Caribbean food fans will be excited that Turtle Bay has opened a new restaurant in Northampton town centre. A few weeks ago, a surprise email dropped into my inbox inviting me to a VIP preview for a new restaurant in Northampton town centre.
“Turtle Bay are coming to Northampton and would love to invite you to their VIP Preview Evening”
Intrigued, I discovered that Turtle Bay is a Caribbean restaurant chain with a reputation for Jerk Chicken, Curried Goat and great cocktails. It has an atmosphere and interior that really does take your evening to the Caribbean! I’d never tried Caribbean food before and jumped at the chance to sample the complimentary cocktails and food and meet up with local bloggers and journalists.
Our evening started with a welcome and a choice of two cocktails at the beach themed bar. Bar trainer Sam had created a special Saints themed cocktail for the night. The separate green melon and golden mango flavours gradually blended together, creating a different flavour with each sip. ‘Reggae Rum Punch’ is certainly fruity and distinctly rum flavoured! One of those drinks that makes you go “WOW”, you vow to drink it slowly, only to find that, yes, it’s finished already!
The bright restaurant interior makes you feel like you have been transported to the Caribbean. The reclaimed wood, twinkly lights, neon lights and retro tables and chairs all gives a great Beach Shack vibe. The reggae music and fabulous painted murals add to the Caribbean atmosphere along with the excellent bar area!
Turtle Bay’s speciality is a huge selection of rums and other spirits in addition to their extensive cocktail menu. Their Caribbean Softs (non-alcoholic) are an exciting menu on their own. There are plenty to choose from so any designated driver will certainly feel included! The varied food menu also caters for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free.
Platters full of meat, fish and vegetable finger nibbles were brought around by the friendly staff. The starters including Battered Okra, Sweetcorn Fritters, Spiced Prawns, Whitebait and Jerk Chicken wings alongside others. A mixture of mild and spicy. While we were tasting the appetizers, the team introduced us to the history and ethos of Turtle Bay and their £800,000 investment into Northampton town centre, creating around 50 jobs.
It was the turn of the main courses. Sitting together at the long tables we sample several different foods from the menu. First out were the One Pot curries, served in authentic enamel posts and enamel dishes. My hubby loved his curried goat and I loved the Ital Rundown – a sweet coconut curry of beans, sweetcorn and sweet potatoes. I found the aubergine curry too hot but it was perfect for my curry loving husband.
Next on the agenda was the salad section. My favourite was the SuperVital Green salad with chickpeas and avocados with a lovely dressing. Lastly came the wonderfully moist famous whole Jerk Chicken platter. Served ready jointed into portions with a choice of three dipping sauce, all with different flavours and spices. Vegetarians and vegan got to sample a Portobello Mushroom Burger with spicy chickpeas or a Mushroom and goat’s cheese burger.
After tasting lots of lovely Caribbean spiced food came the Dessert Platter. On offer were Dark Chocolate Brownies, Banana and Toffee Cheesecake, Passion Fruit Meringue Pie and BBQ’d Fresh Pineapple. I’m such a pudding person, I couldn’t decide which was my favourite!
The attentive, confident and well-trained staff enabled us to have a perfect Turtle Bay experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our Caribbean food experience, washed down with several fantastic cocktails! We tried out an amazingly varied array of vegan and vegetarians foods too and I can certainly recommend both the Reggae Rum Punch and the non-alcoholic Coconut and Pineapple Punch.
Turtle Bay 2-6 Gold Street, Northampton NN1 1RS 01604 635137
I’ve not been to Turtle Bay yet and I’ve been meaning to, for some time. Your inside scoop makes me want to go check it out more now.
There is one near me in Birmingham and I am curious to see what their Jerk chicken especially is like. Thanks for the inspiration
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It looks amazing, a great boost for Northampton and can’t wait to try out those cocktails!
Just to let you know that I nominated you for a Blogger’s Recognition Award! (link in comment)
That’s lovely, Thank you!
I’ve not been to Turtle Bay yet and I’ve been meaning to, for some time. Your inside scoop makes me want to go check it out more now.
There is one near me in Birmingham and I am curious to see what their Jerk chicken especially is like. Thanks for the inspiration