Harden's survey result
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?”
Summary
“Lisa Goodwin Allen carries on the excellent tradition” at the North West’s best-known country house hotel, which – since Nigel Haworth stepped back a little from the stoves – is “going from strength to strength”, with cuisine that’s “inventive but not outlandish” (“clever dishes that are incredible on the palate, deeply satisfying in both form and function”). There’s a “hugely varied and interesting wine list too, introduced wonderfully knowledgeably, and giving opportunities for great wine recommendations and ‘flights’”. The location is an old manor house in the picturesque Ribble Valley, which has been much-extended over the years, whose “professional-without-being-overbearing” staff create “a friendly and welcoming experience” (although some longtime visitors feel it’s a “pity they have extended the cosy buildings leaving them less characterful”). “A beautiful experience in a beautiful part of the country”.
Summary
“A jewel ’up north!” The North West’s best-known country house hotel “bears comparison with the Gavroches and Watersides of the world (certainly when it comes to the bill!”) – and “even if it’s not yet reached the effortless heights of some of its most famous competitors, the whole approach is so polished, it’s nonetheless a remarkable experience”. Set on the edge of the Ribble Valley, in a much-converted and extended old manor house, the management’s high ambitions inspired a major upgrade a few years ago (“since, usefully toned down somewhat”) and its combination of “sublime cooking” (led by executive head chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen), “passion for wine” (“reflected by MD Craig Bancroft and all his team”) with “true, warm, friendly and totally unstuffy Lancastrian hospitality” means “they truly deserve the many awards they receive”. But are they “pushing too hard for a second Michelin Star”? – there’s the odd gripe about “weird combinations” (“nice to see new ideas, but not a huge success”), or the view that “aiming for technical perfection doesn’t always make for a fun meal”. (In October 2017, after 30 years, Chef/Patron Nigel Haworth announced he is to step back somewhat, taking on a new role as Northcote ‘Ambassador’, with a 50-day per annum commitment to the business).
For 30 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.
The Stafford Collection hotel is also a member of the exclusive Pride of Britain Hotels and Preferred Hotels and Resorts, offering 26 individually styled luxurious bedrooms and suites.
At the heart of our charming country house is the elegant 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 Chef's Table offers intimate dining for small celebrations in exclusive surroundings in the beating heart of the kitchen. Diners can watch the drama unfold as culinary masterpieces are plated in front of their very eyes. The hotel also has it's own Cookery School, with inspirational and varied courses throughout the year.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £29.00 | £36.00 |  |
|
|
| SundayLunch | £36.00 | £43.00 | |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 90.00 | Always available | 6 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £13.00 | £35.50 | £16.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Lisa Goodwin-Allen
Lisa Goodwin-Allen is Executive Chef at Northcote having taken the reins in October 2017 when Nigel Haworth stepped back to take up an ambassadorial role. Lisa became Executive Head Chef in 2015 having worked at Northcote since 2001.
After joining Northcote aged 20, she became chef de partie after a year, junior sous chef the following year then at at the age of 23 was named executive chef, one of the youngest chefs to take on the role in a Michelin starred kitchen at the time. Since then she has helped to maintain the restaurant’s Michelin Star which it has held for over 20 years in total.
Northcote Rd, Langho, BB6 8BE
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
