Northampton may be famous for its leather and footwear manufacturing industry, but there’s more to this modern town with ancient history than just feet!
Whether it’s visiting the cobbled streets of the town centre to take in the 12th-century church or the spectacular guildhall or a trip to Franklin Gardens to watch the Saints, you will always need to find time for some of the country’s best food and drink. Some destination restaurants are worthy of their own special trip.
So without further ado, here’s a run-down of the top ten British restaurants in Northampton, for all those foodies out there to digest over a nice glass of drink. In no particular order.
Our Best Pick British Restaurants in Northampton
1. Church Restaurant – This former church hospital on Bridge street was built in 1138 to house the sick, poor, orphans and pilgrims. It still retains its original stained glass but offers a modern British seasonal menu, a specific and well thought out vegan offering and even afternoon tea, all in a dramatic atmosphere. It’s a spectacular setting in which to dine and is also available as an intimate wedding venue – It is a church after all!
See Church Restaurant in Google Maps
2. The Lamplighter– This local pub-cum-restaurant situated between the racecourse and hospital on Overstone road is a Freehouse which takes its ales, and its food seriously. It offers brunch, a selection of well-executed pub classics as well as a specialist burger section. It has garnered an impressive reputation for Sunday Roasts especially – a place to sit back and relax.
See The Lamplighter in Google Maps
3. Lighthouse – The clue’s in the name, Lighthouse brings you a classic – fresh each day, sustainably fished fish n chips in a contemporary and modern pub environment. The food might not be fancy, but it is excellent, elevation the traditional take home to an art. If offers takeaway and a selection of pies from award-winning Pieminister as well. Don’t forget to try the special Lighthouse sauce!
See Lighthouse in Google Maps
4. Old House – This place on the corner of Wellingborough road sells itself as the quintessential English pub, and with open fires, checkerboard tiling and antique brick and lighting it deliver on the décor. It offers a bar, vegan (must be pre-ordered) and dinner menu as well as a famous all-day Sunday Roast. Food is diverse and well thought out, offering great dishes with modern ingredients – BBQ jackfruit is on the menu!
See Old House in Google Maps
5. The Dining Room – Situated within The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House at 78 Derngate, in the heart of Northampton’s cultural district, the dining room is on top of everything lunch and brunch related. It offers an outstanding afternoon tea and has dedicated itself to delectable pastries. The food here is stylish and well-executed and available from 10 am-5 pm. It has an equally excellent sister place – The Barn in Upper Stowe.
See The Dining Room in Google Maps
6. The Old White Hart – This contemporary restaurant set in a charming Victorian is light and airy in all the right ways. Based in Far Cotton, a short walk from Northampton town centre its menu is based on simple seasonal offerings with fish n chips, steak and pork belly all on offer, with some indulgent desserts, including sticky toffee pudding to round it off. It does offer more imaginative fare and changes the menu frequently so it pays to visit regularly.
See The Old White Hart in Google Maps
7. Bread and Pullet – This homely and rustic place on Wellingborough Road offers a stylish take on British sharing plates, with influences from across the world. A finalist for the Northamptonshire best restaurant of the year award in 2018/19, Bread and Pullet prides itself on local produce – with all food sourced within 30 miles (except fish). That even includes drinks. Plates are all around the £6 mark, with the red wine braised Octopus a standout.
See Bread and Pullet in Google Maps
8. The Hopping Hare – This place is without doubt one for the foodies – It holds two AA rosettes, and was the winner of the food pub of the year (2017/8) and runner up of the restaurant of the year award (2018/9) at Northamptonshire’s Food and drink awards. This modern Gastropub in Duston also has rooms, for the romantics amongst you. Prices are reasonable, with mains between £15-20, its seasonal menu was described by AA inspectors as, ‘ambitious cooking in a contemporary setting.’
See The Hopping Hare in Google Maps
9. The Saracen’s Head – Based a few miles out of town in Little Brington, the Saracen’s Head offers classic and well-executed food in a delightful period setting and is well worth the short journey. As a pub, it offers a wide selection of dishes with some interesting country flavours – wild mushrooms a particular find. Combine with a walk in the country this place might not seem all that special – but customer reviews consistently rave about their simple food, done well.
See The Saracen’s Head in Google Maps
10. Hibiscus – This stunning restaurant, set in the billiards room of the magnificent Delapre Abbey, offers a contemporary a la carte menu, as well as a Chef’s tasting menu (7 dishes for £55 or £90 with wine flight) if you fancy going all in. Its food has already earnt it an AA rosette, but its wine selection is equally as dazzling and diverse. Its seasonal menu is carefully and delightfully presented, and produce is top quality and original – somewhere for a special occasion.
See Hibiscus in Google Maps
With the top ten rounded out, it was impossible not to mention this slightly left-field option. Danny Thompkins – a private chef par excellence, Danny has run and worked in some of the best local restaurants, but now finds himself a gun for hire.
Offering private dining, special occasions and even a pop-up restaurant if you want modern British cuisine executed by someone who won’t compromise on quality produce. Winner of the Northamptonshire Chef of the Year 2019/20. Why not bring the restaurant to your door?