Delapré Abbey in Northampton is much more than an historic house – it is a destination for great food and drink with community development, wellbeing and sustainability at its core.
Earlier this year, the Abbey’s charitable trust took over the running and management of the Orangery café, fine-dining restaurant Hibiscus, and takeaway coffee shop Common Ground – all set within the grounds of one of the town’s oldest assets. The award-winning core team including Executive Head Chef, Bart Polinski, all remained in post with business as usual. Just two months later, the team is harnessing the opportunities that the change brings, developing new menus that respond to customer need, building partnerships, and creating dining experiences for visitors.
Richard Clinton, Chief Executive, Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said:
“It’s been an exciting year for the trust as we’ve focussed on further developing our already celebrated food and drink offer for our wonderful customers. We’ve seen the Abbey go from strength to strength over the past five years, and taking the catering in-house means that every coffee, Sunday lunch, afternoon tea and purchase on-site will now directly support our work within the community and our wellbeing programmes.
“We are committed to supporting the town’s thriving food and drink offer, working with local suppliers to showcase great flavours and sustainable growing techniques within our dishes. Common Ground, is home to Made in Northamptonshire produce, a partnership that we continue to build upon and champion. Through our community growing scheme in our Walled Garden with Groundwork Northamptonshire, we are helping to develop new skills, providing fresh ingredients for our dishes, and supporting our local food banks.
“The next few years are particularly exciting for us with the restoration and redevelopment of the site’s 19th Century stables as a community hub for wellbeing and leisure and we look forward to exploring and growing our food and drink offer through the opportunities that this brings.”
Visitors looking for a treat in sumptuous surroundings should look no further than Delapré Abbey. Set within the leafy surroundings of Delapré Park, visitors to The Orangery can enjoy afternoon tea, bottomless brunch, and a traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings, alongside a popular menu.
The food and ambience continue to garner high praise from diners commenting on the high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail that goes into each and every dish, irrespective of price point. AA-rosette awarded Hibiscus was recognised for its community work and commitment to sustainability, winning Booker Dining Venue of the Year and Executive Head Chef, Bart, was awarded Chef of the Year at the 2022/23 Weetabix Food and Drink Awards.
Bart Polinksi said:
“We are so grateful to our local suppliers and to everyone who comes in day in and day out, supporting what we do and giving us such great feedback. Award winning food, excellent service and a commitment to supporting local is at the heart of everything we do.”
The Abbey has a suite of rooms available for businesses to hire for meetings, team building or social occasions. In addition, a range of gift vouchers for everything from Hibiscus dining experiences to afternoon tea and a tour of the Abbey are available to purchase from their website, perfect for staff incentives or birthday presents.
New for 2023, the trust is offering a luxury experience combining a seven-course tasting menu with wine flight at Hibiscus, followed by a night’s stay in the recently renovated wedding cottage. A special introductory offer of £395 for two people applies to all bookings made before July 31, 2023.
The trust has also announced its popular Christmas parties offer for businesses looking to get their bookings in early for winter 2023. Treat your team to a stylish, tastebud-tingling festive feast with a Christmas party package including drinks, three course dinner, DJ and music, and festive decorations. Prices start from £50 per person.
To enquire about the tasting menu or Christmas parties, email bookings@delapreabbey.org or visit delapreabbey.org
