Food & Drink

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..

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..