Brunch has become my favourite meal of the day on the weekends and in the weekdays when I’m working from a coffee shop.
It’s the perfect lazy person’s excuse to go out and eat after spending the morning in bed sleeping in. And I love nothing more than being able to sleep in past 9am on the weekends.
Brunch has become increasingly popular over the years and it’s been so nice to discover new places to brunch around Northamptonshire – you really don’t realise how many brunch spots there are in the area until you step outside your doorstep and actually explore the options around you.
Plus, with busy work schedules, evenings getting darker and not wanting to go out for dinner, brunch has been great for Josh and I to get up and go out in the morning to get our weekend food fix and to spend some quality time together.
And I especially love supporting local businesses when it comes to eating out, so I thought I would write a guide on the best places I have visited for brunch in Northamptonshire:
Dreams Coffee Lounge
When Josh and I were trying to figure out where we wanted to go for brunch next, coincidently, Josh text me saying we should go to Dreams Coffee Lounge literally the moment I was scrolling through their Instagram feed.
It was fate. We had to go.
Located on St Giles Street, it’s not hard to miss when you spot the mint green decor and the fancy calligraphy writing. And just like their slogan says: it’s more than just a coffee shop…
It was obvious it was a popular place in the town, as we struggled to find a free table as we walked in – clearly, Dream’s is well visited in the town.
Dreams Coffee Lounge deliver when it comes to their Eggs Benedict which is HUGE! 3 toasted muffins, 3 poached eggs, smothered in hollandaise sauce with smoked salmon on the side – it was so flavourful and so rich, but oh so good – make sure you order a coffee or an orange juice on the side to complete the breakfast!
I couldn’t finish it all because it was so big, but it might have been to do with the big chocolate milkshake with whipped cream I had beforehand, which was just as delicious.
As a convenient brunch spot in Northampton town centre, especially being near so many independent shops, I would definitely go again.
Old Market Inn Kettering
Oooh this was the brunch of dreams which I was kindly gifted upon my first visit when they invited me down to try it.
Old Market Inn Kettering is somewhere I have passed often when I have visited the town, but never thought to go inside. From an outsiders perspective, it looks like an old drinkers pub which wouldn’t welcome newbies like myself.
But I can tell you it couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I could go as far as saying it’s one of the quirkiest and coolest places to go in Kettering with the nicest atmosphere.
The Old Market Inn Kettering went under a refurbishment recently, which has now equaled to trendy decor, wide-open spaces with big windows and an awesome leafy green instagrammable wall which you won’t resist taking a snap in front of!
The latest addition of Bron’s Bakes and Yellow Bourbon Coffee means they are all about supporting local and delivering local to the locals of Kettering and beyond.
The brunch you receive is more than you could ask for and at such a generous price too! Whether you love savory Avocado Smash or sweet pancakes drizzled with succulent maple syrup, everyone will love coming here and it’s definitely one of the best in Northamptonshire!
Zapato Lounge
Fun fact: Zapato is ‘shoe’ in Spanish, named after the obvious fact that Northampton is shoe town.
I was really excited about this visit, as I have been DYING to visit Zapato Lounge ever since it opened in the town centre.
But spontaneously, Josh and I decided to give it a go and as soon as we walked inside, I knew this was my type of brunch spot.
It’s certainly a crazy and colourful place that still achieves in being friendly and inviting. From the vintage decor, the flourishing displays of flower pots and an array of seating options, I knew I was going to love it.
Plus, the whole venue is totally instagrammable everywhere you look.
I’m often a savoury person when it comes to brunch, but on this occasion, my eyes gleamed towards the triple pancake stack with crispy bacon and maple syrup – very much an American delicacy, but I was all for it.
And Zapato didn’t hold back on the pancakes, or the bacon, or the maple syrup as it was swimming in it. Every bite was like a piece of heaven and every mouthful was bliss.
The coffee I ordered had a good consistency, with a smooth texture and a sweet aftertaste, thanks to the vanilla – making it the right amount for my flat white. I also appreciated the cool glass it was served in, however, you can’t quite beat a good old-fashioned mug.
My first visit has made me really enthusiastic about visiting again and trying all the other menu options, as I was particularly jealous of Josh’s chicken burger which looked mouth-watering. And on top of cool decor and delicious food, the staff were top-notch and were incredibly friendly.
And kudos to Zapato for using my picture as their profile picture<across their social channels!
Ten Hands Cafe Bar
Another favourite brunch spot I’m regularly visiting in Towcester.
Ten Hands Cafe Bar is a family of 5 run business (hence the name 10 hands!) and is always a great place to meet friends over brunch and the staff are always really friendly, inviting and they certainly know how to make a great cup of coffee with perfect flat white/latte art.
Especially when they are served in their distinctive blue cups – I admire when independent coffee shops nail their branding and colour scheme
But let’s get to what the food is like – the brunch here is always flawless and I have never once complained.
My go-to brunch here is always the eggs benedict or the avocado smash, which I love even more considering their passion for using local produce. Though saying that, I have now tried lots of their brunch options to have some variety!
The brunch and coffee are a little on the pricey side if you’re looking for somewhere budget, however, I believe their coffee and meals are worth every penny.
I will always choose to go to Ten Hands Cafe Bar for brunch, lunch and a coffee catch up with friends.
Read more: Brunch at Ten Hands Cafe Bar
The Orangery at Delapré Abbey
If you haven’t been to the Orangery at Delapré Abbey for your next brunch, you are missing out! Not only do you get to visit one of Northamptonshire’s most beautiful heritage houses ad gardens, but The Orangery is so light, bright and feels like one big conservatory which is perfect when the sun is shining.
The Orangery is managed under the Tom Hewer Catering group who are responsible for all the food and drink inside and ensure the menu is constantly updated and full of local produce and ingredients.
Everytime I’ve come for brunch at The Orangery, I’ve gone away feeling so full and content and in need to walk it off around the grounds. You get a huge plate full of food which is great value for money.
Just look at our feast! You can have a look at the menu here before your next trip! They do Sunday lunch too!
The Deli at Castle Ashby
What a delightful little spot! If you’re a fan of all things local and love browsing in deli’s or farm shops, The Deli at Castle Ashby is for you – but I never expected it to be on my best Brunch spot guide, in fact, we ended up having brunch spontaneously and I wasn’t aware of all the options that were available…
The Deli at Castle Ashby is located in the rural shopping yard at Castle Ashby and is full of local treats that you’ll spend hours browsing over. Tucked away from the shop, you will find a cosy little seating area, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, cake and coffee and more!
What is even more delightful is that the Deli is family run!
What was lovely, was when it came to ordering, one of the owners notified us that their Breakfast menu was given and take – basically, you could order pretty much what you want that’s based at their deli and they will make it for you! It’s a great concept, which means you don’t have to stick strictly to what’s on the menu!
Although they don’t have a coffee machine, which means they lack in coffee options like lattes or cappuccinos, I didn’t mind, because you can get yourself a big cafeteria of freshly brewed local coffee, which tasted SO GOOD. Paired with cute cups, I was won over.
On the breakfast menu, I was intrigued by their Breakfast Deli board which consists of a freshly baked croissant with local jam and lemon curd, followed by a very colourful board of selected cured meats, cheeses, salad and fresh guava! It was surprisingly fresh, light, yet filling!
I believe it makes an awesome and different brunch option and it means you can sample all the local produce we have available to us here in Northamptonshire over an enjoyable brunch!
Bar Encore
I didn’t think I would see Bar Encore on this list of places to visit for brunch, but I’m pleased to say that they have recently launched their new breakfast menu!
Bar Encore is situated right in the middle of Watling Street in Towcester and is known for its fabulous tapas and selection of drinks. My best friend and I went to visit on the 2nd morning of offering breakfast and we were very happy and content once we left.
They have selections of sweet and savoury dishes from stacked pancakes, porridge and muesli, to classics like Eggs Benedict, Avocado Smash and Smoked Salmon Bagel.
I had the eggs royale, which was surprisingly light, leaving me feeling not too heavy, but it still had incredible flavours. All washed down with two caffeinated coffees.
If you’re near Towcester, Bar Encore is the latest brunch spot to check out!
Matchbox Cafe Northampton
This is a truly unique cafe in Northampton that you need to come to if you fancy somewhere a bit quieter, but that still serves great food and drink with lovely staff owners!
Matchbox Cafe Northampton is literally a matchbox-sized cafe hidden away on Wellington Street on the right as you walk up Abington Street heading towards H&M (if you remember Maria’s cafe, Matchbox Cafe has replaced that!)
You walk in and you’re greeted by their friendly owner, you can nestle up on a wooden bench with some cosy cushions, literally order from across the room and you honestly feel so at home especially with all the fascinating artwork displayed on the walls.
On top of that, they do a banging Avocado Smash with a poached egg and make awesome coffee, with coffee beans supplied by Yellow Bourbon.
The Green Room Brackley
I don’t know what it is, but I LOVE Brackley! It’s such a cute, picturesque town that has kept a lot of it’s original structure, buildings and is so characteristic.
But one place I love visiting for lunch is The Green Room on Bridge Street, Brackley but I recently went for brunch and it’s definitely a go-to place to visit!
It’s modern, swish decor is something to be impressed by and I love the aqua blue, emerald green (my favourite colour!) and gold colours inside.
We ALL on this occasion had the same thing: Scrambled Egg with a different variety of toppings which you can choose from their menu. Josh’s mum went for mushrooms, Josh went for crispy bacon and halloumi whilst I went for roasted tomatoes and halloumi.
It’s a simple, but filling brunch and their menu has a variety of options but you can opt for brunch after 11am.
I REALLY want to visit soon for tapas and dinner as it seems like one of those places that’s great and open for all occasions.
As you can see… I LOVE BRUNCH! Let me know what other brunch spots in Northamptonshire I should visit and put in this Brunch Guide!
If you’re out for brunch in the county, why not share your photos using #NavigatingNorthants?
Have you been to any of these brunch spots in Northamptonshire?
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
Leave a Comment