‘Independents matter’: Three-time award-winning food business celebrates another ‘busy’ year in Northampton
A three-time award-winning food business is celebrating another “busy” year in Northampton and continues to spread the important message that “independents matter”.
The Food Library, located in Cecil Road, is run by Michael Mayhew and Laura Elliott. Sustainability is a priority for the pair, who run a year-round programme of workshops, events and dining at the evolving slow food hub.
Alongside their book collection, The Food Library is home to a monthly seasonal dining club and their larder of produce, made with fruit and vegetables grown in their beloved kitchen garden.
The venture was founded in January 2019 and Michael says the pandemic gave them an opportunity to knuckle down, by really questioning and testing their concept.
As the building is located in a terrace house at the heart of Queens Park, Michael and Laura believe they have been successful in bringing where they live to life through food and drink.
When asked how 2025 has been for The Food Library, Michael told the Chronicle & Echo: “It’s been busy and we’re at an interesting point as we enter our seventh year. We’ve made an impact and deliver a lot for what we are, but we’re walking into a reflective period.”
As The Food Library hosts weekly events in different locations with unique themes, Michael likened it to being part of a touring band and said he enjoys the adrenaline buzz. However, he believes it is important to consider the value they bring in our ever-changing world.
“We ask ourselves a lot of questions to reflect and make what we do matter in today’s society,” said Michael, who is excited for their annual Food Hall event on November 29 and what 2026 has in store for the award-winning business.
One attendee recently shared with Michael and Laura that The Food Library has “changed her life” and how she engages with her garden, which was amazing for the founders to hear.
“We bring something different and not obvious,” said Michael. “We’re not a supermarket and we work directly with human beings. The way we treat people and hand over new skills is positive and worth shouting about. People enjoy our unobvious take on working with food and drink.”
When asked his proudest achievement of 2025 when it comes to The Food Library, Michael proudly responded with the way they have consistently sustained the variety on offer.
“We are a multi-award-winning food business and that’s kind of wild,” he said. “We never went out with that intention and people grow with us. We give them food for thought.”
When asked what message he wanted to share as we approach the end of 2025, Michael said: “There are real diamonds across the county and places are going out of business.
“Anything of value just seems to go and we need to celebrate where we are. We should all be obsessed with what this town and county produces as if you don’t use them, they’ll go.
“When people come and celebrate with us, that feeds us and it’s nourishing. We want to survive and independents matter. The food and drink sector needs the human touch.”
Looking to 2026, The Food Library hopes to welcome each season with unique events and continue encouraging the people of Queens Park to grow more food of their own.