Updated; 21st February 2021
If you hadn’t guessed already, I love coffee.
In fact, it’s become something I rely on day-to-day. Which is probably a bad thing!
I actually remember my first ever coffee. I was 14.
I was on a trip to London with my Stagecoach Performing Arts group and we had just received our tickets to go and see the matinee performance of Wicked the Musical (which was actually my first time seeing that musical too!)
Just over the road from the Apollo Victoria Theatre, there was a Starbucks and some of the older kids were grabbing coffees before the performance. So I went along and we all ordered Venti Caramel Macchiatos with cream on top.
From that moment on, I loved coffee.
I do like a cup of tea occasionally, but it can’t quite match my love affair with coffee.
But more and more, I’m choosing to ditch the coffee chain cups for local chain coffee.
According to Google, there are over 200 local coffee shops in Northamptonshire. That’s a lot of coffee.
I think it’s a slightly impossible task to visit them all, but I do want to support more local coffee chains, as I feel they have a lot more to offer in terms of variety of beverages, decor inside and out and an interesting history to tell, especially if it’s a coffee shop that’s a family business.
So introducing my first Northants Food Guide: My Northamptonshire Coffee Guide! Let me know if you have visited any of these places:
- John Franklin’s
- Ten Hands Cafe Bar
- The Magic Bean Emporium
- Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roasters
- Cafe Track
- The Courtyard Coffee House
- Matchbox Cafe
- Mental Monkey
- Olly B’s Bar & Kitchen
- The Garden Deli
- Pohutukawa Coffee
- Fox&Peony
- Wythmail’s Orlingbury
- Whittlebury Bakery
- The Orangery at Delapré Abbey
- The Workhouse Brixworth
- Clarke & Dean
John Franklin’s
A cosy bar situated within the Royal and Derngate, in the heart of the cultural quarter. John Franklin’s has everything you could want, including great coffee!
Local roasters, The Roastery, are responsible for supplying the coffee to them. And I believe their coffee beans have a perfect balance.
From the creamy aroma to the taste itself. I can always rely on John Franklin’s for a steamy cup of coffee (and a cheeky slice of cake!)
Being in the centre of Northampton, its in the perfect location for those who work in the town who want to grab their cup of coffee before work, whilst supporting a local chain.
I love coming here when I fancy a quiet place to work, because I know I can get good Wi-Fi, a cosy chair, a quiet spot and most importantly, great-tasting coffee.
You can find John Franklin’s on 21 Guildhall Road, Northampton, NN1 1DP.
Ten Hands Cafe Bar
Ten Hands Cafe Bar is my go-to breakfast, brunch and coffee fueled working spot in Towcester
Conveniently located in the middle of Watling Street in Towcester, it’s pretty interior and yummy brunch options are not the only things I love about this, but I love their array of coffees too.
They have a unique menu of coffee options, from iced lattes, matcha tea lattes and all the classic favourites. Plus, they never fail to make a beautiful looking flat white pattern.
And what I love even more about this place is the beautiful decor. They have got their branding spot on with the charcoal grey, teal blue and their displays of homemade cakes, some supplied by Katie’s Cakes, tea supplies by The Tea Lab and you can even grab a local magazine whilst you drink your coffee.
The staff are really friendly too, which is always a bonus when you know the staff. It’s nice to walk in and feel like a regular.
You can find Ten Hands Cafe Bar on 175 Watling Street West, Towcester, NN12 6NX.
The Magic Bean Emporium
If you’re looking for a coffee shop with character, magic, fantasy and something completely different: you need to head to The Magic Bean Emporium!
Full of storybook magic, from Harry Potter to princesses and potions; The Magic Bean Emporium aims to celebrate valiant tales and tasty treats in Northampton.
It’s got fab coffee that goes from your standard favourites to wonderful and weird creations!
Not only do they sell good coffee, but they have a range of fabulous desserts, hot milkshakes and if you’re lucky, you might even get an invitation to Hogwarts!
You won’t see anything quite like The Magic Bean Emporium in Northampton! They have recently moved to a new location too!
You can find The Magic Bean Emporium at Northampton Railway Station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, NN1 1SP.
Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roasters
Who knew a coffee shop and roastery could function from such a small shed on Angel Street, in the heart of Northampton’s cultural quarter.
They somehow cleverly incorporate a relaxing, cosy coffee shop environment with an everyday working and functioning roastery which you can witness the barista’s making delicious filter coffee from their state of the art brewing machines.
The space is very compact but has such a unique personality with its coffee packing and preparation area in their upstairs space and if you’re lucky, you can grab the best seat in the house that overlooks Angel Street along with a display of eco-friendly coffee plant pots.
They serve fresh coffee and treats that are available inside and to take away. They also provide their roast coffee to other suppliers in Northamptonshire, such as Maule Brewery and Matchbox Cafe.
They also have their own shop so you can take Yellow Bourbon Coffee home with you.
Find Yellow Bourbon Coffee on 15 Angel Street, Northampton, NN1 1EW.
Cafe Track
A fairly new coffee shop that is conveniently placed in Northampton Market Square but has a bigger purpose to the county than just serving nice coffee.
Cafe Track is run by TRACK, a social enterprise formed to help support autistic people in getting access to employment and training – and Cafe Track is a part of that, as it allows school and college students to gain experience of working in a real-life business.
Not only do they have a fantastic ethos behind the cafe, but they also serve delicious food and drink. My coffee on my first visit was pretty memorable, as I ordered a skinny latte with vanilla, I was served my vanilla syrup in a mini glass vase, which was completely new to me.
The atmosphere is light and full of friendly bar staff working, plus if you sit near the window, you get a great view of the market square if you’re one of those people, like me, who enjoy watching the world go by.
You can find Cafe Track on 18 Market Square, Northampton, NN1 2DL.
The Courtyard Coffee House
This next coffee recommendation comes at Brackley in Northamptonshire, which is much further south and near the Oxfordshire border.
Brackley is one of my favourite towns in Northamptonshire and it’s certainly not short of places to grab a cuppa.
We recently checked out the Courtyard Coffee House, which is tucked away down a small alleyway that takes you to the Courtyard Shops which is a small area full of independent retailers and businesses.
The Courtyard Coffee House is a small, but very cosy and lived in coffee shop. The front of it is absolutely adorable and the staff inside were very friendly and chatty considering we walked in for the first time.
You can find The Courtyard Coffee House on 6 Market Place, Brackley, NN13 7AB.
As I got chatting to one of the ladies, I found out that their coffee was supplied by Yellow Bourbon, so I knew I was going to get a good cup of coffee.
On this occasion, Josh had a Mocha whilst I went for a vanilla skinny latte. Mine was super creamy and sweet, exactly how I like my latte!
The atmospshere was peaceful and I could see myself coming back here when I’m next in Brackley.
Matchbox Cafe
Matchbox Cafe has truly become the Northampton local coffee shop who not only serve great coffee from Yellow Bourbon Roasters, but they also are very supportive of other local businesses.
Matchbox Cafe is run by the duo, Bing and Yasmin and together, they have created a relaxed, cosy coffee shop that is so small, yet accommodating.
What Matchbox Cafe do incredibly well is have a range of seasonal favourites and are so good at creating different coffee creations throughout the whole year!
Where else can you get a Pumpkin Spice Latte with halloween themed decorations during the spooky season!?
Plus, Bing and Yasmin are the nicest people who always make you feel welcome!
It’s literally such escapism to come to theirs away from the hustle and bustle – and you never know who else you will be introduced to whilst in there as I’ve found often that Bing and Yasmin will always introduce me to someone new!
Find Matchbox Cafe at Wellington House, 47 Abington Street, Northampton, NN1 2AW
Mental Monkey
Mental Monkey truly is a one of a kind coffee shop based in the town centre of Kettering.
It’s an experience when you walk inside, from vintage furniture, unique wall decorations, classic motorbikes, prestige cars and comfy sofas where you can kick back and relax.
Their coffee tastes great, customer service is top-notch and super friendly and whenever I’m in Kettering, I can trust I’ll be able to work in there with a laptop, or meet up with Emma from Pink Clouding (who introduced me to the guys at MM!)
They have their unique rock and roll branding on their coffee cups too and they have big plans to open more stores soon!
Find Mental Monkey at 1 Market Mews, 16-18 Market Street, Kettering, NN16 0AH
Olly B’s Bar & Kitchen
Another town centre coffee shop gem!
Olly B’s is a place where you can find good food, hot drinks, homemade smoothies and more of which are all accompanied by relaxing music, rustic and modern decor and a nice environment.
I now have my very own designated seat whenever I come to visit Olly B’s: by the window, where I can people watch, enjoy my coffee and use the plug by the side for my laptop charger!
Cheryl and Rachel, the managers of Olly B’s are also incredibly friendly and will welcome anyone to their small, but cosy cafe. They always welcome people to hold event and meetings here and they serve beer and wine too!
Find Olly B’s Kitchen & Bar at 1 College Mews, Northampton, NN1 2QF
The Garden Deli
If you’re ever doing some shopping at Nene Court Shopping Village, why not stop for a refreshment at The Garden Deli?
Open since 2013 and run by Father and Daughter team, Warren and Maddi, they have created a little independent oasis that is a grand addition to the already thriving shopping village of independents retailers.
It’s definitely one of my favourite places to visit in Wellingborough and it’s even nicer when you can sit in their courtyard in the summer. Their lattes are so creamy and full of rich, coffee flavour.
Thoroughly recommend!
Find The Garden Deli at Nene Court Shopping Village, Nene Court, Embankment, Wellingborough, NN8 1LD
Pohutukawa Coffee
A New Zealand inspired coffee shop in the small village of Long Buckby, near Daventry, who specialise in handcrafted espresso-based drinks, specialty teas and hot and cold treats.
You wouldn’t know such a vibrant, bright and funky place was hidden away in such a small village, but it’s there and it’s a wonderful little place. As you walk inside, you’re greeted to lots of bright colours and botanical decor – as if you’ve literally stepped into a coffee some in NZ!
They have taken the name ‘Pohutukawa’ from a beautiful tree that grows in New Zealand and the word means ‘splashed by the spray’ which is a reference to the trees’ habitat by the coast.
They pride themselves on great coffee and I thoroughly recommend it – they make a cracking flat white! 100% take a visit to Pohutukawa Coffee!
Find Pohutukawa Coffee at 10a High Street, Long Buckby, Northampton, NN6 7RD
TheFox&Peony
I may live just over 45 minutes away from Fox&Peony, but it’s always worth the trip there just because of how cute, pink and friendly this coffee shop is!
A hidden gem of a cafe, run by Ellen, Fox&Peony is beautifully decorated with pink walls, gold glitter decorations and has a prime event space that I have seen come to life thanks to Pink Clouding’s Meet Up’s.
It’s such a convenient size but is very snug and welcoming, so has plenty of space to come and grab a coffee and a sweet treat. I love their signature fox sprinkle stencil they use on their creations, including their Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Not only that, but they do great homemade cakes and soup, plus they welcome dogs too!
Find Fox&Peony at Glendon Lodge Farm, Kettering, NN14 1QF
Read more: The Best Pumpkin Spice Lattes in Northamptonshire
Wythmail’s Orlingbury
A recently opened coffee shop that has been hugely popular for the residents of Orlingbury and has quickly captured the hearts of the county too!
If you haven’t been to Wythmail’s yet, what are you waiting for!? The family who run it are born and live in Orlingbury, so it’s a very family-run business that provides an eclectic mix of local produce, baked goods and great coffee provided by Yellow Bourbon (so you know it’s good!)
I recently discovered that Wythmail is actually a deserted village is located 4.5 miles from Kettering which could be the reason for the choice of name, as the village is only a mile away from Orlingbury.
You know it’s popular amongst locals, as every time I have visited, it’s always absolutely crowded! So make sure you grab a table in advance!
Find Wythmail’s Orlingbury at 2 Isham Road, Orlingbury, Kettering, NN14 1JD
Whittlebury Bakery
A small, delightful and passionate business that is Whittlebury Bakery and Coffee shop! I’m surprised not many people know it’s here, but it’s one of my favourite local places to grab fresh produce!
Whittlebury Bakery is your alternative supermarket that mass-produce bread, pastries and sweet treats without the ‘artisan’ price tag.
While you can browse their bakery where you can take fresh bread, cakes and even supermarket essentials home, right next door, is their very own coffee shop!
I love that they serve their coffee in HUGE coffee mugs and you can eat their baked goods that come straight from the oven – how satisfying! It’s a quiet little escape where I’ve found myself enjoying a cuppa and having some peaceful ‘me time’.
Find Whittlebury Bakery at 7 Home Farm, Church Way, Whittlebury, Towcester, NN12 8XS
The Orangery at Delapré Abbey
The Orangery at Delapré Abbey is bright, colourful and their cafe is warm and welcoming for visitors who are visiting to Abbey and others. They use the finest local ingredients for their food and are proud to use The Roastery for their coffee.
I really enjoy coming here in the Spring/Summer as it’s always lovely to look outside when the sun is up whilst sipping my coffee. A great way to get out and explore!
Find The Orangery at Delapré Abbey, London Road, Northampton, NN4 8AW.
The Workhouse, Brixworth
Located in the heart of Brixworth, The Workhouse is a place to meet for brunch, lunch or indulge in their humongous range of sweet treats they have on offer.
Currently, they are open 7 days a week for takeaway only but you can still enjoy their freshly brewed coffee which takes centre stage, along with their huge cake selection where you can enjoy treats like their salted caramel brownies, white chocolate cookies, cupcakes and much more!
As a coffee shop serving in normal times, the atmosphere is always buzzing inside, with plenty of locals coming to visit – and even as a takeaway spot, the coffee machine is always going and their cake stand is always full.
You can also grab your light breakfasts which consist of porridge, granola and toast options, milkshakes, hot chocolates and smoothies as well as some scrumptious sourdough toasties too.
Find their menus on their website and check them out on Instagram here.
You can find The Workhouse on 35 Spratton Road, Brixworth, Northampton, NN6 9DS.
Clarke & Dean
Clarke & Dean are the latest coffee shop in Towcester!
Clarke & Dean are a cosy cafe bar who offer homemade food delights, unique blended coffee and they have owners who are truly passionate about food and drink, especially coffee!
Their coffee has a really lovely, smooth blend with a rich taste and the inside of their cafe is super stylish and gives a nod to Towcester’s history and buildings.
You can also enjoy a variety of vegan bites from Purpose Foods as well as a takeaway breakfast and lunch menu too – plus, watch out for news on their supper club!
You can find Clarke & Dean on 169 Watling Street, Towcester, NN12 6BX.
I will keep adding to this blog post with various coffee shop spots in Northamptonshire, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you live in Northamptonshire, what are your favourite coffee shops to go into?
Do you have any favourites that I’ve not mentioned here? I’m going to try and visit more local coffee shops to give you the best range and choice across the county.
What are your favourite local coffee shops?
Want to read more? Check out my other Northants Food Guides:
The Best Northamptonshire Brunch Guide | The Best Northamptonshire Gin Guide | The Best Northamptonshire Afternoon Tea’s | The Best Northamptonshire Food & Drink Producers | The Best Northamptonshire Romantic Date Night Spots
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BIG thanks for this. I’m visiting a friend in Northampton in a few weeks and have been undecided on wether to stay overnight and wether there are any decent coffee shops in the area. This definitely helped me decide and can’t wait to visit a few!