Northamptonshire sits at the heart of England, but its food and drink scene flies under the radar. From tasting menus in Tudor mansions to sourdough loaves in converted shoe factories, this county delivers across every category, and most of it is run by people who live here and genuinely care about what ends up on your plate.
This guide covers restaurants, gastropubs, cafés, bakeries, farm shops, breweries, distilleries, vineyards and markets across the whole county, organised by area so you can plan a proper food trail whether you are based in Northampton, visiting Oundle for the weekend, or just passing through on the A14. We have checked every venue listed here and confirmed it is open and operating at the time of writing.
All details were accurate at time of research in March 2026. Opening hours, menus and prices can change, so we recommend checking directly with each venue before visiting.
Northampton and Surrounding Villages
The county town has transformed its food scene over the past decade, with independent restaurants, roasters and bakeries now packed into the town centre and its immediate surroundings. The villages within a fifteen-minute drive add some of the best gastropubs in the county, plus farm shops and a vineyard.
Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey
Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant located in the Billiard Room of Delapré Abbey, a Grade II listed building south of Northampton town centre
Holds two AA Rosettes, awarded for “extremely chic surroundings for thoughtful modern dishes”
Executive Head Chef Bart Polinski crafts a seven-course tasting menu that changes bi-monthly, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
Vegetables are grown in the Abbey’s own Walled Garden and meat is supplied by Moulton College
Priced at £80 per person for the tasting menu, or £135 with paired wines
Winner of Booker Dining Venue of the Year; Chef Bart named Chef of the Year at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards
Open for dinner service; booking essential via Tock or OpenTable
Parking available on site at Delapré Abbey, which is free for restaurant guests
Dining at Hibiscus feels like a private supper in a stately home. The Billiard Room seats a small number of covers, which means every table gets real attention from the kitchen. Chef Bart’s menus lean into what is actually growing and available rather than sticking to a fixed repertoire, so repeat visits across the year deliver genuinely different meals. The abbey itself is worth arriving early for: the restored gardens and parkland give the evening a sense of occasion that most town-centre restaurants cannot match.
Address: Delapré Abbey, London Road, Northampton NN4 8AW
Website:https://delapreabbey.org/hibiscus-fine-dining/
How to book: Via Tock (exploretock.com/hibiscus) or OpenTable
Nuovo
Restaurant
Italian cicchetti restaurant and cocktail bar at the top of Abington Street in Northampton town centre
Holds one AA Rosette, described by inspectors as an “excellent cicchetti off the beaten track”
Serves Venetian-style small plates, pasta, antipasti and sharing boards in a relaxed contemporary setting
Cocktail menu created by expert bartenders alongside a carefully curated Italian wine list
The Cicchetti Experience menu lets the kitchen showcase its best dishes in a sociable format
Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Booking strongly recommended, especially at weekends; call 01604 601100 or email reservations@nuovo-restaurant.co.uk
Courtyard seating available in warmer months
Nuovo occupies a quiet corner at the top of Abington Street that most people walk straight past, which is part of its appeal. The menu borrows from the Venetian cicchetti tradition of small, punchy plates designed for sharing, and the bar team takes its cocktails seriously. It works well for a Friday evening with friends or a quieter midweek dinner for two. The courtyard out back is a genuine asset in summer.
Address: 104a Abington Street, Northampton NN1 2BP
Website:https://nuovo-restaurant.co.uk/
Phone: 01604 601100
How to book: Phone 01604 601100 or via Tock
La Famiglia
Restaurant
Italian restaurant set inside the historic Taylor Memorial Hall on Castilian Street, blending Scottish Baronial architecture with Italian warmth
Live musicians perform most evenings, creating a theatrical dining atmosphere
Menu covers classic Italian pasta, pizza, and meat and fish mains with generous portions
Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Restaurant Guru from nearly 200 reviews
Food quality consistently praised in reviews, with fresh ingredients and authentic Italian cooking
Be aware that the live music can be loud; request a table further from the stage if you prefer quieter conversation
Parking available on nearby streets and in Northampton town centre car parks
La Famiglia has made a home inside one of Northampton’s most architecturally distinctive buildings, and the combination of stone arches, stained glass and live Italian music gives the whole experience a sense of theatre. The food is generous and straightforward, leaning on good-quality ingredients rather than elaborate presentation. It divides opinion on atmosphere: some visitors love the energy, while others find the live music too loud for easy conversation. If you want the food without the volume, an early midweek booking is the way to go.
Address: 17 Castilian Street, Northampton NN1 1JS
Website:https://lafamiglia-restaurant.co.uk/
Tamarind
Restaurant
Gourmet Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant on Wellingborough Road, Northampton’s well-known stretch of South Asian dining
Rated 4.5 stars from over 800 Tripadvisor reviews, placing it among the highest-rated Indian restaurants in the county
Serves authentic cuisine in a modern, spot-lit dining room that has recently been expanded to meet demand
Wednesday banquet night is a local institution and books up fast
Booking recommended at weekends; walk-ins accepted midweek
Menu covers classic curries, tandoori dishes and chef’s specials using traditional spice blends
Vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked on the menu
Located on the main Wellingborough Road dining strip with on-street parking
Wellingborough Road has earned its reputation as Northampton’s Curry Mile, and Tamarind is the restaurant most often cited when locals are asked where to eat along it. The room has been expanded in recent years to handle demand, but the cooking has stayed consistent, which is the harder trick. The banquet night on Wednesdays draws regulars who have been coming for years, and the spice levels are honest rather than cautious. It is a proper neighbourhood restaurant that happens to be very good at what it does.
Address: 151-153 Wellingborough Road, Northampton NN1 4DX
Website:https://www.tamarind-restaurant.com/
Aramintas
Restaurant
Indian restaurant and takeaway on Wellingborough Road, specialising in authentic and fusion dishes
Head chef Shamim Cowdhury has been recognised as Asian Curry Awards Chef of the Year
Menu spans traditional curries, tandoori, biryani and more inventive fusion plates
The restaurant uses fresh spices ground in-house daily
Portions are generous and prices are reasonable for the quality
Both dine-in and takeaway available
Open seven days a week for evening service
Alongside Tamarind, one of the strongest options on Northampton’s Wellingborough Road dining strip
Aramintas has quietly built one of the strongest reputations on Wellingborough Road through the skill of its head chef, Shamim Cowdhury. The food balances traditional technique with occasional modern touches, and the flavours are built from spices ground fresh daily rather than from jars. It is the kind of place where regulars order off-menu because the kitchen knows what they like, and new visitors are guided through the options with real enthusiasm.
Address: Wellingborough Road, Northampton
Website: Check via social media
The Hopping Hare
Gastropub
Family-owned pub and restaurant on Harlestone Road, on the western edge of Northampton
Holds two AA Rosettes; inspectors described it as a “top family-owned pub”
Head chef Grant Wentzel hand-picks suppliers and personally knows how the meats are reared and the fish caught
Modern British dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
Also offers boutique accommodation with individually designed rooms
Sunday roasts are particularly popular and should be booked in advance
Large garden with outdoor dining in warmer months
Dog-friendly in the bar area
The Hopping Hare sits right on the boundary where Northampton meets countryside, and the kitchen makes the most of that position. Head chef Grant Wentzel has built relationships with local farmers and fishmongers that show up in the quality of the plates. The pub itself is a comfortable room rather than a polished dining room, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed even when the food is hitting well above typical pub standard. The rooms upstairs make it a good option for anyone visiting the area who wants to eat well and not drive afterwards.
Address: 18 Harlestone Road, Northampton NN5 6LH
Website:https://hoppinghare.com/
Magee Street Bakery
Café
Independent artisan bakery and coffee shop on Derby Road, in the heart of Northampton’s former boot and shoe quarter
Won the county winner title for Northamptonshire at the National Bakery Awards 2025
Bread is baked on site using wild yeast sourdough methods, alongside pastries, sandwiches and cakes
Coffee is locally roasted; consistency of the coffee is praised above other independents in town
Run by Jooles and Carl Joyce since September 2018, who took over and expanded the original bakery
Open Tuesday to Saturday with plans to extend to Sunday in 2026
Small venue with limited seating; arrive early at weekends
Also sells loaves and baked goods to take home
Magee Street is the bakery that other Northampton coffee shops measure themselves against. The sourdough is genuinely excellent, the pastries sell out by mid-morning at weekends, and the coffee is pulled with the kind of consistency that only comes from a team that actually cares. The building itself is part of the story: a converted premises in the old shoe quarter that feels like it belongs to the neighbourhood rather than to a chain. It is small and gets busy, so arrive early or accept that you might need to queue.
Address: Derby Road, Northampton
Website: Check social media (Instagram: @mageestbakery)
Saints Coffee
Café
Independent café on St Giles Street in the centre of Northampton, just off the main square
Known for generous brunch plates, including pancake stacks with Biscoff and white chocolate sauces
Uses locally sourced ingredients for breakfast and lunch dishes
Good range of coffee drinks and speciality options
Welcoming, community-focused atmosphere with friendly staff
Also serves lighter options including sandwiches, salads and homemade cakes
Open daily; busiest on Saturday mornings
Dog-friendly
Saints Coffee has built a following among Northampton’s brunch crowd by serving properly generous plates made with ingredients that come from nearby rather than from a national supplier. The pancake stacks get the most attention on social media, but the savoury brunch options are just as strong. It sits in a good position just off the market square, making it a natural starting point for a morning in town.
Address: St Giles Street, Northampton
Website: Check social media
Yellow Bourbon
Café
Specialist coffee roaster and café on Angel Street, Northampton
Sources green beans from around the world and roasts them on site
Serves single-origin espresso and filter coffee alongside pastries from local bakers
Also sells bags of roasted beans to take home
The roasting operation is visible from the café, so you can watch the process while you drink
A favourite among Northampton’s specialty coffee community
Small venue with limited seating
Open Tuesday to Saturday
Yellow Bourbon takes coffee seriously in a way that the big chains cannot replicate. The beans are sourced, roasted and brewed under the same roof, and the team can tell you exactly where your cup came from and how it was processed. It is not the place for a flavoured latte and a flapjack, but if you care about the actual coffee, this is where the standard is highest in Northampton. The roasting setup is visible from the seating area, which adds a genuine point of interest.
Address: Angel Street, Northampton
Website: Check social media
The Good Loaf
Café
Social enterprise bakery and café on Overstone Road, Northampton, providing training and employment for local women
Produces artisan bread for wholesale and retail, with sourdough as the speciality
Café serves breakfast plates, sandwiches, homemade cakes and locally roasted coffee
Milk sourced from Newlands Dairy, a local supplier
Multiple locations across Northamptonshire, with the Overstone Road café being the flagship
Close to Becket’s Park, making it a good stop before or after a riverside walk
The social mission is integral: every purchase supports training programmes for women facing barriers to employment
Bread and baked goods available to take away
The Good Loaf is the kind of place that makes you feel good about spending money, because the whole operation is built around giving women in the local community a route into skilled work. The bread is genuinely excellent, particularly the sourdough, and the café has a warmth to it that comes from the team rather than from the interior design. Grab a loaf on your way out and walk down to Becket’s Park along the river.
Address: Overstone Road, Northampton
Website: Check social media
Cafe Track
Café
Social enterprise café in Northampton Market Square, operated by TRACK
Provides employment training and work experience for autistic individuals
Serves coffee, breakfast items, sandwiches and light lunches
Calm, quiet atmosphere with no loud music, making it genuinely accessible for neurodivergent visitors
Has supported over 125 people into paid work and over 200 into work experience since opening in 2019
Central location in the heart of the market square
Friendly, patient staff who create a welcoming environment for everyone
Open during standard daytime hours; check for current days
Cafe Track does two things at once: it serves good coffee and food in the middle of Northampton’s market square, and it provides meaningful work for autistic people who might otherwise struggle to find it. The atmosphere is deliberately calm, which makes it a welcome contrast to busier cafés nearby. The staff are trained to be patient and attentive, and the whole operation runs on a genuine commitment to its community mission that goes well beyond a logo on a cup.
Address: Market Square, Northampton
Website:https://www.track.org.uk/cafe
Phipps NBC Albion Brewery
Brewery and bar
Restored Victorian brewhouse at 54 Kingswell Street, in the centre of Northampton
Phipps returned to its roots in 2014, forty years after the original Bridge Street brewery closed
Eight handpumps serve home-brewed Phipps ales alongside Saxby’s local real cider
An oak and glass partition between the bar and the brewery lets you watch the brewing process while you drink
Live music most weekends across a range of genres
Serves wholesome pub food alongside the beer
Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
The building’s industrial heritage is preserved throughout the interior
Phipps is one of those rare revivals that actually honours the original. The Albion Brewery occupies a Victorian building on Kingswell Street that was purpose-built for brewing, and forty years after the last Phipps pint was pulled in Northampton, the operation came home. The glass wall between bar and brewery is a genuine feature rather than a gimmick: you can watch the team mashing, sparging and racking while you work through the handpumps. The live music at weekends adds energy without drowning out conversation.
Address: 54 Kingswell Street, Northampton NN1 1PR
Website:https://www.phipps-nbc.co.uk
Maule Collective
Brewery and bar
Craft beer bar and brewery tap for Maule Brewing Company, located at 4 Derngate in Northampton town centre
Opened in 2019 in a former butcher’s shop, retaining the original ceramic floor and wall tiling behind the bar
Large glass frontage with views of the Guildhall; Scandinavian industrial décor
Primarily serves Maule’s own beers, including Lucky IPA, Wonder Pale Ale and Dark Maule Oatmeal Stout
Also stocks guest craft beers and a short cocktail list including Negronis and espresso martinis
DJs play vinyl records on weekend evenings, focused on soul, disco and boogie
Cans and mini kegs available to take away
Open Wednesday to Sunday from late afternoon
Maule Collective feels like a bar that belongs in a bigger city but has landed happily in Northampton. The space works because the building has character, specifically the original butcher’s tiling and the big windows facing the Guildhall, and the team has layered good beer and a relaxed atmosphere on top of that. The vinyl-only DJ policy at weekends keeps the music interesting without it taking over the room. If you want to try what Northampton’s craft beer scene actually tastes like, this is the place to start.
Address: 4 Derngate, Northampton NN1 1UB
Website:http://maulebrewing.com/maule-collective-bar/
The Red Lion, East Haddon
Gastropub
Award-winning food-led destination pub in the village of East Haddon, a few miles northwest of Northampton
Focuses on British cooking using local, seasonal produce sourced from Northamptonshire suppliers
Menu covers breakfasts, lunches (burgers, sandwiches, salads) and a full dinner menu
Manicured gardens and an intimate lounge area with log fires
Open seven days a week from 10am to 11pm
Sunday roasts are a strong draw and book up in advance
Also offers boutique accommodation in well-appointed rooms
Located in a peaceful village setting surrounded by Northamptonshire countryside
The Red Lion has turned East Haddon into a dining destination, which is no small achievement for a village pub. The kitchen takes its ingredient sourcing seriously, working with named local suppliers rather than relying on a national wholesaler, and that care shows up in the quality of even the simpler dishes. The garden is one of the best pub gardens in the county on a summer evening, and the rooms upstairs make it viable as an overnight stay rather than just a meal.
Address: Main Street, East Haddon, Northampton NN6 8DB
Website:https://redlioneasthaddon.co.uk/
How to book: Via the website, OpenTable, or phone
Althorp Coaching Inn, Great Brington
Gastropub
Sixteenth-century golden-stone thatched coaching inn in the village of Great Brington, close to the Althorp Estate
Reopened in October 2022 after a nearly three-year closure and full refurbishment
Specialises in quality British food, real ales and fine wines
Named in the Good Pub Guide for its architectural features, food and sheltered garden
Dog-friendly with a warm, traditional interior
The building’s history and proximity to Althorp make it a draw for visitors to the area
Serves lunch and dinner; check current opening days as they may vary seasonally
Well-kept real ales on handpump, typically from regional breweries
The Althorp Coaching Inn sat empty for nearly three years before its refurbishment, and the refit has been handled with a respect for the building that the village clearly appreciates. The thatched roof, stone walls and original features give it the feel of a pub that has been here for centuries, because it has. The food is solid rather than flashy, the ales are well kept, and the garden at the back is sheltered enough to use for much of the year. Its proximity to the Althorp Estate makes it a natural lunch stop for visitors.
Address: Main Street, Great Brington, Northampton NN7 4JA
Website:https://www.althorpcoachinginn.co.uk/
How to book: Phone or walk in
The Swan at Lamport
Gastropub
Eighteenth-century ironstone pub overlooking the valley, directly opposite Lamport Hall
Recently refurbished interiors with a cosy bar area, snug, roaring fires and a traditional dining room
Seasonal menu changes every six months, with a dedicated steak, chops and grill menu alongside the main carte
The terrace and garden offer some of the best sunset views in Northamptonshire
Also runs a 2 for £16.95 value menu for midweek dining
Sunday roasts are well-regarded and should be booked in advance
Live events and themed evenings run throughout the year
Booking recommended for Friday and Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch
The Swan’s position opposite Lamport Hall gives it views that most country pubs would trade their beer garden for. The kitchen runs a seasonal menu alongside a steak-focused grill menu, which means the offering is broad enough to suit both a celebratory dinner and a casual weeknight meal. The refurbishment has kept the character of the building while making it comfortable rather than draughty, and the bar area with its log fire is exactly the sort of room you want to land in after a winter walk.
Address: Harborough Road, Lamport, Northampton NN6 9EZ
Website:https://www.theswanatlamport.co.uk/
Phone: 01604 686555
How to book: Via the website or phone
The Brampton Halt, Chapel Brampton
Gastropub
Country pub in the village of Chapel Brampton, surrounded by Northamptonshire countryside
Serves home-cooked food using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
Well-kept real ales on handpump alongside a good wine list
Combines classic pub favourites with more refined dishes
Attractive garden for outdoor dining and drinks in warmer months
Dog-friendly and welcoming to families
Located close to Pitsford Reservoir, making it a natural stop after a walk or cycle ride
Open for lunch and dinner; check current opening hours
The Brampton Halt benefits from its position on the edge of Chapel Brampton, where the village gives way to the countryside around Pitsford Reservoir. It draws a mix of locals, walkers and cyclists, and the kitchen handles all three audiences well. The food is honest country pub cooking with enough care taken over the ingredients to lift it above the average, and the real ales are kept properly. On a warm afternoon, the garden is a strong argument for not going anywhere else.
Address: Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, Northampton NN6 8BA
Website:https://thebramptonhalt.co.uk/
How to book: Phone or walk in
Smiths Farm Shop, Chapel Brampton
Farm shop and café
Family-run farm shop operating since 1958, located on Brampton Lane in Chapel Brampton
Works directly with local food producers, giving small-scale suppliers an outlet for their goods
Stocks fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, bread, preserves, local honey and seasonal produce
On-site café serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and homemade cakes
Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 12:30pm; closed Mondays
A genuine community resource for residents in the surrounding villages
Close to Pitsford Reservoir and the Brampton Valley Way, making it a practical stop for walkers and cyclists
Also stocks local ales, cider, wines and artisan drinks
Smiths has been part of Chapel Brampton since the late 1950s, which gives it a rootedness that newer farm shops have to work harder to achieve. The shop acts as a hub for local producers who would otherwise struggle to find shelf space, and the stock changes with the seasons in a way that reflects what is actually being grown and made nearby. The café is a straightforward, friendly space rather than a destination in its own right, but the coffee is decent and the cakes are homemade.
Address: Brampton Lane, Chapel Brampton, Northampton NN6 8AA
Website:https://www.smithsfarmshop.co.uk
How to book: Walk in; no booking needed
Beckworth Emporium, Mears Ashby
Food hall and restaurant
Large garden centre, food hall and restaurant set in the Northamptonshire countryside near Sywell Aerodrome
Food hall stocks fresh produce, local cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, preserves and speciality items
Award-winning on-site restaurant serves breakfast and lunch using seasonal ingredients, open from 8:30am daily
Also includes a produce market with fresh fruit, vegetables and plants
Acquired by Blue Diamond Garden Centres in 2023, with investment in expanding the food and horticultural offer
Free parking and dog-friendly throughout
Located just off the A43, making it easily accessible from both Northampton and Wellingborough
Last food orders at 4:30pm; afternoon tea available from 2pm with pre-booking
Beckworth is the kind of place you go to for a browse and leave three hours later with bags of cheese, a new plant and a full stomach. The food hall is genuinely well stocked, with a focus on local and regional producers that sets it apart from the garden centre cafés that just warm up bought-in food. The restaurant takes its cooking seriously enough to have won awards, and the breakfast menu draws people from well beyond the immediate area. The Blue Diamond acquisition has brought investment without stripping out the character.
Address: 120-140 Glebe Road, Mears Ashby, Northampton NN6 0DL
Website:https://www.beckworthemporium.co.uk/
Phone: 01604 812371
How to book: Walk in for the restaurant; afternoon tea requires pre-booking
Fleur Fields Vineyard
Vineyard
English regional wine producer on a south-facing hillside overlooking Pitsford Reservoir, near Brixworth
Vines planted on Boxing Day 2000; the vineyard has been producing wine for over two decades
Grows Phoenix, Seyval Blanc, Solaris, Rondo and Triomphe grape varieties
Produces four sparkling wines, two whites, a rosé and two reds
Wine tasting sessions include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, a vineyard tour and tasting of up to ten wines
Award-winning wines available to buy on site
Tastings and tours must be booked in advance
A rare opportunity to visit a working vineyard in Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire is not the first county most people associate with winemaking, which is part of what makes Fleur Fields interesting. The vineyard has been operating for over twenty years on a hillside above Pitsford Reservoir, and the wines have picked up awards that suggest the location works. The tasting sessions are relaxed, personal and educational rather than pretentious, and a visit makes for an unusual afternoon out that you will not find replicated anywhere else in the county.
Address: Near Brixworth, Northampton NN6 9DQ
Website:https://www.fleurfields.co.uk/
How to book: Via the website
Northampton Market
Market
One of the oldest and largest market squares in England, hosting markets since the twelfth century
Regular general market operates Monday to Saturday, with stalls selling fresh produce, street food, clothing and household goods
Monday market focuses on fresh fruit, vegetables, cut flowers and plants
A dedicated local producers’ market runs on the final Saturday of each month, featuring Northamptonshire food and drink makers
Central location in the heart of Northampton, surrounded by cafés, pubs and shops
Free to visit; no booking or entry fee required
The market square also hosts seasonal events including a Christmas market and food festivals
A good starting point for exploring Northampton’s independent food scene on foot
Northampton’s Market Square has been trading since medieval times, and while the surrounding buildings have changed, the market itself remains a genuine fixture rather than a heritage attraction. The weekday market is practical rather than artisan, but the monthly local producers’ market on the final Saturday brings together Northamptonshire food and drink makers in a format that lets you taste, buy and talk directly to the people who grew or made what you are eating. It is also the natural starting point for a walking food tour of the town centre.
Address: Market Square, Northampton NN1 2DL
Website: Check West Northamptonshire Council website
How to book: No booking needed
North and East Northamptonshire
The eastern half of the county follows the Nene Valley from Wellingborough through to Oundle, and the food and drink along this corridor is among the best in the region. The market town of Oundle is a particular highlight, with a brewery, a waterside restaurant and a monthly farmers’ market that draws visitors from well beyond the county border.
The Tollemache Arms, Harrington
Gastropub
Award-winning thatched country pub on the High Street of Harrington, between Northampton and Market Harborough
Named Gastropub of the Year at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2023
Won East Midlands Pub and Bar of the Year at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023
Winner of the Great British Pub Awards 2024
Serves casual dining British cuisine using locally sourced seasonal produce, from pub classics to à la carte dishes
Bar area offers sandwiches and snacks; restaurant serves a more refined menu
Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner; closed Mondays
Booking recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday lunch
The Tollemache Arms has collected more awards in the past three years than most pubs manage in a decade, but the atmosphere inside remains firmly village pub rather than fine dining destination. The kitchen walks a line between comfort and ambition, with dishes that start from solid British ingredients and add just enough technique to justify the recognition. The thatched building is handsome, the fires are real, and the service is warm without being fussy.
Address: High Street, Harrington, Northampton NN6 9NU
Website:https://www.thetolly.co.uk/
Phone: 01536 711770
How to book: Via the website or phone
The Snooty Fox, Lowick
Restaurant
Country pub and restaurant in the village of Lowick, housed in a sixteenth-century former manor house
Describes itself as Northamptonshire’s answer to seafood, steak and lobster
Signature dish is the Snooty Fox Steak & Lobster: a 6oz fillet steak with lobster tail
Dry-aged steaks supplied by Aubrey Allen, holders of the Royal Warrant
Fresh, sustainably sourced fish and shellfish delivered regularly
Also features a unique beer wall for self-service craft and cask beers
Won gold in the Booker Dining Venue of the Year category at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards
Open for lunch and dinner; booking essential at weekends
The Snooty Fox has carved out a specific niche as the place to go in Northamptonshire for steak and seafood, and it delivers on that promise with a kitchen that takes its sourcing seriously. The Aubrey Allen steaks are properly dry-aged, the fish is fresh rather than frozen, and the lobster is treated with the respect it deserves. The beer wall is a fun addition that lets you try multiple options without committing to a pint. The building itself has the low ceilings and stone walls of a manor house that has been serving food for centuries.
Address: Main Street, Lowick, Kettering NN14 3BH
Website:https://thesnootyfoxlowick.co.uk/
How to book: Via the website or OpenTable
The Falcon Inn, Fotheringhay
Gastropub
Village pub in Fotheringhay, near Oundle, named Northamptonshire Dining Pub of the Year by the Good Pub Guide
Located next door to the Church of St Mary and All Saints, in a village famous for its connection to Mary Queen of Scots
Serves modern British food with a good range of drinks including real ales and wines
The conservatory restaurant overlooks the garden towards the River Nene
Menu changes seasonally and uses locally sourced ingredients
Also offers accommodation in well-appointed rooms
The village and surrounding walks along the river make it a strong full-day destination
Booking recommended for dinner and Sunday lunch
Fotheringhay is one of the most historically charged villages in England, and The Falcon makes the most of its setting next to the church without relying on it. The food is modern British with seasonal changes that reflect what is available locally, and the conservatory dining room extends into a garden that runs towards the river. It works as a lunch stop on a walk along the Nene, or as a dinner destination in its own right. The Good Pub Guide recognition is well earned.
Address: Main Street, Fotheringhay, Peterborough PE8 5HZ
Website:https://www.thefalcon-inn.co.uk
Tap & Kitchen at Oundle Wharf
Restaurant
Waterside restaurant and bar at Oundle Wharf, run by Nene Valley Brewery
Previously awarded Best Restaurant at the Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards
Makes almost everything on site: pasta, puddings, chutneys, sauces, home-cured bacon, sausages and smoked meats
Uses locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, presented without fuss
Full bar serves an extensive range including Nene Valley Brewery beers on tap
Open daily for coffee, lunch, bar food and dinner
The wharf setting alongside the river adds genuine character to the dining experience
Group dining and private bookings available
Tap & Kitchen benefits from two things that are hard to manufacture: a waterside setting and a brewery next door. The kitchen team makes almost everything from scratch, including curing their own bacon and smoking their own meats, which gives the food a depth of flavour that bought-in ingredients cannot match. The Nene Valley beers are brewed metres from where you are sitting, which means they are about as fresh as draught beer gets. On a summer evening, a table on the terrace overlooking the wharf is one of the best dining spots in the county.
Address: Oundle Wharf, Station Road, Oundle PE8 4DE
Website:https://www.tapandkitchen.com/
How to book: Via the website or phone
The Talbot Hotel, Oundle
Restaurant
Historic hotel and eatery in the heart of Oundle, rebuilt in 1626 using stone from Fotheringhay Castle
Features an oak staircase reputedly descended by Mary Queen of Scots before her execution
Restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients with a modern British menu
Also operates as a coffee house during the day
34 individually styled bedrooms blending period charm with modern comforts
Hosts regular events including murder mystery evenings and themed dinners
Central location makes it a natural base for exploring Oundle and the Nene Valley
The building’s history and architecture are attractions in their own right
The Talbot is the kind of building that demands attention from the moment you walk in. The stone came from Fotheringhay Castle, the staircase has a connection to Mary Queen of Scots, and the rooms are individually styled rather than chain-hotel identical. The restaurant uses local ingredients and keeps the menu accessible, while the coffee house side of the operation makes it a good daytime stop as well. As a base for a weekend in Oundle, it is hard to beat.
Address: New Street, Oundle PE8 4EA
Website:https://talbothotel.co.uk/
How to book: Via the website or phone
Nene Valley Brewery, Oundle
Brewery and bar
Independent craft brewery based at Oundle Wharf, producing cask, keg, canned and bottled ales
Brewery shop open Fridays 4pm to 7pm and Saturdays 10am to 6pm, with tastings available
Brews over a dozen beers including Nene Valley Bitter, Blond Session Ale and seasonal specials
Most beers are produced to be gluten-free, regularly tested to below 20ppm
Beer garden and taproom area for on-site drinking
The brewery is connected to Tap & Kitchen restaurant, making the wharf a combined food and drink destination
Cans, bottles and draught beer available to take away from the shop
Tours and events run throughout the year
Nene Valley Brewery anchors the Oundle Wharf complex alongside Tap & Kitchen, and together they make the wharf a genuine destination. The brewery’s output is broad enough to include traditional bitters, hoppy pale ales and experimental seasonal brews, with the added benefit that most of the range is gluten-free. The Saturday shop visits let you taste before you buy, and the beer garden is a fine place to spend an hour on a warm day. If you are in Oundle and care about beer, this is a required stop.
Address: Oundle Wharf, Station Road, Oundle PE8 4DE
Website:https://nenevalleybrewery.com/
How to book: Walk in for the shop; check website for tours
Oundle Farmers’ Market
Market
Monthly farmers’ market held on the second Saturday of each month in Oundle’s Market Place
Features over thirty stalls selling pasteurised goat’s cheese, locally reared meat, artisan bread, sausages, seasonal flowers, fruit, vegetables, honey and preserves
Oundle also hosts a weekly market every Thursday with over twenty stalls, focusing on local food and household items
The Oundle Food Festival takes place annually in June, celebrating local producers
A Christmas Market runs on the first Saturday in December
Set in one of the finest Georgian market towns in England
Free to visit; parking available in the town
An excellent way to meet local producers and sample Northamptonshire food directly
Oundle’s monthly farmers’ market draws people from well beyond the Nene Valley, and for good reason. The stall count regularly tops thirty, the producers are largely local, and the quality is consistent enough that regulars build their monthly shop around it. The Thursday weekly market is more modest but still worth a detour for fresh produce, fish and baked goods. The setting helps: Oundle’s Market Place is one of the most attractive town squares in the region.
Address: Market Place, Oundle PE8 4BA
Website:https://www.oundle.gov.uk/markets
How to book: No booking needed
Kino Lounge, Kettering
Restaurant
Restaurant and bar housed in a former cinema on Kettering’s Market Place, showing the first moving pictures in the town in 1909
Serves a diverse menu spanning British, Mexican, Sri Lankan, Korean and Mediterranean dishes
Full children’s menu, plus gluten-free and vegan options clearly marked
Tapas Tuesdays offer three tapas and a drink from £13.75 from 5pm
Large, vibrant space with architectural character from the cinema building
Also serves cocktails, beers and wines alongside the food menu
Dog-friendly and child-friendly throughout
Open daily for lunch and dinner
Kino Lounge gets a lot right by keeping things accessible. The menu covers an improbable number of cuisines, but the kitchen handles the breadth better than you might expect, and the building itself, a former cinema with the bones of its original architecture still visible, gives the room genuine personality. The tapas night on Tuesdays is a good-value way to graze through the menu, and the fact that it welcomes children and dogs without making either group feel like an afterthought puts it ahead of many competitors.
Address: Market Place, Kettering NN16 0AJ
Website:https://thelounges.co.uk/kino/
How to book: Walk in or via the website
Three Hills Brewing, Woodford and Thrapston
Brewery and bar
Small-batch brewery established in 2016, named after ancient communal tombs on the outskirts of Woodford village
Main brewery and taproom, The Way Station, located at Cosy Nook in Thrapston
The Way Station features up to twenty taps, a beer garden, street food vendors and live events
Specialises in fruited sours, pastry stouts, IPAs and barrel-aged beers
Also operates a taproom in Rushden town centre, in the old post office building
Beers available in cans to take away from both taproom locations
London taproom on the Bermondsey Beer Mile gives the brewery national visibility
Regular events include DJ nights, food truck collaborations and seasonal beer launches
Three Hills has built a following that reaches well beyond Northamptonshire, partly through its Bermondsey taproom in London and partly because the beers are genuinely inventive. The Way Station in Thrapston is the place to drink them at their freshest, with twenty taps rotating through the range and street food vendors adding sustenance. The Rushden taproom offers a smaller, cosier version of the same experience. If you are serious about craft beer, Three Hills is one of the most interesting producers in the East Midlands.
Address: Cosy Nook, Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Website:https://www.threehillsbrewing.com/
How to book: Walk in; check social media for events
Whites of Earls Barton
Farm shop and café
Family-run farm shop on Clay Lane, Earls Barton, specialising in quality fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy
Includes Origin Farm butchery and deli, The Basement Bakery, and dozens of locally produced items
Kitchen Café serves food prepared daily using ingredients sourced directly from the shop
Café menu includes weekly specials, breakfast until midday, stone-baked lunchtime pizza, jacket potatoes and homemade cakes
Also stocks local ales, cider, artisan drinks, wines, eggs, honey, ice cream and seasonal flowers
Open seven days a week
Eat in or take away from the café
A well-established local business with strong community ties
Whites has evolved from a fruit and veg stall into a proper food destination without losing its identity as a family business. The butchery, bakery and deli give the shop a range that justifies the trip, and the café uses ingredients from the shelves around it, which means the food is as fresh as it is possible to be. The stone-baked pizzas at lunchtime are a draw in their own right, and the bakery’s output is consistently strong.
Address: Clay Lane, Earls Barton, Northampton NN6 0EP
Website:https://whitesofearlsbarton.co.uk/
Phone: 01604 812173
How to book: Walk in; no booking needed
Scotch Lodge Farm, Earls Barton
Farm shop and café
Working family farm with a farm shop, café and craft shop on the outskirts of Earls Barton
Sells homemade and local foods including farmhouse pies, quiches, desserts, ready meals and sausages
Also stocks herbs, garden plants, bedding, gifts, cards and Fairtrade clothing
Farmyard Kitchen café serves all-day breakfast, lunches, teas and cakes, open daily from 10am to 3:30pm
Food is prepared and cooked to order using the farm’s own produce and quality ingredients
Live music on Saturdays adds atmosphere
Dog-friendly café with a large, airy seating area
Open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm
Scotch Lodge Farm operates at a scale where you can see the connection between what is growing in the fields and what is cooking in the kitchen. The farm shop has a homemade quality that sets it apart from more polished operations: pies, quiches and ready meals are made on site, and the café menu uses the farm’s own produce wherever possible. The Saturday live music sessions and dog-friendly policy give it a relaxed community feel that keeps locals coming back.
Address: 67 Mears Ashby Road, Earls Barton, Northampton NN6 0HQ
Website:https://www.scotchlodgefarmblog.co.uk/
Phone: 01604 810910
How to book: Walk in; no booking needed
Chester House Estate, Wellingborough
Café
Heritage visitor attraction near Wellingborough, opened as a £14.5 million project by North Northamptonshire Council
The Farmhouse café is located in the main house, serving breakfast and lunch using locally sourced produce
Menu includes fresh savoury dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, and allergen-free cakes from local bakers
Seasonal specials reflect what is available from local suppliers
Seating for approximately fifty indoors, plus outside tables in good weather
Also home to the Saxby’s Cider shop and a range of independent retailers
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm; closed Mondays except bank holidays and school holidays
Free car parking on site
Chester House Estate combines heritage, green space and good food in a way that makes it worth the trip even if you are not especially interested in archaeology. The Farmhouse café runs a kitchen that takes its local sourcing seriously, and the seasonal specials are genuinely seasonal rather than just a label. The Saxby’s Cider shop on site gives you something to take home, and the wider estate offers enough walking and exploration to fill a morning or afternoon around lunch.
Address: Chester Farm, Irchester, Wellingborough NN29 7BL
Website:https://chesterhouseestate.org/
How to book: Walk in; no bookings taken for the café
Farrington’s Mellow Yellow, Hargrave
Producer
Britain’s first seed-to-bottle cold-pressed rapeseed oil, produced at Bottom Farm in the village of Hargrave near Thrapston
Founded by Duncan Farrington in 2005; the rapeseed is grown, pressed and bottled entirely on the farm
Range includes cold-pressed rapeseed oil, salad dressings, chilli oil and mayonnaise, all free from additives and gluten-free
The world’s first food product certified as both carbon neutral and plastic neutral
Recipient of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development
Available nationally in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado, plus independent farm shops and delis
The farm is not typically open to the public for visits, but products are available at farm shops across Northamptonshire
An emblematic Northamptonshire food producer with genuine global credentials
Farrington’s Mellow Yellow is probably the Northamptonshire food product that has travelled furthest. The rapeseed oil is grown, pressed and bottled on a single farm in Hargrave, and the flavour is noticeably different from commodity cooking oils. The carbon and plastic neutral certifications are not just marketing: the farm has genuinely restructured its production to achieve them. You will find the oil in most of the farm shops listed in this guide, and once you cook with it, the supermarket alternative feels thin.
Address: Bottom Farm, Hargrave, Northamptonshire NN9 6BP
Website:https://www.farrington-oils.co.uk/
How to book: Not a visitor attraction; buy products in shops
Saxby’s Cider, Farndish
Producer
Craft cider producer based on a family farm in Farndish, on the Northamptonshire/Bedfordshire border
Grows its own English cider apple varieties in orchards on the farm, pressed each autumn
Range includes Saxby’s Original, Traditional Still, and fruit ciders including rhubarb and plum
Winner of Great Taste Awards for five consecutive years
Made to traditional recipes without artificial ingredients, colourings or flavourings
Main shop at Chester House Estate, Wellingborough, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
Also has a shop on the Cider Farm at Farndish for direct purchases
Available in pubs, farm shops and independent retailers across the region
Saxby’s Cider is the kind of producer that makes you reconsider what English cider can be. The apples are grown on the family farm, pressed on site each autumn and blended using traditional methods, which produces a drink that tastes like apples rather than like sugar. The fruit ciders, particularly the rhubarb, add a sharpness that works brilliantly on a summer afternoon. The Chester House Estate shop is the easiest place to try before you buy.
Address: Farndish, near Wellingborough (shop at Chester House Estate)
Website:https://www.saxbyscider.co.uk/
How to book: Walk in to shop; check website for farm visit availability
Revival Rum, Brampton Ash
Distillery
Craft rum distillery located at Field Barn on a farm in Brampton Ash, near Market Harborough
Master distiller James Singlehurst received his distiller’s licence in July 2022
Produces Caribbean-inspired rum distilled from scratch in England, using traditional Jamaican production methods
Range includes spiced rum, honey and anise rum, and a pure cane spirit
Distillery tours cost £45 per person and include a welcome cocktail, barrel sampling, branded glass and a full tasting
Award-winning: double gold at international spirits competitions
Finalist for Drink Producer of the Year at the Great Food Club Awards
A genuinely unusual Northamptonshire experience: a working rum distillery in the countryside
A rum distillery in rural Northamptonshire is not what most people expect to find, which is precisely why a visit is worth the detour. James Singlehurst has modelled his production on traditional Jamaican methods, and the results have picked up international awards that suggest the approach works. The tours are personal, hands-on and generous with the tastings, and you leave with both a bottle and a story.
Address: Field Barn, Brampton Ash, Market Harborough LE16 8PB
Website:https://www.revivalrum.com/
How to book: Tours via the website
South and West Northamptonshire
The southern and western reaches of the county take in the market town of Towcester, the racing heritage of Silverstone, and the rolling countryside around Daventry. The food and drink here leans towards destination dining, with two three-AA-Rosette restaurants, a rising wine bar, and a cluster of village pubs and cafés worth building a day around.
Murrays at Whittlebury Park
Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant at Whittlebury Park, near Towcester, holding three AA Rosettes
Led by award-winning chef Harvey Lockwood, serving a Modern British menu
Offers both an à la carte menu and a six-course tasting menu at £95 per person
Uses the finest seasonal and locally sourced British ingredients, with dishes inspired by classical and international flavours
Intimate 22-cover dining room providing an unhurried, personal experience
Dress code is smart casual; no tracksuits or trainers
Children under 12 are not permitted for evening dinner service
A short drive from Silverstone, making it a strong option for race-weekend dining
Murrays is the highest-rated restaurant in Northamptonshire by the AA, and the three-Rosette standard is maintained by a kitchen that treats every cover as an occasion. The 22-seat dining room means service is attentive without being intrusive, and the tasting menu evolves regularly enough that repeat visits feel fresh. Chef Harvey Lockwood’s cooking has a classical backbone with enough modern influence to keep it interesting, and the ingredient sourcing is as good as it gets in this part of the country. If you have one special meal in Northamptonshire, this is a strong contender.
Address: Whittlebury Park, Whittlebury, Towcester NN12 8QH
Website:https://www.whittlebury.com/dining/murrays/
How to book: Via the website or OpenTable
The Cedar Restaurant at Fawsley Hall
Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant at Fawsley Hall Hotel and Spa, near Daventry, holding three AA Rosettes since September 2025
Set inside a Tudor great hall with genuine historical atmosphere
AA inspectors described it as offering “robustly flavoured dishes in a truly historic setting”
Modern British menu using seasonal ingredients, with both à la carte and tasting options
Fawsley Hall also offers classic afternoon tea in the Tudor Great Hall
Part of the Handpicked Hotels group
The hotel grounds and surrounding parkland add to the sense of occasion
Dress code applies; booking essential
Dining in the Cedar Restaurant at Fawsley Hall is as much about the room as the food, though both deliver. The Tudor setting is genuine rather than reconstructed, and the kitchen matches it with dishes that have enough weight and flavour to justify the surroundings. The three-Rosette award, granted in September 2025, puts it alongside Murrays as one of only two restaurants at that level in the county. Afternoon tea in the Great Hall is worth considering as a lighter alternative.
Address: Fawsley Hall, Fawsley, Daventry NN11 3BA
Website:https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/fawsleyhall/eat-and-drink
How to book: Via the hotel website or phone
The Countryman, Staverton
Gastropub
Traditional inn in the village of Staverton, near Daventry, with low beamed ceilings and a cosy, relaxed atmosphere
Holds one AA Rosette; an inspector noted “elevated pub-style favourites in a relaxed inn”
Serves quality home-cooked dishes using fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
Signature dishes include perfectly cooked fillet steak and sticky toffee pudding
Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner for 2025
Combines classic pub favourites with more refined dining options
Warm, friendly service in a genuinely characterful building
Booking recommended for weekend dining
The Countryman does what the best village pubs do: it serves food that punches above its weight in a room that makes you want to stay. The AA Rosette is deserved, with dishes that start from good ingredients and are cooked with enough care to justify the recognition without veering into restaurant territory. The beamed ceilings and log fires give it genuine warmth, and the service strikes the right balance between attentive and relaxed.
Address: Staverton, Daventry NN11 6JH
Website:https://www.thecountrymanstaverton.co.uk/
How to book: Via the website or phone
The Saracens Head, Towcester
Gastropub
Centuries-old coaching inn on the main street of Towcester, featured in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers
Twenty-one traditional en-suite bedrooms in single, double and superior configurations
Restaurant serves comforting pub classics, burgers, steaks, sharing platters and light bites alongside dietary requirement options
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked among the top restaurants in Towcester
Close to Towcester Racecourse, Whittlebury Park and Silverstone Circuit
The Dickens connection gives the building genuine literary heritage
A practical base for anyone attending events at Silverstone
Open daily for food and drink
The Saracens Head trades on history and location. The Dickens connection is genuine, the building has the bones of a proper coaching inn, and the position on Towcester’s main street makes it the default meeting point for the town. The food is solid pub fare rather than destination dining, but it is well executed and the portions are generous. Its real strength is as a base for Silverstone weekends or Towcester racing, combining decent food with comfortable rooms.
Address: 219 Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6BX
Website:https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/northamptonshire/saracens-head-hotel
How to book: Via the website or phone
Sally’s Wine & Whisky, Towcester
Wine bar
Wine and whisky bar opened in March 2025 on Watling Street in Towcester, by the team behind Vinebud independent wine shop
Named in OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in the UK for 2025, one of only two Northamptonshire venues on the list
Focuses on organic wines, interesting whiskies and locally sourced cheeseboards
Relaxed, intimate setting with a short but considered food offering
Run by husband and wife team Josh and Sally Moinet
Open Thursday and Friday 5pm to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday noon to 11pm
Walk-ins welcome but booking recommended
Food hygiene rating of 5 (Very Good)
Sally’s Wine & Whisky has made an immediate impression since opening in early 2025, earning a spot on OpenTable’s national top 100 list within months. The concept is deliberately narrow: organic wines, well-chosen whiskies and locally sourced cheese, served in a small room by people who know what they are pouring. It works because the quality control is tight and the atmosphere is warm without being contrived. For a town the size of Towcester, it is a remarkable addition.
Address: 72 Watling Street, Towcester NN12 6AF
Website: Check social media
How to book: Walk in or via OpenTable
Moghul Rooms, Towcester
Restaurant
Indian restaurant in Towcester with a 4.8 star rating from over 300 reviews
Serves traditional Indian cuisine with attentive service in a comfortable setting
Consistently rated among the top restaurants in Towcester on Tripadvisor
Good vegetarian and vegan options on the menu
Open for evening dining; takeaway also available
Located on the main Watling Street in the town centre
A strong alternative to the pub food options that dominate Towcester’s dining scene
Booking recommended at weekends
Moghul Rooms fills a gap in Towcester’s dining landscape by offering consistently good Indian food in a town that leans heavily towards pub grub. The review scores are remarkably high, and the consistency across hundreds of reviews suggests the kitchen does not have off nights. It is not a flashy venue, but the food is carefully prepared and the service is attentive.
Address: Watling Street, Towcester
Website: Check social media
How to book: Phone or walk in
The Courtyard Coffee House, Brackley
Café
Small, cosy independent café tucked away in Market House Courtyard in Brackley, near the eighteenth-century Town Hall
Serves freshly cooked food and speciality coffees in an intimate setting
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor with consistently positive reviews for food quality
Open Wednesday to Saturday 8:30am to 2:30pm, with occasional Sunday openings
The courtyard location gives it a tucked-away feel that rewards those who seek it out
Friendly, attentive staff praised repeatedly in reviews
A favourite among locals for breakfast and brunch
Limited seating means it fills up quickly on market days
The Courtyard Coffee House rewards the effort of finding it. Tucked down a small passageway near Brackley’s Town Hall, it occupies a former stable yard and seats a small number of covers, which means the food gets genuine attention. The reviews are almost universally positive, with the cooking described as fresh, the coffee as good, and the staff as the kind of people who remember what you ordered last time. It is Brackley’s answer to the question of where to have breakfast.
Address: 6 Market House Courtyard, Brackley NN13 7AB
Website: Check social media
Phone: 01280 700499
How to book: Walk in
Roman Way Brewery, Weedon Bec
Brewery and bar
Experimental micro-brewery based in Building 79 at the historic Royal Ordnance Depot in Weedon Bec
Named after nearby Watling Street, the first Roman Road built in Britain
Established in 2019; has built up an extensive list of beers in double figures
Shop and taproom typically open on Fridays and Saturdays
Regular outdoor events with street food vendors and local musicians in the depot grounds
The historic setting of the Old Ordnance Depot adds genuine character to the venue
Beers available to buy and take away from the shop
A short drive from Daventry and easily accessible from the A5
Roman Way Brewery has found a home in one of the most characterful buildings in the county: a former ordnance depot built to supply the British military. The brewing operation is experimental in the best sense, with a list that keeps growing and evolving, and the Friday and Saturday taproom sessions in the depot grounds have a community atmosphere that bigger venues struggle to replicate. The street food pop-ups are worth timing your visit around.
Address: Building 79, The Old Depot, Bridge Street, Weedon Bec NN7 4PS
Website:https://romanwaybrewery.co.uk/
How to book: Walk in; check website and social media for event dates
The 1867, Heart of the Shires, Weedon
Café
Restaurant and café located within the Heart of the Shires shopping village, a Victorian courtyard complex on the A5 near Weedon
Open daily from 9:30am, serving breakfast until 11:30am and lunch and light bites from 11:30am to 5pm
Afternoon tea available from 2pm with pre-booking required
Set within a restored 150-year-old courtyard surrounded by independent shops
Free parking and dog-friendly throughout the shopping village
The Heart of the Shires also hosts an annual Street Food Festival in July
A natural stopping point on a journey along the A5 or A45
Well-suited to combining food with a browse through the independent retailers
The 1867 sits at the centre of Heart of the Shires’ Victorian courtyard, surrounded by independent shops that trade in antiques, homewares and gifts. The café serves a straightforward menu that covers breakfast, brunch and lunch without overreaching, and the afternoon tea is a good option for anyone looking for something a little more structured. The setting works: the restored courtyard gives the whole complex a character that standalone cafés on retail parks cannot match.
Address: Heart of the Shires, Watling Street, Weedon NN7 4LB
Website:https://www.the1867.co.uk/
How to book: Walk in for meals; pre-book for afternoon tea
Brackley Market
Market
Historic charter market held every Friday in Brackley town centre, operated by the town council
Stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and shellfish, plants, cakes, bread, cheese, olives, clothing and samosas
Brackley Country Market specialises in home-baked, hand-crafted and home-grown goods
The market has traded in various forms for centuries under royal charter
Free to visit; parking available in the town
Combine a market visit with The Courtyard Coffee House nearby for a full morning in Brackley
Located on the High Street with easy access from the A43
Smaller than Oundle or Northampton markets but strong on quality
Brackley’s Friday market is modest in scale but consistent in quality. The fish stall, the cheese, the olives and the freshly baked bread are all reasons to build a weekly shop around it, and the town itself is attractive enough to make the trip worthwhile even on weeks when you do not need to buy anything. The Courtyard Coffee House is a few steps away, which makes for a natural breakfast-then-market Friday morning.
Address: High Street, Brackley NN13 7DP
Website: Check Brackley Town Council website
How to book: No booking needed
Courteenhall Farm Shop and Café (Opening Spring 2026)
Farm shop and café
New farm shop and café opening in Spring 2026 on the Courteenhall Estate, on the southern edge of Northampton
Planning approved by West Northamptonshire Council in December 2025; will create 19 full-time equivalent jobs
Will stock Courteenhall’s own Traditional Hereford Beef alongside artisan goods, estate preserves and baked treats
Products sourced from local producers and the wider UK farming community, managed in partnership with Appetite Me
The Courteenhall Estate is a leader in regenerative farming and sustainability
Known as The Knot, the venue will showcase the best of local and estate produce
A significant addition to Northamptonshire’s farm shop landscape
Check the Courteenhall Estate website for confirmed opening dates
Courteenhall is one of the most anticipated openings on Northamptonshire’s food scene. The estate has invested in regenerative farming practices that go beyond the usual sustainability claims, and the farm shop will channel that commitment into a retail and café operation stocking estate-reared beef alongside products from local makers. The partnership with Appetite Me, a specialist in rural hospitality, suggests the café side will be taken seriously. Watch the Courteenhall website for confirmed opening dates in Spring 2026.
Address: Courteenhall Estate, near Northampton
Website:https://www.courteenhall.co.uk/
How to book: Check website for opening updates
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March to May): Asparagus season brings locally grown spears to farm shop counters across the county, and the first outdoor tables of the year open at waterside pubs along the Nene. Oundle’s weekly market expands with spring produce, and the Courteenhall Estate plans to open its new farm shop and café during this period.
Summer (June to August): Oundle Food Festival in June is the highlight, bringing together producers from across the county. The Heart of the Shires Street Food Festival runs in July, and pub gardens at The Swan at Lamport, The Falcon in Fotheringhay and The Brampton Halt come into their own. Fleur Fields Vineyard runs tours and tastings through the warmer months.
Autumn (September to November): Apple pressing season at Saxby’s Cider in Farndish is well worth timing a visit around, and the October and November menus at venues like Hibiscus and Murrays showcase game and root vegetables at their best. The farm shops stock locally produced preserves, chutneys and pickles for the winter months.
Winter (December to February): Oundle’s Christmas Market on the first Saturday in December is a highlight, and Northampton’s Market Square hosts its own Christmas market through the festive period. Log fires at The Tollemache Arms, The Countryman and The Red Lion make them strong choices for cold-weather dining. Fawsley Hall’s afternoon tea in the Tudor Great Hall feels particularly fitting in December.
A Note From NorthantsLife
Northamptonshire’s food and drink scene has changed enormously in the past decade, and it is still changing. New producers, breweries and restaurants continue to open, and the quality across the county has risen to a level that deserves wider recognition.
If anything in this guide has changed since publication, or if we have missed a venue that deserves to be here, we would like to hear from you. Drop us a message through the NorthantsLife website and we will update the guide accordingly.
Before You Go
Book ahead for weekend dining at gastropubs and restaurants, especially The Tollemache Arms, The Snooty Fox, Hibiscus and Murrays, which fill up fast
Farm shop opening hours vary: Smiths and Scotch Lodge Farm are closed on certain days, so check before travelling
Several venues in this guide are dog-friendly, including The Brampton Halt, The Althorp Coaching Inn, Beckworth Emporium and Cafe Track, but policies vary by area within each venue
If visiting multiple venues in one area, the Oundle Wharf (Nene Valley Brewery + Tap & Kitchen) and the Chapel Brampton cluster (Smiths Farm Shop + The Brampton Halt) make natural pairings
Parking is generally free at rural venues, farm shops and village pubs; town centre venues in Northampton, Kettering and Towcester will require paid parking
The Northampton Market Square local producers’ market (final Saturday of the month) and Oundle Farmers’ Market (second Saturday) are the best single-stop introductions to the county’s food scene
Fleur Fields Vineyard and Revival Rum distillery both require advance booking for tours and tastings
Check directly with each venue before visiting, as opening hours, menus and prices can change seasonally
