Our guide to Northamptonshire’s Best-Kept Secrets
When you’ve been on the high street for as long as my family has (since 1910, to be exact) you develop a bit of a "sixth sense" for good treats. People often ask us if we see other bakeries as competition. Our answer? Never.
With a local community as good as ours, there's room for everyone and everyone has room to do their own thing.
While we love seeing your familiar faces at our shop for your weekly pink & white angel cake, today, I'm stepping out from behind our counters to share a few of my personal favourite hidden gems. First up, a little more about us and our family.
For over 115 years: Gardners Bakery
📍Kingsthorpe, Northampton, NN2 7SL
To us, baking isn’t just about flour and sugar; it’s about being part of Northampton’s celebrations - the birthdays, anniversaries and christenings, the 'just because' treats & the Sunday afternoon teas that bring families together.
We've been on Kingsthorpe front for over 115 years, and we're still run by the same Gardner family - now the fourth and fifth generation.
How did we do it? How did we survive 2 world wars, a pandemic and many more hurdles? Over the years, we've listened and adapted to keep the family business thriving.
It started with bread, then takeaway treats and wedding cakes. We now specialise in celebration cakes and iced shortbread cookies, plus we still offer filled rolls and tasty bakes in store daily.
The heart of Gardners is exactly the same as the day we opened.
Being on the Kingsthorpe front for over 115 years means we’ve seen the town change around us, but our legacy has remained a constant. We aren't just a business; we are a local staple. We’ve seen children who used to press their faces against our glass grow up to bring their own grandchildren in for a treat (specifically a duck or rabbit biscuit, if you know, you know).
If you want to see what all the fuss is about, pop down and visit us in store - our recommendations: An angel cake off-cut, a loaf of marmite bread, 4 iced cookies, a brownie & a viennese whirl.
Beyond Kingsthorpe front
Tees Bakery
📍Grafton St, Northampton, NN1 2NW
A few years ago, when adapting our range and making space for our bakers to bake thousands of cookies a week, we made the decision to stop baking bread on premises.
We knew we had to choose a local, traditional, small bakery to supply us: Tees were the perfect fit!
Pop in to their bakery on Grafton St. for traditional bakery cakes, breads and savouries.
Pictured: Gardners Bakery many, many years ago before supermarkets took over with their in-store bakeries.
The Italian Shop
📍Abington, Northampton, NN1 4QY
A taste of Italy, right at your doorstep. Let your tastebuds explore popular Italian food and drink with Italian deli meats panini, traditional cakes, ingredients, delicious coffee and more.
Visit their website here (& tell them we sent you!)
Hidden Gem
📍Finedon, Wellingborough, NN9 5JT
If posting aesthetically pleasing food and drink on your Instagram story is your vibe, this one's right up your street. Specialising in Açai, Matcha, Coffee, Smoothies & Toasties.
The Workhouse
📍Brixworth, NN6 9DS
My personal current favourite stop for lunch (especially the chicken and avo toastie), here you'll find toasties, coffee, shakes, matcha, tasty bakes and more.
Magee Street Bakery
📍Northampton, NN1 4JS
Local neighbourhood bakery and café serving quality artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee. If you're a sourdough fan (I know I am), I think this one might just need to be your first visit.
Briary Barn Cafe
📍Blisworth, NN7 3DB
A hidden gem of a cafe, located in a business park in Blisworth. If you work from home and are looking to get out of the house on a sunny day, this is a great spot to get a drink, a bite to eat and some fresh air.
Twenty9
📍Earls Barton, NN6 0NA
A modern and vibrant neighbourhood café located in the heart of Earls Barton offering brunch dishes, pastries, cakes, and sweet treats.
Spread
📍Roe Road, Abington, NN1 4PJ
The most delicious looking sandwiches with the best combinations.. this one's been on my go-to list for years (sadly closed on my days off so yet to make the trip, just admiring from my Insta feed!).
Their drinks and bakes also look delicious.
Nourish
📍Duston, Northampton, NN5 6JF
Now, we haven't been to this one as it's not open at the time I'm writing this.. But if their Instagram posts are anything to go by.. this spot might be my new favourite. Coffee, Açai, Matcha & Wait for it.. BAGELS.
Wythmails
📍Orlingbury, Kettering, NN14 1JH
Personally I'd call this more of a breakfast/brunch spot, but we just HAD to include it in our list. Specifically the Eggs Benedict, and every one of their weekly specials. This one is worth sitting outside in the 4 degree weather when the inside is full (yes, talking from experience).
Jeyes of Earls Barton
📍Earls Barton, NN6 0NA
Breakfasts, homemade lunches and afternoon teas or create your own hamper featuring their signature sauces, there's something for everyone at Jeyes.
Whitemills Marina Boathouse
📍Earls Barton, NN6 ORB
I've just stumbled across this hidden gem in Earls Barton, luckily when I visited it was a bright, sunny day.
Light, simple bites by the water - Nice meet up with family and friends.
Dusty's
📍Brixworth, NN6 9DX
Speciality coffee, fresh breakfasts, toasted sandwiches, homemade treats and warm pastries every weekday.
Duston Village Bakery
📍Duston, Northampton, NN5 6JF
A small, traditional bakery selling fresh bread, filled rolls, as well as fresh cream cakes and biscuits.
They also now host lots of small-business events including chocolate workshops, pottery painting and a
monthly market.
The Paddock Pantry
📍Harlestone Firs, NN5 6UJ
A rustic horsebox serving freshly brewed coffee, hot drinks and sweet treats in Harlestone Firs, perfect for a Sunday morning walk with family and friends.
This one is on my must-try list for 2026.
Eleven
📍Long Buckby, NN6 7RE
A selection of freshly baked pastries, in house, every day as well as coffee, savouries and lunch options.
Have we missed out one of your favourite spots in Northamptonshire?
We're always on the hunt for tasty treats in our local area - let us know your favourite spots and we'll pay them a visit!
Drop us a follow & DM us on Insta - @gardnerscakes
Why it's important to shop small
Supporting our local Northamptonshire gems is essential. When you step into an independent coffee shop or bakery, you aren't just a customer number. These are the spaces where the owners know your name, you see the passion, and the atmosphere is built on years of hard work and late nights or early mornings.
By visiting these spots, you’re helping a dream stay alive.
So, next time you need a pick-me-up, skip the drive-thru and head to the place where the coffee is brewed with heart and the service feels like a warm welcome.
