Welcome! Let's get this started.
or
Finish logging in.
Vegan
Indian
Raw
Beer/Wine
Take-out
British
Gluten-free
The Ark serves food, coffee and other drinks. All food and drinks are vegan. Set in a converted ship. Available for hire for private events such as birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, celebrations and more. Open for outdoor dining and take-out as of Apr 2021. Reported closed January 2026.
-
Midsummer Meadow, Northampton, England, NN1 5FY
-
Loading...
-
- Outdoor seating
- Wheelchair accessible
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
-
-
Last update on 27 Mar 2026 by Guest
Update business info -
Added by HemaP on 23 Oct 2018
-
-
38 Reviews
First Review by veganian
JaneMills
Points +32
Closed now - Edit
Unfortunately, we have been told that the Ark is closed. Such a shame
Read moreGood luck to the owners in all they do [censored]
Pros: X, X, X
Guest
FionaM84
Points +22
Check it's open! - Edit
We had a bit of a walk over and it was closed so check first! (Around 1pm on a Saturday)
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-12-20
Guest
Eola
Points +38
Friendly staff and excellent location! - Edit
As a newcomer to Northampton, ‘Soy Boy’ was the friendly welcome that left a lasting impression 😊 The food is good as they’re the vibes. Northampton doesn’t have enough vegan restaurants but The Ark made up for it providing me with a warm atmosphere, yummy food and excellent coffee! That’s about the only reason I’d have to visit this city again! Thanks my friends 🤗
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-11-04
Guest
veganevolutionist
Points +3252
Fabulous venue, friendly welcome, great food. - Edit
Short stroll from the carpark to the ‘gangplank’ up to the boat. Large, spacious, bright and airy interior. Love being on The Ark, it’s such a great space with views of the River Nene (old course) with fab wildlife to observe and of course canoeists and paddle boarders.
Read moreView the menu using the QR code on each table, order and pay on there as well.
I had mushroom soup with sourdough bread. I could tell this wasn’t shop bought soup, the aroma was fresh, earthy and mushroomy and the taste was delicious. Loved it. B had the spicy tomato soup with sourdough bread, which he thought was wonderful.
I had an Americano, no need for sugar to take off the bitter taste, this was delicious and tasty coffee. B had a chocolate milkshake which he enjoyed.
I had a slice of blueberry and almond cake; light, soft, and moist cake - delicious.
B had a bowl of ice cream 😋
This isn’t our first time here and it definitely won’t be our last. We’re already planning when we can find a reason to be this way again.
Guest
SallyP
Points +334
Very friendly place - Edit
Visited a couple of times while we had a weekend in Northampton. Will definitely call again the next time we're here. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and there's a good choice of dishes. We had sausage toasties and cake. Delicious 😋
Read morePros: Good choice, Friendly staff, Clean and comfortable
Guest
lexie96
Points +34
Really good food, but… - Edit
The food was delicious and place is really nice. But few times I found in food stuff like hair or little pice of plastic😒
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-03-05
Guest
teejay
Points +226
Lovely little Cafe - Edit
Have the loveliest lunch here, the food was absolutely delicious and good price/portions. My girlfriend and I ordered the Sausage Hash Brown Toastie with Parsnip Soup and the Onion Bhaji and Chutney Toast, both so yummy! The server was the friendliest and very helpful, amazing service and clean facilities. The Boat is also so cool, gorgeous views for miles and plenty of seating upstairs. Will definitely come back to try the delicious cakes 😋
Read morePros: Plenty of vegan options, Friendly server, Quirky boat, beautiful views
Guest
vic_riley
Points +484
Sunny lunch - Edit
Sat outside on the top deck to enjoy a lunch in the sun. My boyfriend and I shared two toasties : the onion bhaji/mango chutney and the sausage/hash brown (with extra vegan cheese!). We both thoroughly enjoyed our food, the atmosphere and watching the passers-by. If only it had more opening hours!
Read moreGuest
TheVeganBilling
Points +68
Great for a meet up - Edit
Headed to The Ark after park run on Saturday morning with a group of other vegan runners. The Ark staff were very welcoming and there was a huge amount to eat and drink. Lots of gluten free options too.
Read morePros: 100% vegan, what’s not to love
Cons: Only open weekends
Guest
RTidder
Points +166
Sunday lunch - Edit
It had a chill vibe and plenty of options
Read morePros: All vegan menu, Comfortable seating
Guest
xav_n1
Points +13
A lovely place held by lovely people - Edit
A lovely place held by lovely people, I really enjoyed my lunch here. Lots of choices. The food is quite good, not exceptional, but you will definitely enjoy your meal.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-07-09
Pros: Location, Kind people, Cheap
Guest
RanjitGallagher
Points +45
Love it love it love it - Edit
Coolest place in Northampton to chill in!
Read moreGreat food and drinks with the best staff :)
Beautiful surrounding walks and you can take your doggo in here too 🤩
Pros: Fully vegan!, The best staff, Beautiful location
Guest
ravsingh
Points +117
Sunday brunch - Edit
Went for Sunday brunch, service was bit slow but it’s lovely atmosphere plus the novelty of eating on a boat which is great. It’s all vegan, plus the GF options if you require. Loved the food and will be back.
Read moreI would like to see English breakfast but nevertheless the burgers are great as are the cakes, coffee and shakes.
Updated from previous review on 2023-03-20
Pros: Lots of options , Great coffee and shakes , Gluten free options
Cons: Little Expensive, Slow service
Guest
Jovegjo
Points +166
Different location - Edit
A limited menu and only open very limited days
Read moreFor gluten free unfortunately did not fancy any of the meals.
Tried onion bhaji.
Also only gluten free option anytime visited is a brownie which was ok once.
Would like to see a better menu and will be a frequent visitor
Guest
TrACeYJaNe
Points +18
Mixed experience - Edit
Great for a party but need to improve food offering, quantity for afternoon tea did not match the price tag, especially compared to Delapre Abbey
Read morePros: Unique setting , Great bar selection , Good coffee
Cons: Afternoon tea was disappointing , Lacks atmosphere in the day, Limited options
Guest
Perseida
Points +83
It is okay - Edit
Nice views around, but the food is just ok only unfortunately
Read moreGuest
mwmummy
Points +228
So lovely - Edit
I've lived in Northamptonshire for over twenty years and this is our first visit. So pretty and food is amazing. Hosts are lovely as we.
Read morePros: Lots of Vegan choices, Lots of Gluten free options, Beautiful setting
Guest
VanessaMae95
Points +20
Friendly vegan cafe with a stunning view - Edit
Absolutely beautiful cafe, the staff are so friendly and welcoming and the food and drink is unbelievable. Every time I am up in Northampton I make sure to visit and grab a coffee at The Ark.
Read moreThe atmosphere is delightful and the view from the top deck is breathtaking. It's lovely to feel so connected to nature on The Ark!
I don't think I could find a single thing to fault. I honestly recommend this cafe to everyone, vegan or not!
Pros: Friendly staff, Amazing food, Beautiful atmosphere and stunning view
Guest
ZoeYates
Points +30
Just Awsome - Edit
Onion bhaji tostise and cake are the best. A must visit if your in the area. You won't be disappointed.
Read morePros: Its all Vegan
Guest
Bcarter47
Points +21
Amazing vegan cafe! - Edit
Really tasty food and run by the loveliest people, super welcoming and great location. :)
Read moreGuest
CainDoolan
Points +18
Hidden Gem - Edit
Found via the Happy Cow App, visited last week for a coffee and some light bites and ended up trying out half the menu! 😊 Will visit again when Covid-19 is less of a threat. Glad the "Curry Night" is not completely cancelled and they are doing a takeaway. I will be placing an order for sure. 💚🌱
Read morePros: Full vegan menu, staff very courteous and engaging
Cons: None
Guest
EmilieMilligan
Points +85
Stellar 😊 - Edit
Had breakfast here, and it was amazing! Friendly staff, good food
Read moreGuest
MartinJames
Points +42
The Ark - Edit
First visit this morning with the family. Lovely peaceful location on the river, the kids loved exploring the top deck and looking for birds. Great coffee and cake, look forward to coming back soon to try out their breakfast menu or maybe afternoon tea 😊
Read morePros: It's on a boat!, All vegan
Guest
Vegan.Matt77
Points +113
Excellent party venue - Edit
We held my wife's 40th birthday party here. The organisation and communication were brilliant, from booking through to the event. The food was delicious, all of it vegan and even though all but the of the guests weren't vegan, the food still went. There is a full bar and it is well priced too. I would definitely recommend having a party here.
Read moreGuest
ClareRS
Points +49
Fantastic Cafe! - Edit
It’s so good to have a cafe in such great surroundings, is totally vegan and the staff are utterly amazing. We always get a warm welcome and the food and drink are delicious!
Read morePros: Totally vegan, Gluten free options, Fantastic staff
Cons: Not open 24hrs🤣
Guest
Hattiebluebell🌱
Points +1300
Afternoon tea - Edit
Great quirky venue with easy access from the car park onto the boat. We’d pre-booked an afternoon tea for 2 and it didn’t disappoint. A choice of teas and coffees to start, then a platter of treats was brought out: sandwiches,crisps, brownies, scones,tiramisu, tarts. Too much to eat in one go, so they kindly popped things in a bag for us. Really lovely service, and really nice atmosphere.
Read morePros: Friendly service, Quirky location, Dog friendly
Cons: Hard to find initally-look for skate park
Guest
ukveganbikers
Points +1267
Great location, good food! - Edit
Always a friendly welcome, lovely location, and a good selection of simple but great tasting food. My favourite vegan establishment in the area.
Read moreCan be tricky to find as the turning is hidden so be aware if coming for the first time.
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business
See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 0 times.