Northamptonshire’s food and drink scene has been transformed over the past decade by a generation of producers who have chosen to make things here rather than anywhere else. The county’s agricultural land, its water sources and its central location have all played a part, but the real driver has been people with the skill and stubbornness to build something from scratch. From a distillery in a converted barn in Harrington to a cheese maker working from a room inside a brewery in Northampton, these are the businesses that give the county its flavour.
Details in this guide were accurate at the time of research in March 2026. Producers’ opening hours, product ranges and visitor facilities can change, so check directly before visiting.
Breweries and Drink Producers
Northamptonshire has a brewing heritage that stretches back centuries, and the modern craft beer movement has added a new wave of producers to the county’s stock. The gin boom has brought distilleries too, with Warner’s in Harrington now the UK’s largest independent craft gin distillery.
Warner’s Distillery, Harrington
Distillery
The UK’s largest independent craft gin distillery, based in a 200-year-old converted barn on Falls Farm in Harrington
Founded in 2012 by Tom Warner and Sion Edwards, using spring water from the farm and botanicals grown on site
The signature Harrington Dry Gin uses 11 botanicals including homegrown elderflower, cardamom, cinnamon and black pepper
The range extends to flavoured gins, rum, non-alcoholic spirits and seasonal limited editions
Distillery tours are available, offering a guided walk through the production process with tastings
The farm grows its own elderflower, rhubarb and botanicals, keeping production closely tied to the land
A certified B Corporation, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainable farming and production
Products are stocked nationally in supermarkets and independent retailers, as well as direct from the farm shop
The distillery has won multiple international awards including gold at the International Wine and Spirit Competition
Located between Kettering and Market Harborough in the north of the county
Practical info:
Address: Falls Farm, Harrington, Northampton NN6 9PF
Website:www.warnersdistillery.com
Phone: 01604 536076
How to book: Tours bookable via the website.
Warner’s has put Northamptonshire on the national drinks map in a way that no other producer has managed. The distillery’s roots in the farm at Harrington give it an authenticity that marketing alone cannot create, and the commitment to growing botanicals on site connects the gin directly to the land it comes from. The tours are well run and give a genuine insight into the production process, and the farm shop lets visitors buy the full range at source. For anyone building a weekend around Northamptonshire food and drink, Warner’s is the anchor visit.
Phipps NBC, Northampton
Brewery
A revived Northampton brewery with roots stretching back to 1801, when Pickering Phipps began brewing in Towcester
The original brewery closed in 1974 after a takeover by Watney Mann, ending over 170 years of Northampton brewing
The Phipps name and recipes were acquired and brewing restarted in 2008, with the founding family rejoining in 2014
The restored Albion Brewery on Kingswell Street in Northampton includes a brewhouse, bar and visitor experience
Core beers include India Pale Ale, Red Star, Cobbler’s Ale and Diamond Ale, all brewed to historic recipes
The Albion Brewery Bar serves the full range alongside guest beers and is open to the public
The brewery sits within the same building as the Northampton Cheese Company, creating a combined food and drink destination
Tours of the brewery are available and include tastings
Phipps beers are available in pubs and bottle shops across Northamptonshire and beyond
The revival is one of the most significant heritage brewing stories in the East Midlands
Practical info:
Address: The Albion Brewery, 54 Kingswell Street, Northampton NN1 1PR
Website:www.phipps-nbc.co.uk
Phone: 01604 946777
How to book: Tours bookable via the website or by phone.
The Phipps story is one of the great comebacks in English brewing. A brewery that served Northampton for 170 years, was closed by a national chain, and then brought back to life by people who cared enough to find the recipes and rebuild the operation. The Albion Brewery Bar is worth visiting for the atmosphere as much as the beer, and the presence of the Northampton Cheese Company in the same building means you can pair local cheese with local ale in a single stop. The India Pale Ale, brewed to a Victorian recipe, is the standout.
Towcester Mill Brewery
Brewery
A small independent brewery and tap room based in a restored Grade II listed watermill in Towcester
The five-barrel brew plant produces a range of regular beers plus seasonal and special ales
The Mill Race tap room serves the brewery’s own beers alongside guest ales in a canalside setting
Core beers include Mill Race, Bell Ringer and Crooked Hooker
The historic mill building adds character that purpose-built microbreweries cannot match
Located in the centre of Towcester, within walking distance of the high street shops and restaurants
The tap room hosts events including live music, quiz nights and meet-the-brewer sessions
Brewery tours can be arranged for small groups
The brewery has built a strong local following since opening and is a fixture at county food and drink events
A good first stop on a food and drink tour of south Northamptonshire
Practical info:
Address: Towcester Mill Brewery, Chantry Lane, Towcester NN12 6YY
Website:www.towcestermillbrewery.co.uk
Phone: 01327 437060
How to book: Tap room open to walk-ins. Tours by arrangement.
Towcester Mill Brewery does everything at the right scale. The five-barrel plant means the beers are genuinely handmade, the Grade II listed mill gives the tap room a setting that larger operations cannot replicate, and the location in the centre of Towcester makes it easy to combine with the town’s other food and drink offerings. The Mill Race, named after the watercourse that runs beside the building, is the beer to start with.
Great Oakley Brewery, Tiffield
Brewery
An independent brewery based in the village of Tiffield near Towcester, producing award-winning real ales
The brewery has won multiple awards at regional and national beer competitions
Core beers include Wagtail, Gobble and Harpers, with seasonal specials throughout the year
Available in pubs and bottle shops across Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties
The brewery supplies several of the county’s best pubs directly
Founded with a focus on traditional English ale styles brewed with modern consistency
The Tiffield location places it in the heart of south Northamptonshire’s food and drink country
Regularly appears at local food festivals and beer events
The name reflects the village of Great Oakley in north Northamptonshire where the founders have connections
A reliable producer whose beers reward repeat drinking rather than chasing trends
Practical info:
Address: Great Oakley Brewery, Tiffield, Towcester NN12 8AB
Website:www.greatoakleybrewery.co.uk
How to book: Check the website for stockists and event appearances.
Great Oakley Brewery is the kind of producer that builds a reputation through the quality of what goes into the glass rather than what goes onto social media. The ales are consistently well made, the range covers enough ground to keep regular drinkers interested, and the awards confirm what the pubs that stock the beers already know. Finding Great Oakley beers on tap in a Northamptonshire pub is a reliable indicator that the landlord cares about what they serve.
Nene Valley Brewery, Oundle
Brewery
A craft brewery based near Oundle in the Nene Valley, producing a range of modern and traditional ales
The brewery has grown from a small operation into one of the county’s most visible craft beer brands
Beers include Release the Chimps (pale ale), NVB (session IPA) and Egyptian Cream (stout)
The brewery tap serves the full range and is open to visitors
Available in pubs, restaurants and bottle shops across the East Midlands
The branding and beer names reflect a more contemporary approach than the county’s traditional breweries
Regularly collaborates with other breweries on special releases
A fixture at food and drink festivals in Northamptonshire and beyond
The Nene Valley location connects the brewery to one of the county’s most attractive areas
A good example of how Northamptonshire’s brewing scene has diversified in recent years
Practical info:
Address: Nene Valley Brewery, Oundle, Peterborough PE8
Website:www.nenevalleybrewery.com
How to book: Check the website for tap room opening times and stockist listings.
Nene Valley Brewery represents the modern end of Northamptonshire’s brewing spectrum. The beers are creative without being gimmicky, the branding is sharp, and the tap room gives visitors a reason to seek out the brewery rather than just finding its beers in a pub. Release the Chimps has become the brewery’s calling card, a pale ale that is accessible enough for casual drinkers but interesting enough for those who pay closer attention. The Oundle location makes it a natural stop on a Nene Valley food and drink tour.
Silverstone Real Ale Co
Brewery
A microbrewery near Silverstone producing beers with a motorsport theme
Beer names include Pitstop, Chequered Flag and Ignition, reflecting the proximity to the circuit
The brewery supplies local pubs and appears at events and festivals across south Northamptonshire
A small-scale producer with a distinctive identity tied to the county’s motorsport heritage
Available at selected pubs in the Towcester and Silverstone area
The motorsport branding gives the beers a gift and souvenir appeal for Grand Prix visitors
Produces cask, keg and bottled beers in small batches
A family-run operation with a personal approach to brewing
Practical info:
Address: Silverstone Real Ale Co, near Silverstone, Northamptonshire
Website: Search “Silverstone Real Ale” for current details
How to book: Check the website for stockists.
Silverstone Real Ale Co has carved out a niche that nobody else in the county occupies, connecting brewing to motorsport in a way that feels natural given the geography. The beers stand on their own quality rather than relying on the novelty of the branding, and the small-batch production means they retain a handmade character. Finding them on tap at a south Northamptonshire pub on a Grand Prix weekend is one of those local pleasures that makes the county’s food and drink scene distinctive.
Cheese, Dairy and Artisan Food
The county’s artisan food producers have grown from a handful of pioneers into a genuine network, with cheese makers, bakers, charcuterie producers and preservers all drawing on Northamptonshire’s agricultural resources. Many sell direct through farm shops and markets, keeping the food chain short and the flavour local.
Hamm Tun Fine Foods, Daventry
Cheese maker
An artisan cheese maker based in Daventry, producing a range of cheeses from Northamptonshire milk
Founded in 2013 by Gary Bradshaw, using pasteurised cows’ milk from a local Friesian herd
The range includes Cobblers Nibble (hard cheese), Merry Tome (soft), Northamptonshire Blue, Buckby Blue and Little Bertie
Northamptonshire Blue won Artisan Local Product of the Year at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards in 2024
Raw Jersey milk is sourced from Barn Owl Jerseys near Brackley, keeping supply chains within the county
Products are available at local farm shops, delis and markets across Northamptonshire
The company also runs a deli in Daventry selling its own cheeses alongside other local products
A regular presence at Northamptonshire food festivals and farmers’ markets
The cheese names reference local history and geography, grounding the brand in the county
One of the most decorated food producers in Northamptonshire
Practical info:
Address: Hamm Tun Fine Foods, Daventry, Northamptonshire
Website: Search “Hamm Tun Fine Foods” for current details
How to book: Available at local stockists. Check social media for market appearances.
Hamm Tun Fine Foods has done more than any other single producer to put Northamptonshire on the cheese map. The range is impressive for a small operation, covering hard, soft and blue styles, and the decision to source milk from within the county gives every cheese a genuine local provenance. Northamptonshire Blue is the headline product, but Cobblers Nibble is the everyday cheese that regular customers come back for. Finding the full range at a single farm shop is a treat worth seeking out.
Northampton Cheese Company
Cheese maker
A cheese maker based within the Phipps NBC brewery building on Kingswell Street in Northampton
Uses organic milk from a local dairy to produce handmade cheeses
A purpose-built cheese production room within the brewery allows visitors to see production through viewing windows
The co-location with Phipps brewery creates a unique food and drink pairing opportunity
Products are available in the brewery bar, local farm shops and at food events
A small-scale producer with a focus on quality over volume
The organic milk sourcing reflects a commitment to sustainable and ethical production
The Northampton town centre location makes it more accessible than rural producers
Regular tasting events and pairings with Phipps beers
A relatively new producer that has built a following quickly
Practical info:
Address: 54 Kingswell Street, Northampton NN1 1PR
Website: Search “Northampton Cheese Company” for current details
How to book: Visit the Albion Brewery Bar to taste and buy.
The Northampton Cheese Company benefits from one of the most unusual premises in English cheese making. Working from a production room inside a brewery, with viewing windows that let visitors watch the process, it turns cheese making from an agricultural mystery into a visible craft. The organic milk and handmade approach keep the quality high, and the pairing with Phipps beers in the bar next door makes for an afternoon that covers two of the county’s best producers in a single visit.
Brixworth Pate
Artisan producer
A pate and chutney producer based in Brixworth, near Northampton
Produces a range of pates, terrines and chutneys using recipes developed in the founder’s kitchen
Products are stocked in farm shops, delis and independent food retailers across the East Midlands and beyond
The range includes classic chicken liver pate, game pate and seasonal specials
A Great Taste Award winner, with multiple products recognised for quality
The Brixworth base places the company in one of Northamptonshire’s most attractive large villages
Small-batch production ensures consistency and freshness
Available at county food festivals and farmers’ markets
The chutneys are designed to pair with the county’s artisan cheeses
A Northamptonshire brand that has built a reputation well beyond the county border
Practical info:
Address: Brixworth, Northampton, Northamptonshire
Website: Search “Brixworth Pate” for current details
How to book: Available at local stockists.
Brixworth Pate is one of those Northamptonshire producers that people discover at a farm shop, buy on impulse, and then seek out repeatedly. The chicken liver pate is the best seller, but the game pate has a depth of flavour that lifts it above the supermarket alternatives. The chutneys work beautifully alongside the county’s artisan cheeses, and building a Northamptonshire cheeseboard with Hamm Tun cheeses and Brixworth chutneys is one of the simplest ways to taste the county on a plate.
Bread and Circus Bakery, Daventry
Bakery
An artisan bakery and 30-seat cafe on Sheaf Street in Daventry town centre
Produces hand-crafted sourdough breads, pastries, cakes and patisserie
The bakery uses traditional long-fermentation methods for its sourdough, giving the bread its distinctive flavour and texture
The cafe menu includes breakfast, lunch and coffee alongside the bakery counter
Breads are available to buy from the counter and are also supplied to local restaurants and food businesses
A relatively new addition to Daventry’s food scene that has quickly built a loyal following
The 30-seat cafe provides a comfortable space to eat in or take away
The sourdough loaves sell out regularly, so arriving early in the day is advisable
The bakery reflects a broader trend of artisan bread makers establishing themselves in Northamptonshire’s market towns
A good stopping point on a food and drink tour of the Daventry area
Practical info:
Address: Sheaf Street, Daventry, Northamptonshire
Website: Search “Bread and Circus Daventry” for current details
How to book: Walk-in. No booking required for the cafe.
Bread and Circus has brought proper artisan sourdough to Daventry, and the town is better for it. The long-fermentation process gives the bread a character that mass-produced loaves cannot approach, and the cafe provides a space to enjoy it with good coffee and a simple lunch menu. The sourdough is the product to buy, and arriving before midday gives you the best chance of finding the full range on the counter. For food-focused visitors passing through Daventry, this is an essential stop.
Greedy Gordons, Woodford
Farm and grower
A farm shop and butchery based in a converted barn at Manor House Farm in the village of Woodford near Thrapston
The in-house butchery produces its own range of cuts, sausages and charcuterie
The shop stocks local produce from Northamptonshire farms and producers alongside the butchery range
Seasonal hampers and gift boxes featuring county produce are available
The converted barn setting gives the shop a character that high street retailers cannot match
Located in the Nene Valley, making it a practical stop on a day exploring the area’s villages
The charcuterie range has developed a strong reputation among local food enthusiasts
Regular deliveries from local farms keep the stock fresh and seasonal
The shop also carries bread, dairy, preserves and store cupboard items from county producers
A destination shop that draws visitors from across the Nene Valley and beyond
Practical info:
Address: Manor House Farm, Woodford, Thrapston NN14 4HH
Website: Search “Greedy Gordons Woodford” for current details
How to book: Walk-in. No booking required.
Greedy Gordons is the kind of farm shop that makes you reconsider your entire weekly shop. The in-house butchery is the anchor, producing sausages and charcuterie that are consistently excellent, and the surrounding shelves carry enough local produce to fill a basket without trying. The Woodford location in the Nene Valley means it combines naturally with a morning walk or a village tour, and the converted barn setting makes the shopping experience feel like an event rather than an errand.
Red Barn Honey Company
Farm and grower
A honey producer based in Northamptonshire, keeping bees across the county and producing raw, unprocessed honey
The honey range reflects the different landscapes where the hives are placed, from wildflower meadows to woodland edges
Also produces pure beeswax candles and wax products
Offers pollination services to local farms, connecting the beekeeping to the county’s wider agriculture
Raw honey is unheated and unfiltered, preserving the natural enzymes and flavour profiles
Available at local farm shops, farmers’ markets and direct from the producer
The seasonal variation in honey flavour, depending on what the bees have been foraging, gives each batch a distinct character
A small-scale producer where every jar is traceable to specific hive locations in Northamptonshire
Beekeeping experience days are offered for visitors who want to learn about the craft
The company represents the simplest possible food chain: bees, flowers, jar
Practical info:
Address: Northamptonshire (check website for current details)
Website: Search “Red Barn Honey Company Northamptonshire” for current details
How to book: Available at local stockists and markets.
Red Barn Honey Company produces something that connects you directly to the Northamptonshire landscape. Each jar of raw honey carries the flavour of whatever the bees have been foraging in the fields and hedgerows around their hives, and the seasonal variation means no two batches taste identical. The beeswax candles are a natural extension of the operation, and the beekeeping experience days offer a genuine insight into a craft that most people observe only from a safe distance. This is food production at its most elemental.
Friar’s Farm Preserves
Artisan producer
A small-batch preserve maker producing jams, chutneys, sauces, syrups and pickles in Northamptonshire
Recipes are developed in the founder’s kitchen using seasonal ingredients
The range includes both classic preserves and more unusual flavour combinations
Available at local farm shops, farmers’ markets and food festivals across the county
The small-batch approach means products are made in limited quantities, adding a seasonal element to availability
Gift sets and hamper selections are available for food-focused presents
The producer is a regular presence at Northamptonshire food events and markets
Products use locally sourced fruit and vegetables where available
The preserve range is designed to complement the county’s artisan cheeses and charcuterie
A cottage-scale producer that has built a following through quality and word of mouth
Practical info:
Address: Northamptonshire (check social media for market appearances)
Website: Search “Friar’s Farm Preserves” for current details
How to book: Available at local stockists and markets.
Friar’s Farm Preserves represents the grassroots end of Northamptonshire’s food producer scene, where recipes are developed at home and products are sold at markets and through local shops. The quality is high, the flavour combinations are more interesting than the supermarket alternatives, and the small-batch production means you are buying something made by hand rather than by machine. Picking up a jar at a farmers’ market and pairing it with local cheese at home is one of the simple pleasures of eating locally.
Farm Shops, Markets and Where to Find It All
The county’s farm shops and markets are where the individual producers come together in one place. A good Northamptonshire farm shop stocks cheese from Daventry, beer from Northampton, honey from the countryside and bread from the nearest artisan baker, turning a single shopping trip into a tour of the county’s food scene.
Barnwell Country Park Farm Shop, near Oundle
Farm and grower
A farm shop near Oundle stocking local produce from Nene Valley farms and producers
The shop sits adjacent to Barnwell Country Park, making it a natural addition to a park visit
Local meat, dairy, bread, preserves and store cupboard items from named Northamptonshire suppliers
The country park setting provides a riverside walk before or after shopping
Located on the A605 between Oundle and Thrapston, convenient for visitors exploring the north of the county
Seasonal produce reflects what is available from local farms at different times of year
A smaller, more focused operation than the larger destination farm shops
A good option for self-catering visitors stocking up for a weekend in the Nene Valley
Practical info:
Address: Barnwell Country Park, Barnwell Road, Oundle PE8 5PB
How to book: Walk-in. No booking required.
Barnwell Country Park Farm Shop does not try to be a destination in its own right, but it fills a practical gap for visitors to the Nene Valley who want to pick up good local produce without making a dedicated shopping trip. The stock reflects what the area’s farms and producers are making, and the adjacent country park gives the visit a shape that works well for families.
Castle Ashby Farm Shop
Farm and grower
Part of the Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard, a collection of independent shops in converted farm buildings
The deli stocks local cheeses, charcuterie, bread, preserves and seasonal produce from Northamptonshire suppliers
Located within walking distance of Castle Ashby Gardens, creating a combined food and garden visit
The wider shopping yard includes craft, homeware and gift shops alongside the food offering
Free parking available
Open daily, though individual shop hours may vary
The converted farm building setting gives the shopping experience a distinctive atmosphere
A good introduction to Northamptonshire’s food producer network for first-time visitors
Hampers and gift selections featuring county produce are available
One of the most visited food retail destinations in the county
Practical info:
Address: Castle Ashby Rural Shopping Yard, Castle Ashby NN7 1LF
Website: Search “Castle Ashby Farm Shop” for current details
How to book: Walk-in. No booking required.
Castle Ashby Farm Shop benefits from its setting in the Rural Shopping Yard, which turns a shopping trip into a browsing experience. The food stock is curated rather than comprehensive, focusing on the county’s best producers and presenting them well. The proximity to the gardens means most visitors arrive with time to spare and a willingness to explore, which is exactly the mood a good food shop rewards.
Daily Bread Co-operative, Northampton
Artisan producer
A workers’ co-operative based in Northampton, owned and controlled by its employees
Supplies wholefoods, organic produce, locally sourced products and ethical groceries
The co-operative model means profits are reinvested in the business and its workers
Stocks a curated range of Northamptonshire producers alongside national organic and ethical brands
Located in Northampton, providing a town-centre option for local and ethical food shopping
The ethos emphasises sustainability, fair trade and supporting small producers
A long-established presence in Northampton’s food retail landscape
The shop also carries household and personal care products from ethical suppliers
An alternative to the conventional food retail model that reflects the county’s community-minded food culture
Events and workshops on food-related topics are held periodically
Practical info:
Address: The Old Laundry, Bedford Road, Northampton NN4 7AD
Website:www.dailybread.co.uk
How to book: Walk-in. No booking required.
Daily Bread Co-operative offers a different kind of food shopping in Northampton, built on co-operative principles and a genuine commitment to ethical sourcing. The range is broader than a typical farm shop, covering organic staples and wholefoods alongside local producer lines, and the workers’ co-operative structure gives the business a character that corporate retailers cannot replicate. For visitors interested in the ethical and community dimensions of local food, Daily Bread is a Northampton institution.
Oundle Farmers’ Market
Farm and grower
A monthly farmers’ market held in Oundle town centre, featuring producers from across Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties
Stalls include meat, dairy, bread, preserves, honey, cakes, plants and seasonal produce
The market takes place on the second Saturday of each month in the Market Place
A showcase for small and micro-scale producers who may not have permanent retail premises
The Oundle setting, with its stone buildings and independent shops, adds atmosphere to the market
A good opportunity to meet producers face to face and hear the story behind the products
The market draws visitors from the wider Nene Valley and beyond
Oundle’s own independent food shops stay open alongside the market, creating a combined food shopping experience
Parking in the town fills quickly on market mornings, so arriving early is advisable
The monthly format means each market has a slightly different character depending on seasonal availability
Practical info:
Address: Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA
How to book: No booking required.
Oundle Farmers’ Market is the best single place to taste Northamptonshire’s producer scene in a morning. The stalls bring together cheese, meat, bread, honey and preserves from across the county, and the market setting in Oundle’s handsome Market Place adds an atmosphere that supermarket shopping cannot touch. Meeting the producers, hearing how things are made and buying directly gives the food a context that changes the way you eat it at home. Arriving early gets you the best stock and the best parking.
Northampton Market
Farm and grower
One of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in England, operating from the Market Square in Northampton town centre
The market runs six days a week and includes food stalls alongside clothing, household goods and general retail
Food stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, meat and international street food
The market has operated on or near its current site for over 800 years
Saturday is the busiest day and offers the widest selection of food stalls
The Market Square was remodelled in recent years, improving the setting for the market
A mix of long-established traders and newer food businesses gives the market variety
Located in the heart of Northampton, making it accessible on foot from the bus and railway stations
The international food stalls reflect Northampton’s diverse communities
A different experience from the curated farmers’ markets, with a rawer energy and a wider range
Practical info:
Address: Market Square, Northampton NN1 2EA
How to book: No booking required. Open Monday to Saturday.
Northampton Market is not a polished artisan affair, and that is part of its appeal. The 800-year history is visible in the scale and the energy, with traders who have been selling from the same pitches for decades alongside newer arrivals bringing international flavours. Saturday morning is the time to visit for the fullest experience, working through the food stalls for fresh produce before heading to the international options for an early lunch. It is the county’s oldest food marketplace and still its most democratic.
Goats Milk Ice Cream (Northamptonshire Farm)
Farm and grower
An award-winning goats’ milk ice cream producer based on a first-generation family farm in Northamptonshire
Uses milk from the farm’s own goat herd, keeping production entirely on site
The milk is naturally mild and produces ice cream with a clean, delicate flavour distinct from cows’ milk varieties
Seasonal flavours are inspired by hedgerows and local ingredients
Great Taste Award winner, with multiple flavours recognised for quality
Available at local farm shops, delis and food events across the county
The farm occasionally opens for visits and farm tours
A suitable alternative for people with cows’ milk sensitivities (though not lactose-free)
The small-scale production means flavours rotate with the seasons
One of the more unusual food products made in the county
Practical info:
Address: Northamptonshire (check website for stockists)
Website: Search for current details
How to book: Available at local stockists.
Goats’ milk ice cream is not a product most people expect to find in Northamptonshire, which is part of what makes discovering it such a pleasure. The mild goats’ milk produces an ice cream that is clean and light, and the seasonal flavours, inspired by what is growing locally, give each batch a character that factory ice cream cannot replicate. Trying it at a food festival or picking up a tub at a farm shop is one of those small Northamptonshire food discoveries that stays with you.
Barn Owl Jerseys, near Brackley
Farm and grower
A Jersey cattle farm near Brackley producing rich, golden milk for the county’s artisan producers
Supplies raw Jersey milk to Hamm Tun Fine Foods for their cheese range, keeping the supply chain within Northamptonshire
Jersey milk has a higher butterfat content than standard dairy, giving it a distinctive richness
The farm’s involvement in the local food chain demonstrates how Northamptonshire’s producers support each other
The golden colour of Jersey milk is natural and reflects the breed’s genetics rather than any additive
A working farm that is not generally open to the public but whose products reach consumers through the county’s cheese makers
The partnership with Hamm Tun exemplifies the short supply chains that define Northamptonshire’s food producer scene
Located in south Northamptonshire, in the agricultural heartland between Brackley and Banbury
Practical info:
Address: Near Brackley, Northamptonshire
How to book: Products available through Hamm Tun Fine Foods and local stockists.
Barn Owl Jerseys may not have a shop front or a visitor centre, but its contribution to Northamptonshire’s food scene is fundamental. The rich Jersey milk that leaves the farm near Brackley ends up as Hamm Tun’s award-winning cheeses, closing a loop that keeps production, supply and retail within the county. For visitors, the farm’s role is a reminder that every great food product starts with a good raw ingredient, and Northamptonshire’s agricultural land is what makes the producer scene possible.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: The farmers’ markets gear up from March, with new season produce appearing on stalls from April. Elderflower season at Warner’s Distillery runs from late May, when the farm’s own bushes are harvested for the Elderflower Infused Gin. Spring honey from Red Barn Honey reflects the early wildflower foraging.
Summer: Peak season for food festivals, with the Oundle Food Festival in June the county’s premier producer showcase. Farm shops are at their fullest with seasonal fruit and vegetables. Brewery tap rooms come into their own on warm evenings. This is the best time to visit Warner’s Distillery and see the botanicals growing.
Autumn: Game season brings new products to the butchery counters and farm shops. Hamm Tun’s cheeses mature into autumn strength. Apple and damson preserves from producers like Friar’s Farm appear at markets. The brewing calendar shifts towards darker ales, porters and stouts.
Winter: Christmas hamper season drives sales at farm shops and delis. Towcester Mill Brewery and Phipps NBC produce seasonal specials. Cheese and chutney gift boxes from county producers make the best locally sourced presents. Farmers’ markets continue through winter, though with reduced stall numbers.
A Note From NorthantsLife
Northamptonshire’s food and drink producer scene has grown remarkably over the past decade, and the quality now available in the county’s farm shops, markets and tap rooms reflects the skill and commitment of the people behind the products. Supporting these businesses directly, whether by visiting a brewery, buying at a farmers’ market or choosing local cheese at a farm shop, is the simplest way to keep the scene growing.
If any details in this guide have changed, if a producer has closed or a new one has launched, please get in touch. We update our guides regularly and reader tips are always welcome.
Before You Go
Warner’s Distillery tours should be booked in advance via the website, as popular dates sell out
Phipps NBC and the Northampton Cheese Company share a building: plan to visit both in a single trip
Farmers’ markets run monthly in Oundle (second Saturday) and at other locations across the county
Farm shops stock the best range of county producers under one roof: Castle Ashby and Greedy Gordons are the standouts
Check opening hours before visiting smaller producers, as many operate on limited schedules
If you are self-catering, a single farm shop visit can supply a weekend of meals using entirely Northamptonshire ingredients
Many producers sell at food festivals: the Oundle Food Festival in June is the best single event for tasting the county’s output
Local pubs that stock county beers include the Tollemache Arms (Harrington), the King’s Head (Wadenhoe) and many featured in our Pubs and Real Ale Guide
For a Northamptonshire cheeseboard, combine Hamm Tun cheeses with Brixworth Pate chutneys and local bread
Towcester Mill Brewery’s tap room is open to walk-ins and is a good starting point for a south Northamptonshire food tour
