Food & Drink

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..

An award-winning town centre restaurant is celebrating having secured a five-star hygiene rating for the 24th successive year. Saffron, in Castilian Street, Northampton, received the highest possible rating following its most recent inspection – underlining its long-standing commitment to cleanliness. The restaurant has become a staple in Northampton’s thriving food and drink scene and said its success is down to delicious food, exceptional service and an unwavering diligence to food hygiene. Owner Naz Islam said: “It’s a competitive industry and we know customers in the county are spoilt for choice when it comes to good food, but what sets us apart is our approach to food hygiene. “We pride ourselves on being the cleanest restaurant in town. We have a strict policy when it comes to keeping the dining areas and the kitchens immaculate at all times and we follow it to the letter. “To maintain a five-star rating for 24..

A chef from a multi award-winning Northampton restaurant will represent the town next week at one of the curry industry’s biggest events. Abdul Hye, a chef at Saffron in Castilian Street, Northampton, is aiming to be named the East Midlands region’s ‘King of Spice’ at the Bangladesh Caterers Association Curry Chef of the Year competition. Abdul, who has worked at Saffron for the past decade, said: “It is a real honour to be representing Northampton and I hope I can do the town proud. I will be up against some of the finest chefs in our industry but I’m confident I have what it takes to succeed.” The winner will be announced at the prestigious Bangladesh Caterers Association Awards 2024, taking place at the InterContinental London at The O2 on Monday, 28 October with an anticipated audience of around 1,200 guests. BCA Awards convener Atik Rahman BEM, said: “The talents of British..

Well Roasted Coffee, an independent coffee roastery in the Welland Valley on the border of Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, is excited to announce its partnership with The Good Cup, becoming the official seller for Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The Good Cup, a revolutionary product in sustainable coffee solutions, is a multi-award-winning, cutting-edge, 100% plastic-free coffee cup design that’s setting new standards in eco-conscious coffee consumption. Designed to eliminate the need for lids and reduce single-use waste, it will undoubtably change the hospitality industry forever. In reality only 2% of plastic cups are recycled, and the rest go into landfill or our oceans, and can take up to 500 years to break down. The Good Cup is made from sustainably sourced materials and is fully recyclable and compostable. Last year Time Magazine featured The Good Cup as one of the best inventions of 2023. William Scott at Well Roasted Coffee, said: "We’re..

Nestled in the heart of the charming village of Earls Barton, Jeyes of Earls Barton stands as a testament to family heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep-rooted love for retail. This year marks a double celebration for the Jeyes family. Not only does Georgina Jeyes celebrate her 75th birthday, but she also commemorates 35 years of running the iconic Keepsake Gift Shop – a true family affair that has flourished into a local landmark. Georgina’s journey into retail began in 1989 when she transformed the old NatWest Bank into The Keepsake Gift Shop. Over the years, the shop has evolved and expanded, becoming a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. With the addition of the Apothocoffee Shop, the charming conservatory, and beautiful gardens, Jeyes of Earls Barton has become more than just a gift shop – it’s a place to shop, lunch, and explore. A Legacy of Family and..

If you love fresh, local produce and supporting small businesses, then you’re in for a treat! Northamptonshire is home to some of the finest farm shops, where you can find everything from seasonal fruit and veg to artisan bread, locally sourced meats, and handcrafted treats. Whether you’re stocking up your pantry or just looking for a lovely day out in the countryside, these ten farm shops are the perfect spots to explore. Let’s take a tour through Northamptonshire’s rural gems... 1. Smiths Farm Shop, Chapel Brampton Smiths Farm Shop has been a beloved local fixture since 1958. This family-run shop is known for its commitment to fresh, local produce. You’ll find a wonderful selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, locally sourced meats, and dairy products. Their freshly baked bread and home-cooked ready meals are particularly popular, making Smiths a go-to for anyone wanting to support local farming while enjoying top-quality..

Judges have been busy throughout September meeting finalists in the remaining categories of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2024/25: F&B Achiever; Weetabix Sustainability Award and One to Watch. The Farming Environment Award is also announced. Shortlisting has taken place, and finalists have been given the good news that their incredible hard work has been recognised. Finalists in all categories are outlined below. The Farming Environment category (sponsored by Weetabix) is designed to recognise growers 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: Johnny Wake, Courteenhall Estate Stuart Tabernor, F R W Farrington & Son William Green, George Green (Bozeat) Ltd Jim Beaty, Wold Farm For the F&B Achiever Award, judges have met finalists who make a significant contribution to the sector locally. Joseph Skinner, Partner, J Sweeney Accountants is category..

A curry night at an award-winning town centre restaurant will help the Mayor of Northampton raise money for his chosen charity. The dinner, to be held at Saffron in Castilian Street, Northampton, on Monday, 23 September, will see dozens of VIPs and invited guests come together to enjoy dishes from the award-winning team of chefs. The event will help raise money for The Lewis Foundation, the chosen causes of Mayor of Northampton, Councillor Paul Joyce. Saffron owner Naz Islam, who has helped raise thousands of pounds for Mayoral charities over the past 25 years, said: “We are always keen to help support local charities and we are honoured to host the Mayor for this very special event. “It is a privilege to have the chance to cook for our guests and we hope to raise plenty of money for two particularly worthwhile causes. Cllr Joyce is hoping the curry night..

Hibiscus, an acclaimed fine dining restaurant set within the historic Delapré Abbey in Northampton, has secured its second AA Rosette, marking it as one of only two establishments in the town to hold this prestigious accolade. The recognition, conferred by the AA’s inspectorate, lauded the restaurant for offering “extremely chic surroundings for thoughtful modern dishes”. This achievement reflects Hibiscus’ unwavering commitment to quality and innovation under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Bart Polinski, who was named Chef of the Year at the 2022/23 Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards. The restaurant’s seven-course tasting menu, which showcases seasonal, locally sourced ingredients – many cultivated within Delapré Abbey’s Walled Garden – has been commended for its focus on sustainability and flavour. Commenting on the award, Polinski said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a second AA Rosette. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team,..

An award-winning chef has teamed up with a luxury rural retreat to offer a gourmet evening celebrating the very best in Northamptonshire produce. Danny Tompkins, a former winner of the coveted ‘Chef of the Year’ category at the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards, is staging an exclusive pop-up dining experience at The Cottages, a five-star boutique holiday let in Cottesbrooke. The event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a fine dining experience in a luxurious and intimate setting. There are limited dates available, with events planned for September 27/28 and October 11 and 18. Danny, who is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and has worked as a private chef for the likes of Earl Spencer and Claudia Schiffer, has created a six-course tasting menu using the finest locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Dishes include miso and sake glazed chicken thigh, cured torched mackerel and sticky beef cheek. He said:..

A brand-new café-bar will be opening in Northampton’s thriving cultural quarter this September. Based at Royal & Derngate, and situated on the corner of Guildhall Road and Swan Street, Lola’s Bar will be the new go-to place for lunch meetings, dinner dates, social gatherings and, of course, pre- and post-theatre refreshments. Operated by Bad Butler Hospitality in collaboration with Royal & Derngate, Lola’s will open in early September, initially offering drinks including cocktails, wine and beers, along with speciality coffee. Pastries and cakes will also be available during the day. The full food menu will launch later in the autumn, offering breakfast and brunch daytime, and a tempting selection of tapas in the evenings. Passionate about Northampton, Bad Butler Hospitality is a growing local independent business, operating since 2019, and well-loved for its two Saints Coffee outlets and Pala Restaurant. A spokesperson for Bad Butler Hospitality commented: “Lola’s Bar will..

Judges have been hard at work evaluating and shortlisting finalists in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards’ venue categories - Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year. After final Mystery Shopping visits, winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony in October. Recognising and celebrating excellence in the sector’s brilliant people, places and produce, the competition for these widely recognised categories grows bigger each year, as teams from all around the county recognise just how much winning can mean, to even the most established chef, café, pub or restaurant. Rachel Mallows MBE, Awards Director said: “As well as highlighting a commitment to exceptional experiences, championing and serving local, these accolades set businesses apart as leaders in the local food and drink community. Being shortlisted helps enormously with attracting new customers in the coming weeks..