Local Food Haven Bags Award, Advocates Community Support

Photo: Kirsty Edmonds

In a delightful turn of events, The Food Library, a cherished local business in Cecil Road, has added another feather to its cap. The co-founders, Michael Mayhew and Laura Elliott, are over the moon with their recent win at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards. Their blackberry, rhubarb and cardamom liqueur clinched the ‘Artisan Local Drink of the Year’ title, a testament to the duo’s dedication to quality and sustainability.

The Food Library isn’t just a food business. It’s a slow food hub that thrives on sustainability, offering a year-round programme of workshops, events, and dining experiences. From their book collection to their monthly seasonal dining club, every aspect of The Food Library is a celebration of local produce. The larder, brimming with fruit and vegetables from their kitchen garden, is a testament to their commitment to homegrown goodness.

Michael, in conversation with the Chronicle & Echo, expressed his joy at the award, calling it “a celebration of the people working independently within the food and drink industry in Northampton.” However, he was quick to point out that the real reward is the community’s support and enjoyment of their products.

Michael, a firm believer in the importance of a thriving local food and drink industry, urged the people of Northampton to engage with and support local produce. “Artisan isn’t posh, it’s purely handmade and not in the big supermarkets. We are producing something which is not only local but is the best that we can make it. That’s worth celebrating and it is a flavour of Northampton,” he said.

Michael also took the opportunity to commend fellow local producers, Hamm Tun Fine Foods and Wharf Distillery, for their exceptional products and passion. He appreciates the Weetabix Awards for fostering a sense of community among those who understand the hard work that goes into the food and drink industry, and for providing a platform to celebrate each other’s successes.

So, let’s raise a glass to The Food Library, and to the vibrant, delicious, and sustainable food culture of Northampton. Here’s to celebrating and supporting local!