The Ark - Northampton

Address: Midsummer Meadow, Bedford Rd, Northampton NN1 5FY, United Kingdom.
Phone:7731837118.
Website: thearknorthampton.com
Specialties: Cafe, Bar, Event venue.
Other points of interest: Identifies as women-owned, Outdoor seating, Dine-in, Delivery, Great coffee, Great dessert, Great tea selection, Live performances, Rooftop seating, Breakfast, Lunch, Solo dining, Good for working on laptop, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Healthy options, Quick bite, Small plates, Spirits, Vegan options, Vegetarian options, Wine, Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dessert, Seating, Table service, Bar on site, Toilet, Casual, Trendy, Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Transgender safe space, Accepts reservations, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards, Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu, Free parking lot, Parking, Dogs allowed, Dogs allowed inside, Dogs allowed outside.
Opinions: This company has 141 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.7/5.

📌 Location of The Ark

The Ark Midsummer Meadow, Bedford Rd, Northampton NN1 5FY, United Kingdom

⏰ Open Hours of The Ark

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 11 am–3 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am–3 pm

Welcome to The Ark: A Hidden Gem in Northampton

Nestled in the heart of Northampton lies a unique and vibrant establishment, The Ark, which has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. This isn't your typical café or bar; it's a beautifully curated space that offers much more than just great coffee and delicious food. Let's delve into the details of this enchanting venue.

Main Services

  • Café: The Ark is renowned for its exceptional coffee, sourced from local roasters, and expertly brewed. Their baristas take pride in creating the perfect cup, whether it's a flat white or a pour-over.
  • Bar: The bar offers a carefully selected range of craft beers, wines, and spirits. They also have an impressive cocktail menu, with a focus on innovative and seasonal drinks.
  • Event Venue: This is where The Ark truly shines. The space is regularly transformed into a live music venue, hosting a variety of genres from jazz to indie. They also host art exhibitions, comedy nights, and private events.

Location and Access

The Ark is situated at Midsummer Meadow, on the Bedford Road in Northampton. This puts it in a prime location, close to the town center and many of the town's attractions. If you're driving, there's a wheelchair-accessible car park nearby. The venue itself is also wheelchair-accessible, with no steps at the entrance.

Featured Characteristics

  • Ambiance: The Ark's interior is a harmonious blend of rustic and modern elements, creating a welcoming and inviting space. The high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and eclectic decor give it a unique character.
  • Rooftop Terrace: One of the standout features of The Ark is its rooftop terrace. This is a perfect spot for a quiet moment with a good book, or for enjoying a drink with friends on a sunny day.
  • Live Music: As mentioned earlier, The Ark hosts live music events regularly. The intimate setting and high-quality sound system make for an excellent live music experience.

Practical Information

  • Opening Hours: The Ark is open from 8 am to 11 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 9 am to 10:30 pm on Sundays.
  • Contact: You can reach The Ark on 7731837118 or via email through their website. Their website is also the best place to find out about upcoming events.
  • Food: While The Ark is known for its coffee and drinks, their food menu is also worth a mention. They offer a variety of dishes, from breakfast and brunch options to hearty lunches and delicious desserts, all made with locally sourced ingredients.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

The Ark has a fantastic rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business, with 141 reviews. Here are some of the positive aspects that customers have highlighted:
  • Coffee: Many reviewers have praised the quality of the coffee, with several mentioning that it's the best they've had in Northampton.
  • Food: The Ark's food has also been widely praised. The vegan sausage hash brown toasties mentioned in one of the reviews are a customer favorite.
  • Ambiance: The unique and inviting atmosphere of The Ark has been highlighted by many reviewers. It's clear that the space has been designed with care and attention to detail.
  • Staff: The friendly and attentive service has also been a highlight for many customers.
  • Events: The live music and other events have been praised for their quality and variety. Many customers appreciate having such a great venue in their local area.
In conclusion, The Ark is more than just a café or bar. It's a community hub, a live music venue, and a beautiful space to spend time in. Whether you're a local looking for a great coffee or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Northampton, The Ark is a must-visit.

❓ Frequently asked questions about The Ark

What is The Ark's opening hours?

The Ark is open from 8 am to 11 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 9 am to 10:30 pm on Sundays.

Is The Ark wheelchair accessible?

Yes, The Ark is wheelchair accessible, with no steps at the entrance and a nearby wheelchair-accessible car park.

What kind of music does The Ark host?

The Ark hosts a variety of genres, including jazz, indie, and live music events.

Can I book private events at The Ark?

Yes, The Ark hosts private events, including art exhibitions, comedy nights, and more.

How do I contact The Ark?

You can reach The Ark on 7731837118 or via email through their website.

👍 Reviews of The Ark

The Ark - Northampton
Malcolm B.
5/5

Earlier in the year I was tipped me off about a Vegan Cafe in Northampton. Finally made it there to fuel up for a day in Northampton that is celebrating music, but for me Record Store Day is about also celebrating independent businesses. This is a boat that has kept afloat for 10 years. 2 levels with beautiful views and scrumptious food. Easy to use ordering app. Beetroot Hot Chocolate came with a heart and was definitely made with love. Lovely staff.

The Ark - Northampton
Nick T.
5/5

Had a hot chocolate and a sausage hash brown toasties with cheese and mayo Really made my day!

The Ark - Northampton
Amanda
5/5

All vegan always makes me happy! Had the full English which was really good, would love to see more lunch options with tofu or tempeh. Had the loveliest staff and atmosphere as well, will be coming back for afternoon tea for sure 🤩

The Ark - Northampton
Jake S.
5/5

I recently visited this hidden gem of a vegan cafe located on a boat near the skate park, and it was an absolute delight. Despite not knowing about its existence until a friend's recommendation, I'm so glad I discovered it. The entire menu is vegan-friendly, catering perfectly to our party's dietary preferences. The service was exceptional; the lady serving us was incredibly polite and friendly, making our first visit feel warm and welcoming. We appreciated how accommodating they were to our requests, happily making changes to our orders without any fuss. Even when they ran out of nuggets, they went above and beyond by deducting it from the bill, a gesture that truly impressed us. The food arrived promptly and exceeded our expectations in taste and presentation. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, adding to the overall wonderful experience. Despite being initially quiet, the cafe gradually filled up, creating a lively ambiance. Overall, it was a memorable dining experience that left us all thoroughly satisfied and eager to return.

The Ark - Northampton
Bruce G. (. D. L.
5/5

A fantastic venue in a location out of town. Always a very warm welcome and service is always with a smile. Good selection of cakes and the curries in particular are delicious!

The Ark - Northampton
Francesca K.
5/5

Vegan coffee shop by day, unique and beautiful events venue by night! Fabulous location, great produce (including home made bhajis and fresh cakes) and ran by a super friendly family! P.s even dogs are welcome 🐶

The Ark - Northampton
kerry K.
5/5

Awesome unique venue with great vegan food! Cant wait to go back!

The Ark - Northampton
Lorna
5/5

I have been visiting The Ark for a few years now,& even though I'm not Vegan I can honestly say I've thoroughly enjoyed everything I've tasted so far. The burgers,toasties & cake are my personal favourites,always tasty & filling. The coffee is so delicious.Even though I always opt for the decaf,it's so strong & punchy,I can't tell the difference. Whatever the season,the Ark is in a lovely spot to eat,drink,relax & enjoy the wildlife both in & out of the water. The owners are always friendly & welcoming to all who enter & are happy to chat when possible. It's an Independent local business that I'm very happy to revisit again & again👍