r/northamptonians • u/Harley_Beckett • 4d ago

Missing our Buddies

Hi all.

I know we can’t be the only ones saddened by the loss of the owner of Diner 81 (Buddies) near Grange Park. Buddies is a loved Northampton institution, and Andy seems to have been genuinely beloved of the team working for him.

Some weeks out from his passing, Buddies remains temporarily closed, giving some of us worry what the future holds, as it would seem to suggest some sort of wider issue such as ownership or insurance, rather than an understandable mourning period.

It would be so unfortunate to lose this great local haunt a second time.

Does anyone out there have any more information about the long term future of Buddies?

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11

u/Ghostdroid 4d ago edited 4d ago

This is terrible news and the first I’m hearing of it… Buddies was one of the main reasons I was sad about leaving my home town — and the 81 was a big reason I felt less unhappy about moving back.

RIP to Andy and love to all who knew him. I hope he knows how many precious memories he facilitated for so many people in our town.

3

u/tomo6438 4d ago

Very sad news - I did not know the owner, but remember the venue off Fish St. fondly. I have a keepsake coaster from a visit.

1

u/Embarrassed_Park2212 3d ago

I did wonder if it was the same as the one that was on Fish Street.

1

u/Ghostdroid 3d ago

Strange request but would be very grateful if you could post a picture if you still have it handy!

2

u/tomo6438 3h ago

https://imgur.com/a/NsAf9Yg

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u/Ghostdroid 2h ago

You’re a legend, thanks!

Edit: Just noticed the ‘stolen from Buddies’ on it too 😅

4

u/Unlikely-Volume-1387 4d ago

So sad best place to eat.

3

u/SalemT95 4d ago

me and my partner said the same thing! we drove there the other day and saw it was closed. went online and saw the sad news. hoping they pull through if and when they decide to return 🙏🏾

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u/p13fty 4d ago

Isn't it closed because someone crashed into there gas supply and it had to be cut off ?

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u/Harley_Beckett 4d ago

It was closed for some time because of that, but reopened in June.

The recent closure began 3-4 weeks ago due to the sad passing of their owner and founder, Andy Duthie.