Showing Food & Drink in all locations
28th Aug 2024
Finalists for Best-in-Class Dining categories and Local Food Heroes Announced
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..
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08th Aug 2024
Delivered by pedal power – vodka producer saddling up for epic supermarket cycle ride
An award-winning manufacturer of sustainable and eco-friendly vodka based in Northamptonshire is celebrating its first national supermarket contract by hand-delivering the stock by bike to drive down its carbon footprint. Jelley’s Vodka is launching its elderflower and honey-flavoured spirit into 14 Morrisons stores across Devon and Cornwall. Brand founder Benjamin Jelley will be cycling a 250km route between August 12-16 to personally deliver a total of 250 bottles, saving the equivalent of 0.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Each bottle contains a QR code link to receive a pack of elderflower seeds, with drinkers urged to sow them to encourage the future growth of the plants, which act as pollinators for the dwindling bee population. Mr Jelley said: “We started the business a decade ago, selling at food and drink fairs and farmers markets but it has always been my ambition to secure a supermarket contract. Jelley's..
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08th Aug 2024
Chefs impress with extraordinary talent in Booker Young Chef and WhitCo Chef of the Year Cook-Offs
This year’s finalists in the WhitCo Chef and Booker Young Chef of the Year competitions have been announced. Chefs (25 and over) and Young Chefs (24 and under) initially sold their potential on application, before competing for the title in cook-offs at Tresham College and Northampton College. Booker Young Chef of the Year Finalists for 2024/25 are: Freddie Duke, June Plum Levi Moukam, The Falcon Inn, Fotheringhay Kamil Podgorski, WhitCo Joe Thornton, Nuovo Dylan Warren, The Four Pears, Little Houghton WhitCo Chef of the Year Finalists for 2024/25 are: Asa Cosgrove, Woolpack Inn, Islip Hannah Dunne, Restaurant Ember Ambroise Dupont, The Falcon, Castle Ashby Joe Gould, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa (Handpicked Hotel) Zak Perrin, The Falcon Inn, Fotheringhay WhitCo Chefs were invited to join the cook-off in the test kitchen at the Manor Restaurant at Tresham College, Corby, and were each judged on the taste and presentation of their..
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24th Jul 2024
Six finalists announced for artisan vegetarian/vegan product of the year at Weetabix...
Six finalists have been revealed in the Artisan Local Vegetarian/Vegan Product of the Year category, sponsored by Daily Bread Cooperative. They will compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, judged by the Vegetarian Society and announced at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards in October. The ‘Artisan’ classification includes high-quality or distinctive products made locally in small quantities, often by hand or using traditional methods. Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said: “As ever it’s an honour to celebrate the incredible talent and innovation of our brilliant local producers. Congratulations to all the shortlisted vegetarian and vegan product nominees, may your achievements continue to nourish and inspire us all.” The finalists are: Hamm Tun Fine Foods: Shoetown Blue Northampton Cheese Company Limited: Tongue Taster Sophisticake: Pecan & Caramel Cake The Jam Queen: Chilli Shallot & Coriander Jelly The Loving Chef Artisan: Nettle and Walnut Soda Bread Your Cool: Lemon..
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23rd Jul 2024
National award for Northampton curry house
A restaurant in Northampton is the toast of the town having been named the best in the country at a national awards ceremony. Saffron in Castilian Street was crowned the winner of the Restaurant of the Year category at the 2024 The Bengal’s Pride Awards, held at the House of Commons in London on Wednesday, July 17. It is the sixth year of The Bengal’s Pride Awards, dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the Bengali ethnic community from India and Bangladesh. As the global Bengali community grows, numerous Bengalis have made significant contributions to every professional area, including healthcare, banking, politics, education, arts among others. The Bengal’s Pride Awards strive to honour and recognise Bengalis from across the world for their global achievements and contributions. Saffron owner Naz Islam said: “Winning this award is a testament to our team's dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. We are deeply honoured and..
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11th Jul 2024
Something to ‘tipple’ your fancy
If, like us, you love a little gin tipple, your palate will no doubt have met with Warner’s Gin before now. The distillery, which is all about quality and contemporary twists on traditional flavour, is set in the rolling hills of Northamptonshire on an estate dating back to the 13th century. Its super spirits utilise the elderflower, angelica, verbena and lavender grown on the farm. The team behind the winning liquor are offering tours of the distillery, which gives you unrivalled access, taking you through the art of gin-making, from those beautiful botanicals to the sustainable practices they employ, showing a commitment to the environment. There are two tours to choose from; a classic distillery tasting tour within the farm, or, a longer nature experience, which will see you tour through the 140 acre farm, where you will tend the bee hives, harvest those farm-grown botanicals, mix up cocktails and..
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11th Jul 2024
Hello Foodies
Go take a bite... Bite Street Northampton has lip-licking events offering fabulous eats, liquid treats and cool beats throughout the summer. The brand will cater for you at The County Cricket Ground (July 26-28), with the promise of epic vendors, house cocktails, foaming beer, good wine and great vibes. Meet the acquaintance of Tapas Zampa, The Patty Freaks, Gyro Guys, and vegan donut deliverers, Flats Doughnuts. The bar will be serving up Budvar, Brooklyn Pilsner, Brooklyn Defender, Punk IPA, Prosecco van, cocktails, cider, Warner’s gin and vegan wine. Cheers to that. There are further chances to tickle those tastebuds at Franklin’s Gardens with a variety of traders – check in between August 9 & 11, and again between August 23 & 25. Food shouldn’t just nourish, it should be an occasion, and Bite Street has got this business bang on. > Let the tasting begin at bitestreet.co.uk Looking ahead, Sophie’s..
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07th Jul 2024
College Student, Artisan Local Product and Artisan Local Drink Finalists Announced in Prestigious...
Northamptonshire is fizzing with excitement as this year’s finalists in the Artisan Local Product and Artisan Local Drink categories are announced, showcasing unprecedented innovation, quality, and passion for craftsmanship. 14 of the county's best Artisan food and drink products have been revealed as finalists, they will now compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze in their respective categories. The ‘Artisan’ classification includes products from local companies that make a high-quality or distinctive product in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods. Rachel Mallows MBE DL, Awards Director, said: “Innovation is a theme in the Artisan categories this year, which is exciting to see. Across both categories, judges could not meet my maximum five shortlist. Not only were the entries wide ranging but also every judging session had feedback and enthusiasm about the brilliant innovation of producers, as well as the exceptional taste of the shortlisted products and drinks.”..
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04th Jul 2024
Theatre to open new café-bar on Guildhall Road
Royal & Derngate is delighted to announce that it will be opening a new café-bar this autumn, adjacent to the theatre on Guildhall Road. The theatre will be working in partnership with a local company, behind other successful hospitality outlets in the area, to launch Lola’s Bar in September. Lola’s will be situated at the corner of Guildhall Road and Swan Street, taking over the location of John Franklin’s, which closes at the end of July. Lola’s will initially be offering cocktails and small plates in the evening, and coffee and brunch during the day, opening from Tuesday to Saturday every week, with additional opening hours on Sundays and Mondays dependent on theatre shows. Rob Parkes, Operations & Commercial Director at Royal & Derngate said: “We’re on a mission to provide the best experiences for our theatre and Filmhouse customers and all visitors to Northampton town centre. Lola’s Bar will..
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25th Jun 2024
Ember and Black Ducks Bars to throw Mexican mariachi party at Duston Mill
A pop-up Mexican-inspired BBQ and bar is throwing its doors open for one weekend only in Northampton. Ember restaurant and Black Ducks Bars will be hosting their grand, taco-fuelled BBQ on July 13th and 14th. Tickets are now on sale for the two-day Mexican foodie party, complete with a mariachi band and mezcal cocktails. Robert Prentice, owner of the venue Duston Mill, said: “Duston Mill is excited to host Northampton’s coolest food and drink pop-up event on Saturday, 13th July and Sunday, 14th July. “Our cool industrial event space will be taken over by two of the region's most dynamic and renowned food and drink operators. “James Peck’s award-winning live fire restaurant, Ember, in Wellingborough, and Black Ducks Bars owner Jimmy Emmett, from Northampton, will transform Duston Mill into a Mexican fondita, with a family BBQ vibe during Saturday and Sunday daytime and a live mariachi band for the Saturday..
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18th Jun 2024
‘World’s priciest curry’ returns to mark King’s birthday
An award-winning restaurant in Northampton is marking Charles III’s birthday by bringing back a curry fit for a King…but it comes with an eye-watering price tag. The lavish dish will be available to order at Saffron in Castilian Street this weekend and features corn-fed chicken tikka cubes in a rich sauce infused with rare spices and topped with 50g of edible 24 carat gold leaf. The no-expense-spared dish will be added to the restaurant’s a la carte menu, but anyone fancying celebrating the monarch’s birthday in style will need to fork out a whopping £2,523 if they want to give it a try – making it officially the world’s most expensive curry. Saffron owner Naz Islam said: “Having first launched the dish during the Coronation last year we thought we’d bring it back as a one-off to celebrate this weekend. We have once again sourced the very finest ingredients from..
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18th Jun 2024
Home town coffee shop invests in expanded new premises
A popular chain of independent coffee shops has underlined its commitment to its home town by opening a new café in Northampton’s main shopping centre. Bewiched Coffee, owned by former Northampton College student Matt Fountain, opens its latest premises in Grosvenor Shopping Northampton on Friday – relocating from the upper mall to the ground floor next to Michael Jones Jeweller. The larger unit is a show of support for Northampton by the growing company, which previously launched the country’s first independent drive-thru coffee shop in the town and has since opened a network of venues around the Midlands. Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), said: “It’s heartening to see a local company clearly doing well and showing their support for Northampton by investing in expanded premises. “This is the latest in a series of exciting new openings in this part of Grosvenor Shopping Northampton..
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12th Jun 2024
Where to dine for Father’s Day in Northamptonshire
Looking to spoil the special men in your life this Father’s Day in Northamptonshire? Look no further – we’ve got the lowdown on some fantastic spots. Whether you want to treat your dad, brother, uncle, friend, or grandparent, these restaurants will ensure you all celebrate a memorable Father’s Day. The Cromwell Cottage Freshly refurbished with a new menu, The Cromwell Cottage boasts a new look with impressive decor and vibrant vibes. Their Father’s Day menu offers three delicious courses for £31.95, featuring options like 30 day aged rib-eye steak, sticky chicken, trio of roasts, and even a dirty burger. Vegans are catered for, and dessert choices range from homemade brownies to crème brulee. 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 at £30.95 per person...
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06th Jun 2024
Get a real taste of Northamptonshire
It is time to raise a glass to the people, places and producers who will be taking part in the new Northamptonshire Week of Food & Drink. The showcase, which runs from 1st to 9th June, will give a taste of just what is happening across the county’s growing food and drink scene. The first ever Food & Drink Week will shine a spotlight on local produce, pop ups, collaborations, tours, tastings and more, at locations all around Northamptonshire. The week is just one of the initiatives being co-ordinated by Northamptonshire Surprise, a destination partnership, run by and with business leaders. The mission is to champion Northamptonshire as an exceptional visitor destination and to showcase what a great place it is to live and work. The May meeting was hosted by Kettering Park Hotel and Spa and the next in June is at Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa. Andrew Hollett,..
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29th May 2024
Northampton philanthropist given Freedom of City of London
A well-known Northampton businessman has been handed the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his charity work and commitment to the community in his home nation of Bangladesh. Naz Islam was presented with the title during a reception held at The Guildhall in London on Tuesday, 28 May. During a 27-year career, Naz has raised almost £100,000 for local charities and established a school and orphanage in one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh with the help of his family. He said: “Receiving this honour means the world to me and I am grateful beyond words for this recognition. It was a very special moment and one I will treasure forever. “I care passionately about my community, both here in Northampton and in Bangladesh. I have always tried to give back, helping those less fortunate than myself and raising money for local charities that are close to..
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