The town is full of hard-working and passionate business owners, many of whom we are lucky to speak to and share the stories of every week at the Chronicle & Echo.
Among the hundreds we featured in 2024, we have whittled it down to just 11 who we want to give a shoutout to at the start of this new year.
From a community cafe in a hidden gem town centre shopping location, to a gift boutique that opened its second venue in 2024, be sure to continue supporting our independent businesses to see them thrive.
‘Use it or lose it’ remains an important motto no matter the time of year, as you never know what is around the corner and the extent of what businesses are contending with.
Which businesses would you like to see featured in the Chronicle & Echo in 2025? Email [email protected] to submit your favourites.
9. Brooklyn Brownie Co.
Brooklyn Brownie Co., which first opened in July 2019, expanded the business by opening their self-built dessert shop from home three years later in 2022. What began as delivering chocolatey treats to locals quickly developed to meeting a worldwide demand, and opening their own space to create the products was the only logical next step. The venture was founded by father and son duo John Lashley and Leo, to help them navigate a challenging time in their lives. Photo: Brooklyn Brownie Co.
10. Matchbox Cafe
Matchbox Cafe, located in Wellington House, Abington Street, was founded by Bing Wan in April 2018. As an experienced chef of three decades, who has worked in all kinds of food establishments including the town centre’s former Chicago Rock Cafe, Bing took on a new challenge six years ago. The owner’s love for food was nurtured from an early age, with his parents having owned a takeaway, and he puts that experience to good use at his welcoming cafe. Photo: Matchbox Cafe
11. Feather Robins Gifts
Lindsey Scott-Walker established Feather Robins Gifts in Kent Road in September 2022, in the hope of becoming a one stop shop for all customers’ gifting needs. Having successfully immersed the team into the Duston community, Lindsey opened a second store in Weston Favell Shopping Centre back in May 2024. Feather Robins Gifts is a great addition to our town’s business community, and shows what you can achieve when you follow the urge to create something new. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
12. The Link Cafe
Admirable cancer charity The Lewis Foundation took over The Link Cafe inside the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery in November. The team offers a wide range of high quality food and drink options using locally-sourced ingredients, including Friars Farm and GF Shoetown Baker. The charity already runs a successful coffee shop at the Elgar Centre in Upton and two retail stores in Northampton and Luton. They hope to see the same success at the heart of the Cultural Quarter. Photo: The Link Cafe