Where to eat and drink in Northamptonshire this summer - awards finalists announced
"These finalists represent some of the very best food and drink experiences Northamptonshire has to offer at the moment. “
If you're looking for the very best places to eat and drink in Northamptonshire this summer, the shortlist for the 2026/27 Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards is a great place to start.
Finalists have been announced in the Awards' much-anticipated dining categories, including Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, Community Café of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year.
Following a rigorous final stage of judging and assessment, winners will be revealed at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards ceremony this October.
Recognising and celebrating the county's most outstanding people, places and produce, these Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the venues setting the standard for quality, innovation and hospitality.
With entries growing year after year, reaching the finalist stage is a significant achievement, whether for a long-established restaurant, a village café, a welcoming pub or an exciting independent eatery.
Rachel Mallows MBE, Awards Director, said: "These finalists represent some of the very best food and drink experiences Northamptonshire has to offer at the moment. Whether you're planning a special meal, discovering somewhere new or returning to a much-loved favourite, these finalists are a fantastic guide to where to eat and drink this summer.
“Being recognised by the Awards not only celebrates excellence and a commitment to quality and local produce, but also helps businesses attract new customers and build on their success. We encourage everyone to get out and support these brilliant finalists."
Finalists for the Booker Gastro Pub of the Year, sponsored by Booker, are:
The Bell, Little Addington
The Kings Head, Spratton
The Olde Red Lion, Kislingbury
The Red Lion, Brafield On The Green
The Snooty Fox, Lowick
Tollemache Arms, Harrington
Finalists for the Community Café of the Year, are:
Birch Tree Café, Easton on the Hill
Genevieve's Café, Northampton
Glebe Farm Tearoom, Kettering
Motte & Fig Coffee Shop & Deli, Higham Ferrers
The Loft Café, Moulton
Whites Kitchen, Earls Barton
Finalists for Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited, are:
Hibiscus Fine Dining
Nuovo
Stacie's Italian, Rothwell
The Cedar Restaurant at Fawsley Hall
The Gallery at Escapade Silverstone
The Hopping Hare, Duston
Finalists for World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by British Pepper and Spice, are:
Irmak Northampton Ltd
Saffron Fine Indian Dining, Brackley
Sakura Sushi Ltd., Northampton
Taste of India, Rothwell
The Raj, Kettering
The Royal Bengal, Kettering
The Spice Lounge, Higham Ferrers
Truva Lounge Cocktail Bar, Towcester
Adam Richardson, Area Manager at Booker Northampton, commented: “At Booker, we’re proud to support these Awards and celebrate the brilliant people and businesses that make our local food and drink industry what it is.
“Reaching finalist stage is a fantastic achievement, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone come together at the Awards in October.
“We know the passion, creativity and hard work that goes into running a great hospitality business, and it’s wonderful to see so many teams being recognised. Over the summer, we’d encourage everyone to get out and visit these venues, enjoy what they have to offer, and be part of the journey as we count down to the Awards in October.”
Vita Whitaker, CEO, Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited added: “Whitco is proud to sponsor the Restaurant of the Year category and support a celebration of the very best of the county’s hospitality scene.
“All the finalists represent the passion, creativity and high standards that make Northamptonshire such an exciting destination for food lovers. As a trusted guide to where to eat and drink this summer and beyond, the Awards shine a spotlight on the restaurants that go the extra mile to deliver memorable experiences for their customers.
“At Whitco, we understand the importance of quality, consistency and supporting businesses that set high standards in everything they do. We wish all the finalists the very best and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Awards ceremony in October.”
The results of all three categories will be announced at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards celebrations on 15 October 2026 at the Royal & Derngate Theatre, supported once again by national catering award winners Portfolio Events.
The free-to-enter categories in this year’s Awards (with their respective sponsors) are:
Artisan Local Drink of the Year (Warner’s Distillery Ltd)
Artisan Local Product of the Year (Heygates Flour and Animal Feed Millers)
Artisan Local Vegetarian / Vegan Product of the Year (SEGRO)
Booker Gastro Pub of the Year (Booker)
Booker Young Chef of the Year (Booker)
Canapé competition (Portfolio Events)
Community Café of the Year
Farming Environment Award (Weetabix)
F&B Achiever of the Year (J Sweeney Accountants)
Food and Drink College Student of the Year (University of Northampton)
Healthy Food Producers (Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust and Eat Curious)
Healthy Food and Wellbeing Workplace (Wellbeing Service, West Northamptonshire Council)
Local Food Hero of the Year (Howes Percival)
One to Watch (Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers)
Outstanding Contribution to Food & Drink (All Things Business)
Restaurant of the Year (Whitco Catering & Bakery Equipment Limited)
Rising Star Award (West Northamptonshire Council)
Weetabix Sustainability Award (Weetabix)
Chef of the Year (Northampton College)
World Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (British Pepper & Spice Co. Ltd)
For more details on all the categories in the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27, including entry and nomination forms, please visit the Awards website, call the Awards team on 01933 664437 or email [email protected].