bedford). Head of Events, Tourism & Hospitality at the University of Northampton,  Inva Reic, commented after the judging: “This year’s Food and Drink College Student of the Year category was brimming with exceptional talent. Each and every candidate had a unique story and their passion for the food and drink industry really shone through. "This made the judging panel’s decision really challenging! We are very grateful for the interest shown..

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19th Sep 2023

wagamama set to open brand new restaurant in Northampton

On Monday 16th October, wagamama are set to open a brand new, iconic restaurant in Northampton as demand continues to grow for their iconic benches + innovative menu. The new Northampton restaurant will serve up classic guest favourites, amongst them the chicken katsu, ramens and iconic sides selections on their 50% plant based menu. But, this newest wagamama will be opening with the release of their brand new autumn menu. A selection of brand new dishes, sides and drinks, to nourish locals and loyal fans for the winter. Located in Sixfields Leisure in Northampton, the stylish new restaurant will be open seven days a week and will create 70 new jobs. Ahead of their opening date, the restaurant will be running two days of exclusive preview events allowing locals to book in for a meal on wagamama to celebrate. Keep an eye on their web pages for the ticket release...

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17th Sep 2023

Pubs and cafes with Wi-Fi in Northamptonshire

Are you looking for a cosy spot to get some work done whilst enjoying a great coffee and some tasty food? Well look no further! Here are some friendly cafes and work-friendly venues in Northamptonshire that offer more than just a comfortable workspace. Saints Coffee The popular coffee shop is a favourite amongst workers. With delicious food and instagrammable decor, it's no surprise that customers love heading here to work and dine (us included!). They have free Wi-Fi which means you can get your job done whilst ordering coffee and tasty food all day, win-win. Chester House Café If you fancy working whilst being surrounded by incredible views then head to Chester House. Their café has Wi-Fi and they serve some delicious food. Grab a lunch menu and order some local favourites such as jacket potatoes and a homemade cake. No.68 Coffeehouse The stylish coffeehouse is based in Abington and..

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12th Sep 2023

Local Champion: GG Express Farm Shop in Woodford Celebrates Northamptonshire Produce

A farm shop, stocking the best of British produce, including an excellent range of fine food and drink from Northamptonshire, has opened in Woodford, near Thrapston. GG Express Farm Shop is the brainchild of the Greedy Gordons Group, who previously brought to life the acclaimed Buttery Café at this same picturesque location just a year ago. This fresh venture has breathed life into the local community and provided eight new employment opportunities. The stalwarts behind the Greedy Gordons Group, directors Richard Gordon and Sonya Freeman, have left their indelible mark with award-winning pubs such as The Red Lion at Cranford, The Pig & Waffle in Grafton Underwood, and The Snooty Fox in Lowick. The farm shop's intriguing name is derived from the company's home delivery initiative, born during the challenging days of the Covid-19 pandemic. This service was not only a lifeline for many but also clinched the ‘Local Food..

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10th Sep 2023

Cooking up some recipe ideas for the residents of Brixworth

No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC has received a grant from the Constance Travis Endowment Fund for Northamptonshire, with the aim of offering mealtime cooking inspiration to those using the Brixworth Community Larder. This newly-established CIC has secured its funding via the Northamptonshire Community Foundation. Its goal is to collaborate with the Northampton Hope Centre Community Larder Network to produce video cooking tutorials and recipe cards. These resources will concentrate on how best to use both fresh produce and pantry staples commonly found at the Brixworth larder. Do note, the Brixworth larder is open most Wednesday afternoons from 4.30 pm – 5.15 pm, and from 5.15 pm – 6 pm on the first Wednesday of every month, located at Brixworth village hall. No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC aims to bridge the gap between UK-produced food and mealtime recipe inspirations, focusing on seasonal ingredients and the ethos of..

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31st Aug 2023

Local business embarks on a new chapter

Nakasero, a female-led, family-owned business known for producing award-winning vegan-accredited condiments, is thrilled to announce the sale of its beloved recipes to a global manufacturer. "We are extremely happy and excited to announce this sale," stated Gita Raikundalia, the founder of Nakasero. "The sale of our Nakasero recipes is a significant change, allowing the range to expand its reach to a new generation of consumers. I am delighted that my recipes will now travel the globe, just as I had envisaged." Since its inception in 2019, Nakasero has earned widespread acclaim for its exceptional vegan-accredited condiments. The brand's commitment to quality, taste, and clean eating has garnered a dedicated following, both locally and internationally. Nakasero has received numerous accolades, including New Business of the Year, Local Artisan Product of the Year, Two-time Businesswoman of the Year, Lloyds Small Business of the Year, and a Bronze award in the One to..

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29th Aug 2023

Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drinks Awards unveil finalists in four dining categories for...

The prestigious Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drinks Awards gears up for its annual November ceremony, announcing finalists across four culinary categories including Gastro Pub, Community Café, Restaurant, and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year. Judges appreciate the resilience and creativity showcased by the county's dining establishments. The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drinks Awards have announced their 2023 finalists in four distinguished dining categories. The annual awards ceremony, set for November, will recognise outstanding establishments in Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year. Each category is sponsored by renowned organisations and supported by community partners. Rachel Mallows MBE DL, the Awards' founder, expressed her excitement about the participation of both new and returning sponsors. "In these challenging times, it's crucial to celebrate the diverse range of dining options our county offers. Through these awards, we aim..

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