I wanted to offer Northamptonshire something I felt was missing – a high-quality, affordable café experience set in a beautiful countryside location
by Kayla Sibanda
When 18-year-old Ciara Davey opened Davey’s Café earlier this year, she hoped to create somewhere people could enjoy quality food and coffee in a beautiful countryside setting.
She didn’t anticipate was just how quickly the café would become a community hub. In only a few months, it has built a loyal customer base and been shortlisted for the Best Cafe Category in the Northants Life Awards 2026.
The cafe is located in Quinton Green Farm, in the village of Quinton close to Salcey Forest.
The former horse stable has become a place where connections are formed over flat whites and acacia bowls.
The Mum Club
An organisation called ‘The Mum Club Northampton’, reached out to Davey’s. A group of mums were looking for a space where they could regularly meet and chat over food and drink and Davey’s welcomed them with opened arms.
“Being asked to host them was an honour,” says Ciara. “You see people come in as strangers and leave as friends.”
The café has also hosted baby showers, welcomed new parents looking for support and witnessed friendships continue long after customers have left the building. One family even returned later with photographs of a baby whose shower had been celebrated at the café.
“It’s lovely seeing people who may not have known each other before creating those connections,” she says.
Groups of older residents also visit regularly, often spending hours chatting with staff and fellow customers.
“People come in and tell us about their lives,” Ciara explains. “Giving people the opportunity to talk and feel welcome is really important.”
As the café continues to grow, Ciara hopes to strengthen its role within the community through live music, special events and potentially book clubs or reading groups.
Dairy-free and Gluten-free on the Menu
Ciara is also looking to recruit new staff including a Sous Chef.
She says: “Expanding the menu, particularly at weekends, is a key goal for the business, helping to offer greater variety and cater to different tastes. Many of these developments have been driven by customer feedback, including requests for more dairy-free and gluten-free options. A recent partnership with local baker KateKed, which specialises in gluten-free products, has helped make this possible. Looking ahead, there are also ambitions to recruit a Sous Chef.”
Renovation Dream
Davey’s Café occupies what was once an empty horse stable, a building Ciara transformed over eight months with the help of her family.
Her original vision was simple.
“I wanted to offer Northamptonshire something I felt was missing – a high-quality, affordable café experience set in a beautiful countryside location,” she says.
Supported by a Northamptonshire Council grant, the family embarked on an extensive renovation project, transforming the stable almost entirely by hand.
From installing damp-proofing and sanding ceilings to building furniture and designing the interior, much of the work was completed by Ciara and her family.
“Everything we could do ourselves, we did.”
The result is a space designed not only to serve food and drink, but to encourage people to stay, work, socialise and relax. With comfortable seating, free WiFi, music playing and plenty of room, the café was intentionally created to feel warm and welcoming.
“The way it makes me feel is how I want other people to feel,” Ciara says.
Supporting Local Suppliers
The café is also committed to supporting local suppliers.
Coffee is sourced from Yellow Bourbon Coffee Roasters in Weedon, while local bakers and seasonal Northamptonshire producers feature throughout the menu.
“We definitely knew the values of the café from the beginning,” Ciara says. “Having that local aspect has always been important.”
Davey’s Café is open Monday from 7.30am to 3pm, Wednesday to Friday from 7.30am to 3pm, Saturday from 8am to 4pm and Sunday from 8am to 3pm. The café is closed on Tuesdays.
It is located at The Big Stables, Quinton Green Farm, Hartwell Road, Quinton, Northampton, NN7 2EG, United Kingdom.
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