You may have seen that we already published summaries of the openings and closures throughout the first and second quarters of this year.
This is not a new addition to the Chronicle & Echo, with a bumper list published at the end of each year to reflect on what has been added and removed from the town’s business community.
Being a loyal customer to your favourite businesses has never been more important, so why not support some of the new ventures trying to make a name for themselves across our town.
Many businesses have reported that 2025 has been challenging and with lots of companies entering what is typically their busiest time of year, every purchase counts.
Take a look at the businesses that have opened and closed between the start of July and now across Northampton…
5. OPENING – Pottery Painting at Workbridge
Kate Lowe launched Pottery Painting at Workbridge in Bedford Road in July, and has met lots of happy customers at the charming studio so far. Visitors get two hours of peaceful, creative and fun studio time at Workbridge and they can collect their painted goods a week later after they have been glazed and fired by Kate. This is done from the business owner’s kiln and studio at her thatched cottage home in Duston. Photo: Pottery Painting at Workbridge
6. OPENING – Opium
Restaurant and luxury speakeasy bar Opium opened on Wellingborough Road in early August. The historic Old Trinity Church building underwent an extensive transformation in the months leading up to the opening, turning it into a stylish new venue offering modern dining, bold flavours and crafted cocktails. The building has a long history as a hospitality venue, having first been converted from a church into a restaurant and bar back in 1990. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
7. OPENING – J&S Aesthetics
Mother and daughter duo Julie Miller and Sarah McDonnell established J&S Aesthetics in High Street, Bugbrooke in August. With the aim of bringing advanced skin treatments to the county, Julie and Sarah now have their own clinic room in Nails & Beauty by Emma Katie and are open on Tuesdays and every other Saturday. Their treatments include microneedling, facials, dermaplaning, skin boosters, vitamin B12 injections and botox. Photo: J&S Aesthetics
8. CLOSURE – Next Outlet
The Next Outlet store at St James’ Retail Park closed for good in August, less than three years after it opened. The shop, which sold Next clothing and homeware for up to 50 percent off, took over the former Mothercare and Early Learning Centre unit in September 2022. The store was emptied, the signs were stripped off the front of the shop, and a poster confirmed the closure and pointed customers to the nearest Next store at Riverside. Photo: National World