‘Honour’ for fine dining restaurant at iconic Northampton landmark to be named joint-best in county
A fine dining restaurant at an iconic Northampton landmark was named the joint-best in the county at the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2026/27.
Delapré Abbey’s Hibiscus Fine Dining was named ‘Restaurant of the Year’ last Thursday (October 15) at the ceremony, which aims to celebrate and recognise culinary excellence.
Each seven course tasting menu at Hibiscus Fine Dining is expertly crafted by executive head chef Bart Polinski, who was named chef of the year at the same awards during the 2022/23 ceremony.
The aim is to present simple yet elegant dishes at every seating, complete with attentive service and the option to add expertly paired wines to each course.
The restaurant is committed to filling every plate with flavour and sustainability using home-grown produce from the Abbey’s walled garden, ensuring only the freshest and highest quality ingredients are included.
Bart said: “It is an honour to receive this award again, and is a great recognition for all the work that goes into creating these menus and the hard work that goes on in the kitchen to prepare the food each day.
“It has always been a priority for us that all the ingredients we use are fresh and locally sourced. We don’t only grow our own ingredients in the walled garden, but we also source other ingredients from local producers, making each meal the freshest it can be.”
On the recently launched autumnal seasonal menu are dishes such as pork tender loin served with leek ash, raw wildflower honey, ashlock prune and saffron pear, as well as duck served with cherries, celeriac, funnel, aged beetroot, jerusalem artichoke and tonka bean, and seasonal spiced pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.
“Our seasonal menus always offer unique flavours in a variety of dishes perfectly designed to complement each season,” said deputy restaurant manager Cara West. “We also offer a wine pairing option and this provides customers with the perfect way to elevate their fine dining experience.”
Hibiscus Fine Dining is open every Friday and Saturday evening, as well as every third Thursday of the month.