Food & Drink

Throughout September, judges have been meeting the talented finalists across the remaining categories of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2025/26, including Healthy Food & Wellbeing, F&B Achiever, Weetabix Sustainability Award and One to Watch. The finalists for the Farming Environment Award have also now been confirmed. Shortlists are complete, and each finalist has received the exciting news that their hard work and achievements have been recognised. The Awards, now in their 17th year, continue to celebrate Northamptonshire’s outstanding producers, businesses and innovators who help make the county’s food and drink scene so special. The Farming Environment Award, sponsored by Weetabix, recognises the brand’s growers who have taken meaningful steps to reduce the environmental impact of wheat production – from lowering carbon footprints to encouraging biodiversity and embracing regenerative agriculture. Finalists for the Farming Environment Award are: Bridge House Farm; J.A. Knight & Sons; Pearson Gape Farming; R.I. Reynolds;..

Image: Mooche Wala, Denton (Finalist in the World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year category) Let’s be honest – we all love a good excuse to eat out. And if you’ve been looking for one, consider this your official invitation. The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards have just dropped their shortlist for this year’s best-in-class dining categories, and wow... it’s a deliciously impressive line-up. From cosy village pubs to world-flavour hotspots, from heart-warming community cafés to top-tier restaurants dishing up unforgettable experiences – this year’s finalists prove once again that Northamptonshire is cooking with gas (and soul, and spice, and a whole lot of local pride). So, who made the cut? After months of visits, taste tests, and top-secret mystery shopping (we’re picturing clipboard-wielding judges pretending to be fussy eaters), the judges have served up their picks across four key categories: Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café of the..

When the sun shines over Northamptonshire, there's no better place to be than in a pub garden, drink in hand, delicious food on the table, and good company all around. Whether you're after a peaceful countryside retreat, a lively venue with events and music, or a family-friendly spot with space for the kids to roam, the county has a perfect pub waiting for you. We’ve rounded up some of the best pubs across Northamptonshire where you can eat, drink and unwind this summer. The Tollemache Arms An award-winning pub offering everything from nibbles and mains to desserts providing something for the whole family. Also offering a range of events including a Monday Monthly Quiz Night and a Sip and Paint (£35 per head), this place is an ideal destination for a relaxed meal or a fun night out. It has a huge outdoor area with a play area and plenty..

Get ready to celebrate the best of local flavours as Northamptonshire Food & Drink Week returns from May 31 to June 8, 2025. Now in its second year, this week-long celebration is a delicious invitation to discover the people, places and produce that make the county’s food and drink scene so special. Organised by Made in Northamptonshire and the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network, and proudly sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, the Food & Drink Week promises a packed schedule of tastings, tours, collaborations, and one-off menus – designed to shine a spotlight on local talent, and inspire support for independent businesses throughout the county. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie, or just looking for a great day out, the week offers something for everyone. Highlights include the much-anticipated Delapré Food Festival (7–8 June), a two-day extravaganza set against the historic backdrop of Delapré Abbey. Expect street food, artisan producers, guest chefs,..

Home lifestyle store Bell of Northampton is partnering with three local food producers to create a new look menu for the summer. Located in the heart of Bell of Northampton’s showroom on Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton, the much loved Love Lunch café continues to use local produce as part of its menu offering. A trio of local suppliers provide regular deliveries to the store. Wesses Bakery in Market Harborough provides Bell with a daily delivery of essential fresh produce, including bread and milk to help the café serve up its range of sandwiches and variety of delicious barista-made coffees and specialty teas. Daily deliveries of fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and salad are provided by Brixworth greengrocer, K F Troop & Sons. The family-run business is co-owned by Sam Troop, the third generation of greengrocer within the business, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. His grandfather set up the business in..

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate all things local. Northamptonshire Food & Drink Week is back - from Saturday 31 May to Sunday 8 June - and it’s shaping up to be more delicious than ever. Following the success of its inaugural year, this week-long celebration brings together local flavours, passionate producers, and independent venues for a feast of special events, exclusive menus, tasting tours, chef pop-ups, and more - all designed to support local businesses and shine a spotlight on the county’s growing reputation as a food and drink destination. Organised by Made in Northamptonshire and the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network, and proudly sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors, the week champions the people, places and produce that make Northamptonshire’s food scene something to be proud of. What’s on the Menu? Expect a packed schedule of: One-off chef collaborations and menus Tours and tastings at vineyards, distilleries, and..

Organised by Made in Northamptonshire and the Northamptonshire Tourism Business Network, the 2025 Food & Drink Week shines a spotlight on the people, places and produce that make up the county’s vibrant independent food and drink scene. Expect a packed programme of special events, menus, pop ups, tastings, tours, collaborations and more, taking place at locations all around Northamptonshire. Organisers hope the week-long celebration – sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors - will help local food and drink businesses to raise their profile and attract new customers. Whether pubs, restaurants, cafes, caterers, food or drink producers, all businesses need to attract more customers and generate more sales, and this returning Food & Drink Week is a great way to do that, bringing together local producers, chefs, a broad range of venues, food and drink enthusiasts. From a Food and Drink Festival at Delapré Abbey on June 7th-8th, to product tastings, and..

The Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards have returned for their seventeenth year, opening entries for the 2025/26 competition and once again shining a spotlight on the county’s food and drink talent. Launched on 25 March at The Lane, Northampton College, this year’s campaign calls on chefs, producers, venues and students to put themselves forward across 18 categories. The awards aim to celebrate excellence and innovation across Northamptonshire’s hospitality and agri-food sectors, from community cafés to high-end restaurants and artisan makers. Awards Director Rachel Mallows MBE DL said the scheme had become a vital support to local businesses: “These awards are about more than recognition. They help build reputations, attract customers and support long-term growth. We want to see entries from every corner of the county — this is a chance to shine.” Headline sponsor Weetabix returns for its sixth year, alongside long-standing category sponsors. Stuart Branch, the company’s Group..

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to spoil the incredible women in your life, and Northamptonshire offers plenty of charming spots to make the day extra special. Whether you’re looking for a classic afternoon tea, a hearty roast, or something with a twist, here are some of the best places to treat the women in your life this Mother’s Day. Genevieve's Café – Special Evening Afternoon Tea Genevieve's Café is opening its doors on Sunday, 30th March to offer a special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea. You can enjoy a delicious spread of sweet and savoury treats served with your choice of hot or cold drinks for £26 per person or add a glass of Prosecco for £30. Booking: Available between 5pm and 6pm, with the café open until 9pm. Atmosphere: The soft play area will be closed, creating a relaxed and intimate setting. Can’t make it in the evening? They..

Wharf Distillery, Northamptonshire’s only whisky distillery, was honoured to represent the county at the second annual English Whisky Day last month at the Houses of Parliament. Hosted by Kevin Hollinrake MP and the English Whisky Guild (EWG), the event on 26th February celebrated the impressive growth and achievements of the English whisky sector, bringing together nearly 50 MPs and Lords, alongside over 200 guests, including business leaders, trade representatives, and key figures from the UK drinks industry. Laurence Conisbee, founder of Towcester-based Wharf Distillery, attended the event to showcase their Equinox Whisky - a rich, complex spirit with a unique port cask finish. He commented: "This prestigious event provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the craftsmanship and innovation behind our locally produced whisky while engaging with industry leaders about the future of English whisky. As the only whisky distillery in Northamptonshire, it was a privilege to bring attention to the..

There's still time to catch some offers at Rushden Lakes this month. 1. Every Friday: £5 Bottomless Pancakes at Bill’s Yes, you heard that right – Bill’s bottomless buttermilk beauties are just £5 every Friday, all day! Start your weekend the right way with pancakes topped with your choice of two delicious options. Want to feel extra cosy? Add unlimited hot drinks from £4.50. Gather your pancake posse and book a table at Bill’s for the ultimate Friday treat! More information: https://rushdenlakes.com/whats_on/5-bottomless-pancakes-3/ 2. Now: Wagamama Kids Combo Meal Keep your little ones fueled and full of energy with Wagamama's Kids Combo Meal. For just £7.70, children can enjoy one of Wagamama's iconic mains made mini, accompanied by a drink and a dessert. Ask the team for an activity sheet to keep them entertained! More information: https://rushdenlakes.com/whats_on/wagamama-kids-combo-meal/ 3. Now: Get your free drink faster at Costa Coffee It’s not too late..

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 owner Naz 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.” Earlier this year, Naz was awarded the Freedom of the City..

The MP for Northampton South has visited the kitchens of an award-winning town centre curry house to meet the chef named the best in the region. Mike Reader saw at first-hand how Abdul Hye makes his ‘Vegetable Volcano’ dish – a staple on the menu at Saffron in Castilian Street. Abdul was named the winner of the East Midlands Chef of the Year at the Bangladesh Caterers Association awards at a lavish ceremony in London last month. During the visit, Abdul was presented with a letter from the Labour MP, which read: “I am writing to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding achievement of winning Chef of the Year at the 2024 Bangladesh Caterers Association awards. This prestigious recognition is a testament to your team's dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service. “Your commitment to creating memorable dining experiences, innovative menu offerings, and maintaining the highest standards of quality..

The Lewis Foundation is proud to announce that it will be taking over the café at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery from the 12th November, 2024. The charity, which delivers gift bags to adult cancer patients, already runs a successful coffee shop at the Elgar Centre in Upton, as well as two retail stores in Northampton and Luton. Once opened, The Lewis Foundation Coffee Shop at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery will offer a welcoming space for museum visitors and the wider community to enjoy high-quality refreshments in a relaxed setting. The coffee shop team is committed to delivering a great customer experience for everyone who visits, providing a varied menu of food and drink options including cappuccinos, lattes, sandwiches, toasties, cakes and snacks. The menu will also feature locally-sourced ingredients from businesses including Friars Farm and GF Shoetown Baker. The charity will build on the success of..

A curry chef from an acclaimed Bangladeshi restaurant in Northampton has won Chef of the Year 2024 at a prestigious awards ceremony. Abdul Hye, of Saffron Restaurant in Castilian Street, was crowned the East Midlands King of Spice at a star-studded ceremony held by the Bangladesh Caterers Association at the InterContinental London at The O2 on Monday, 28 October. Abdul Hye said: “I am extremely humbled to win this award, competing against the very best of the region’s curry chefs. I feel privileged just to have taken part, but for my food to have been recognised as amongst the best in the country is a highlight of my career.” Abdul was one of 75 curry chefs who showcased their culinary skills in the Bangladesh Caterers Association Curry Chef of the Year cook-off competition which took place in London on Tuesday, 17 September, at Hammersmith & Fulham College, with chefs given..