Heritage visitor attraction ‘serving up’ new collaboration with Northamptonshire charity to help tackle food poverty

22 July 2024

A Northamptonshire heritage attraction has joined forces with Northamptonshire Community Foundation to support their Family Food Aid Appeal this summer.

The Chester House Estate, based in Irchester, has relaunched their food venue ‘The Farmhouse’ last month, and as part of their new summer menus, the team have included a £4.95 option for visitors to ‘donate a meal’ to help provide nutritious meals and essential support services to families in need across Northamptonshire.

The launch of The Farmhouse was part of the Northamptonshire Food and Drink Week, and includes new menus, branding, fixtures and fittings and welcoming a host of new local suppliers. The Farmhouse continues to be dog-friendly, and now has a dedicated ‘dogs dinner’ menu serving a selection of nutritious foods in their dog-friendly room.

Since the Chester House Estate opened its doors in October 2021, the site has grown and developed to meet the needs of visitors. The re-launched ‘The Farmhouse’ is one example of this - our teams have been listening to feedback and changed the offering accordingly.

But the Estate is also about being part of the local community and the option for visitors to donate a meal will provide an extra helping hand to those most in need across the local area.Cllr Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

The Family Food Aid appeal was set up to respond to rising levels of food poverty and insecurity in Northamptonshire. In last year’s Northamptonshire Hidden Needs Report, we reported that food vulnerability was a rising concern across the county. And in January 2024, the Food Foundation reported that 24% of UK households with young children were struggling with food insecurity. So, support from organisations like The Chester House Estate is much needed and much appreciated.Dean Jones, Head of Giving and Development at Northamptonshire Community Foundation

The Farmhouse is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 4pm and no booking is necessary to visit the Farmhouse. With free parking and free entry to the rest of the Estate, visitors can explore the site’s artisan shops, walking routes, outdoor play area and 10,000-year history in the Archaeological Resource Centre (ARC) and across the 84-acre grounds.

The Chester House Estate is overseen by North Northamptonshire Council and opened to the public in October 2021, following an extensive £17m Nationally Lottery Heritage Funded restoration project.