Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/Duston-Mill-001.jpeg" alt="Duston Mill Northampton aerial" class="wp-image-45749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/Duston-Mill-001.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/Duston-Mill-001-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/Duston-Mill-001-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-002.jpeg" alt="Duston Mill Flour merchants Northampton event venue" class="wp-image-45751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-002.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-002-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-002-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-002-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-002-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Restaurants are all well and good, but they can sometimes be in danger of feeling a bit like the same old same old, don&#8217;t you think? Which is why a pop up foodie experience is a rather fabulous way of mixing things up, having a great night out and scoffing some pretty amazing grub. Cue: power duo, Jen and Sherrilyn, founders of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepuddingholenorthampton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pudding Hole,</a> who have been running their brilliantly conceived itinerant Pudding Clubs since spring 2023 (they&#8217;ve popped up at V&amp;B, The Pop Up Place, The (erstwhile) Hoxley, Ruby and Claret and Saints Coffee as well as Duston Mill), and there&#8217;s no shortage of culinary expertise between them. Jen previously owned renowned tapas restaurant Bread and Pullet in Northampton, whilst Sherrilyn previously ran The Pizza Hole and now The Cake Hole, conjuring up the most delightful sweet treats imaginable (cookie dough cannoli? Don&#8217;t mind if we do).</p>



<p>I popped along to indulge in their gluten free Italian night, but other evenings have seen French, Irish, Scottish and retro themes. Savoury always makes an appearance on the menu, but there&#8217;s a strong emphasis on sweet treats. Next month, head to V&amp;B for their Deep South event. Think jambalaya, key lime, cobbler and bananas with rum. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1333" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-003.jpg" alt="Wood burning stove industrial cool Duston Mill Northampton" class="wp-image-45752" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-003.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-003-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-003-768x1024.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A Muddy Award finalist for Best Event Venue in 2024 (<a href="https://northantsleicsrutland.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watch this space</a> for the results), Duston Mill is a modern, corrugated iron grain store on the edge of Sixfields in Northampton. You can get married or throw a big &#8216;do&#8217; here and there are a whole host of other events throughout the year including a circus, fireworks and street food pop-ups with live music. If you&#8217;ve ever been to a Cobblers match, chances are you&#8217;ll have parked your car on the meadow here. So far, so&#8230;ummm&#8230; disenchanting, you might be thinking. But, if it&#8217;s hipster vibes and industrial chic you&#8217;re after, you&#8217;ve come to the right place. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-005.jpg" alt="Ritchie K DK set Duston Mill The Pudding Hole" class="wp-image-45756" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-005.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-005-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-005-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Step inside and the barn, which is still used as storage for the family farm on its days off, is a vast space, boasting a huge wood burning stove, copper pipe lighting rigs, vintage cable reel tables, tractor seat bar stools and a poured concrete floor &#8211; just what you need for dancing the night away &#8211; and we reckon it perfectly captures Northampton&#8217;s slightly off-beat, alternative, agri-industrial vibe. Combined with Jen and Sherrilyn&#8217;s friendly professionalism and creative flair, it&#8217;s not hard to see why the Pudding Clubs book up way in advance. The Italian night was sold out and there were a few tables with couples, some families and lots of big groups, filling the space with chatter and warmth, whilst DJ Ritchie K on the decks threw in some cool Balearic vibes. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff">SCOFF AND QUAFF</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s a supper club style event, so you won&#8217;t get the same thing twice, that&#8217;s the appeal. Jen and Sherrilyn&#8217;s creative flair, leading diners on a deep dive culinary journey through a rollercoaster of flavours, is what really makes the menu special. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-004.jpg" alt="Beef ragu arancini The Pudding Hole Duston Mill" class="wp-image-45754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-004.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-004-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-004-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The evening kicked off with some popcorn to nibble on while we waited for the first of our five courses, an enormous (just the way I like it) arancini stuffed with beef ragu and coated in gluten free breadcrumbs, served with tomato relish, rocket and aioli. Each course is served on a sharing plate, so it&#8217;s all about getting stuck in, tapas style. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-006.jpg" alt="Almond tiramisu The pudding Hole Duston Mill" class="wp-image-45755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-006.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-006-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-006-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On to the puddings and next up, a personal favourite of mine, tiramisu with coffee, Amaretto and crystallised almonds, which was served in a big glass to share between two. Romantic if you&#8217;re with your beloved, unless they&#8217;re a bit of a piggy, of course. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="756" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-009-756x1024.jpg" alt="Pudding Club Duston Mill " class="wp-image-45758" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-009-756x1024.jpg 756w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-009-221x300.jpg 221w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-009-768x1041.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-009.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" /></figure>



<p>Ding ding. Round three was fruta tostada with roasted fruits (peach, pear), served with ricotta, gooey honeycomb and biscotti. The ricotta was a masterstroke for me, taking back the sweetness just enough. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-007.jpg" alt="Grapefruit rosemary polenta cake" class="wp-image-45761" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-007.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-007-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-007-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Which takes me to the pretty pink grapefruit and rosemary polenta cake, served with Campari syrup and pink grapefruit sorbet. Again, the sweetness is beautifully balanced by the savoury notes of the rosemary and the bitterness of the grapefruit and Campari. I may have to try and wangle the recipe for this one.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="593" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-008.jpg" alt="Cheese plate Pudding Club" class="wp-image-45763" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-008.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-008-300x178.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/DUSTON-MILL-008-768x455.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I don&#8217;t have the world&#8217;s sweetest tooth but I love the way desserts are the main event, bookended by a savoury starter and a cheese course. And yes, after all that, I did indeed manage to polish off the cheeseboard, which included a Pecorino Sardo, Gorgonzola and Provolone with crackers and a gorgeous appley Mostarda. Worth noting that still water is served but do remember to BYO if you want a tipple or a soft drink with your meal here at Duston Mill, though there are some venues where wine pairings and drinks will be available. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">OUT AND ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="720" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/ALTHORP-HOUSE-BPTL-.jpeg" alt="Althorp House NORTHAMPTON" class="wp-image-45730" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/ALTHORP-HOUSE-BPTL-.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/ALTHORP-HOUSE-BPTL--300x216.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/04/ALTHORP-HOUSE-BPTL--768x553.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Althorp House</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.ntfc.co.uk/sixfields-stadium/sixfields-stadium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sixfields Stadium</a> is next door, <a href="https://www.franklinsgardens.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franklins Gardens</a> is five minutes up the road and you&#8217;re just a stone&#8217;s throw from the centre of town, where you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.northamptonmuseums.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Northampton Museum and Art Gallery</a>, which houses the largest collection of shoes in the world, as well as <a href="https://www.78derngate.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">78 Derngate</a>, the only house in England designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Stately homes <a href="https://althorpestate.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Althorp</a> and <a href="https://www.holdenby.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holdenby </a>are both around 15 minutes by car and it&#8217;s just 20 minutes to <a href="https://www.silverstone.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silverstone Circuit</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY</h2>



<p>Whether it&#8217;s kid friendly will entirely depend on the nature of the event and the age of your kids. I took my teenage daughter along to the Pudding Club and there were a couple of other teenagers there, but it&#8217;s probably a bit on the late side (7pm-10ish) for younger children and you might not want to fork out for fussy eaters. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibilty">ACCESSIBILTY</h2>



<p>The dining space is all on one level and there&#8217;s parking right outside, though the door is a bit on the narrow side for wheelchair access and the loos are up some stairs. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: Adventurous diners after something a bit different with a relaxed, convivial atmosphere; groups of mates, family dining and date nights. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: Stuffed shirts might want to loosen their ties a bit, but we reckon they&#8217;ll love it as much as we do if they give it ago.</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: The menu and price varies depending on the event, but expect to pay around £28-£38 a head for five sharing plates. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.dustonmill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duston Mill</a>, Upton Way, Northampton, NN5 5FP<br></em></p>


Review: The Pudding Hole at Duston Mill, Northampton

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