Delapré Abbey has further cemented its status as a go-to destination for food and drink in the county, announcing a new partnership with Made In Northamptonshire.
A range of local produce will now be stocked in Common Ground – the Abbey’s dog-friendly deli situated in its historic 18th Century stable block.
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said:
“Delapré Abbey is a site that has a provenance of food and drink. As a Clunniac nunnery, the Abbess played an important role in people’s lives, bringing in and distributing food to the people of medieval Northampton. We’re incredibly proud to continue this tradition 900 years later and to support and showcase the thriving local food industry with our visitors through this partnership with Made In Northamptonshire.
“The next few years are particularly exciting for us with the restoration and redevelopment of the site’s 19th Century stables as a hub for wellbeing and leisure. We look forward to exploring and growing our food and drink offer with partners such as Made In Northamptonshire through the opportunities that it will bring”.
Rachel Mallows MBE, Founder Director of Made In Northamptonshire said:
“This is the perfect place for us to sell and promote the wonderful artisan produce from across Northamptonshire. The ‘buy local’ theme has become more relevant than ever to consumers, and we are planning some tasting events in the coming months with Made In Northamptonshire members. We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with the team at Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust and T.H.E. Hospitality.”
Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust continues to champion food and drink locally and is pleased to be sponsoring the Healthy Eating and Wellbeing Award at this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards. Health and wellbeing are key priorities for the Trust, having launched a new wellbeing programme with partners from across the town last year.
As home to award-winning fine dining restaurant, Hibiscus, and popular café, The Orangery, Delapré’s partnership with catering provider T.H.E. Hospitality has gone from strength to strength. Despite the challenges posed by restrictions and lockdowns, the site has welcomed increased visitor numbers, strong spring wedding and event sales, and recognition for its work to support the community.
Set within the leafy surroundings of Delapré Park, Hibiscus, The Orangery and Common Ground are busy most days, having raised their profiles with multiple award wins during the pandemic. Hibiscus was recognised for its community work and commitment to sustainability, winning the Food and Drink Award at the Northamptonshire Business Excellence Awards 2021.
Executive Chef, Bart Polinski, who oversees both Hibiscus and The Orangery, was awarded silver in the Chef of the Year category at the 2021 Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.
Tom Hewer of T.H.E. Hospitality said:
“It’s been a challenging few years for the hospitality industry, but we’re pleased to be in a stronger position than ever at the Abbey thanks to our partnership work. It’s great to see the site so busy and to see guests continuing to show their support through dining with us. We’re pleased to welcome Made In Northamptonshire to Common Ground and to showcase local producers in this fantastic town.”
With bottomless brunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and seven-course tasting menus with an accompanying wine flight, there’s lots to suit all tastes at the Abbey. Common Ground is open daily from 9:30am till 3pm, where guests can browse the Made In Northamptonshire range.
To find out more, or to book, visit Delapré Abbey.
Follow on social media
- Delapré Abbey – @delapreabbey – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
- The Orangery – @delapreabbeyorangery – Instagram, Facebook, @DelapreAbbey_O twitter.
- Common Ground @commongrounddelapre – Instagram.
- Hibiscus @hibiscusdining – Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.
