Harden's survey result
Summary
“Lancashire hospitality at its best” but in a thoroughly forward-looking vein has won rightful acclaim for this much-extended manor house, in the Ribble Valley (which stands immediately off the A59). “The team of chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and MD and cellarmaster Craig Bancroft are paired like the best food and wine” and staff “remain fun, focused and dedicated”. Lisa manages to juggle her increasing TV fame with delivering “really elegant and fabulously balanced menus” (“always enhanced with fabulous wine pairings” overseen by Craig); and “despite running an exceptional kitchen, she still finds time to pop out to chat to dinner guests”. Grievous complaints are notable by their absence, although the niggle that “portions are definitely on the ungenerous side” surfaced in a couple of reports this year, as did the notion that the overall style “seems just a little more ‘corporate’ since it has joined ownership with The Stafford in London”. But “for a special occasion, it's hard to beat” and “divine bedrooms add to the fabulous experience”. A highpoint of the year is the international gastronomic festival called Obsession which they run annually in January and February, which “has grown over 20 years from them chasing chefs to attend, to restaurants now asking how they can be considered for one of the nights”. “We try to go here at least once a year… well worth the 3-hour drive!”
Summary
One of the best-known gastronomic retreats in the UK – this converted manor house lies in the heart of the scenic Ribble Valley. Built in late Victorian times, just off what’s nowadays the A59, the original house has been much altered and extended over the years, including the addition five years ago of the ‘Garden Lodge’ – a separate accommodation block in the gardens. Now owned by The Stafford Collection, it is still led by MD Craig Bancroft who (as co-founder with chef Nigel Haworth) has helped drive its emergence as a major force in the region over the years: not least its impressive, twenty-year old ‘Obsession’ festival of fine food and wine held in January and February of each year. Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allan “seems to have grown in confidence after her increasing TV exposure” and “having taken on the mantle of Nigel Haworth she has, if anything, exceeded her mentor”. “Under her skilful guidance, the kitchen delivers exceptional flavours from a seasonal menu” (“had no one been watching, I would happily have licked all five plates”) and numerous reporters complimented the ‘at home’ boxes here as the best they experienced in the Covid era. The cooking is matched with a wine list “reflecting the passion of the team especially Bancroft the MD who has also trained some seriously good sommeliers”, and service generally is “so attentive and professional yet personable and friendly”. If you were looking for a gripe, you could find one or two fans who feel that “for all the extensions and renovations”, they don’t dig the decor. More commonly, though, the surroundings are judged “utterly delightful”, contributing to “a marvellous experience from start to finish”.
Summary
One of the “top class gold-standards for restaurants in the North West” – this luxurious country house hotel, just off the A59 near Preston, has risen to ever-greater prominence over the years, and “its new ownership (The Stafford Collection) promises yet-additional investment”. “With Lisa Goodwin Allen now established as Executive Head Chef, there’s a new vibrancy to the cuisine, with interesting and imaginative new dishes whilst maintaining the best from the past” (established under Nigel Haworth); and “better touching base with its North West roots than it has in recent times”. Over the years the property has been lavishly added-to and benefited from a “classy” refurbishment (occasionally felt to be a bit “corporate”). There’s “an exceptionally curated wine list, whose selection is led by MD Craig Bancroft, with plenty of classics but lots of other interesting wines from around the world”. “Will they now get the second Michelin star that they so crave?”
Summary
One of the “top class gold-standards for restaurants in the North West” – this luxurious country house hotel, just off the A59 near Preston, has risen to ever-greater prominence over the years, and “its new ownership (The Stafford Collection) promises yet-additional investment”. “With Lisa Goodwin Allen now established as Executive Head Chef, there’s a new vibrancy to the cuisine, with interesting and imaginative new dishes whilst maintaining the best from the past” (established under Nigel Haworth); and “better touching base with its North West roots than it has in recent times”. Over the years the property has been lavishly added-to and refurbished with a result that can seem a bit “naff” or “corporate”, but which mostly gets the thumbs up for giving a “classy” impression. There’s “an exceptionally curated wine list, whose selection is led by MD Craig Bancroft, with plenty of classics but lots of other interesting wines from around the world”. “Will they now get the second Michelin star that they so crave?”
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Northcote?
Owner's description
Nestled in Lancashire's Ribble Valley hills, a warm, true northern welcome awaits guests at this food-lovers' paradise.
At the heart of our charming country house is the elegant Michelin starred restaurant and exquisite culinary delights created by Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and the brigade. A comprehensive wine list is compiled by the wine team, led by Managing Director Craig J Bancroft MI.
The traditional and the modern are woven into the fabric of Northcote, from the luxury garden lodge to the traditional manor house rooms, from the sunny terraces to the cosy corners warmed by roaring log fires. This is a place to relax, reset, reconnect and indulge in outstanding food and award-winning wines.
The hotel also has it's own Cookery School, with inspirational and varied courses throughout the year.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £48.00 |  |
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| SundayLunch | £48.00 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 125.00 | Always available | 5 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £16.50 | £39.00 | £25.00 | £16.50 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the most innovative and exciting chefs in the UK today.
Leading the kitchen brigade at Northcote since the age of 23 and a regular face on Britain’s tv screens, she draws inspiration from the beautiful Ribble Valley landscape to produce stunning dishes which showcase the wide range of incredible produce the region has to offer.
Northcote has held a Michelin star since 1996.
Northcote Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Brilliant food. Too complex for me to replicate at home"
"Favourite restaurant in the UK"
"Still our favourite local restaurant"
"Classic type of place. Just what you’d expect from a starred establishment. Very good without being great"
"Pleasant place, food good, but less exciting than most Michelin I’ve tried. Nice wine list."
Northcote Rd, Langho, BB6 8BE
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6:30 pm‑8:30 pm |
