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, General Manager of Kettering Park Hotel & Spa, said: “It is important that we work together and find ways to benefit from this collaboration. The Food & Drink Week shows what can be done when working with local suppliers.”

Another speaker at the event was Tom Warner, of Warner’s Distillery, which is based in Harrington, near Kettering. The producer of gin and other spirits will be one of the exhibitors at Delapré Abbey’s Food Festival which runs 8th and 9th June.

“Diversification is key,” said Tom, who said the company’s products are now sold in 34 countries including New Zealand and USA.

The Food & Drink Week is being coordinated by Made in Northamptonshire. Its director Rachel Mallows, said: “It’s our first year so we expected to start small, but we’ve got a fantastic line up already. There’s something for everybody, so please do join us in celebrating our very own county Food & Drink Week.”

Proud sponsors of the initiative are Wilson Browne Solicitors. Partner Kevin Rogers said: “Whether pubs, restaurants, food or drink products – we are excited to help put the county’s home grown firmly on the food and drink map of England.”

For full details about those taking part, where you can go and what you can do over the week click to: www.northamptonshiresurprise.com/june-food-and-drink/Tasters…

There is a wide range of events across Northamptonshire from student take overs, coffee and baking demonstrations to product tastings at hotels, gin discounts, and special menus at the County Cricket Ground and at pubs and restaurants all around the county.

Other events include a local produce market and showcase at Whitco on June 1st, to The Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet on June 7th. The new Food and Drink Festival at Delapré Abbey is on June 8th-9th.

Award-winning Chef James Peck, owner at Ember and No.13 bar in Wellingborough, and the Four Pears in Little Houghton, is heading up the kitchen for the Best of Northamptonshire Long Table Banquet at the Tollemache Arms in Harrington on June 7th.

James said: “The Northants food scene is getting really exciting. This new week is a great way to celebrate our amazing chef and hospitality skills, and the brilliant produce we all have on our doorstep. Let’s get behind it!”

Wicksteed Park and Tresham College will join together to provide a contemporary take on soldiers’ ration packs from 5pm to 6pm on 6th June.

The initiative is part of D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in the Wicksteed Park Pavilion Terrace suite, which run from 5pm to 9pm.

The free charity event, supporting Help For Heroes, also includes lighting one of the many commemorative beacons across the country, at 7pm, and live music from Miss Rosie Vintage.

Wicksteed Park head of operations Jordan St Germain said: “We are delighted to be taking part in Food and Drink Week, which is a great way to showcase the amazing food that is available throughout the county. The event at the park is also a chance to sample the work of the next generation of culinary stars whilst paying our respects to those who took part in the D-Day landings.”

The Apothocoffee Shop at Jeyes of Earls Barton is tempting customers with a special menu from 1st to 9th June. The Balsamic Blueberry Menu honours the British blueberry and each savoury and sweet dish has been created using a delish relish that Steve from Friars Farm made from fruit harvested by Mee Blueberries.

Jeyes are also hosting a session on June 6th from 10am to noon with Warkton-based baker Valeria Mizuno-Turne, from the Incredible Baking Company.

Valeria, who specialises in gluten free and vegan cooking, will be sharing her knowledge at workshops. The £5 ticket includes a link to Valeria’s ebook.
Other workshops include the Inspired Coffee Shop in Higham Ferrers on 3rd June and Kate Bloc in Sheep Street, Kettering on 4th June.