Harden's survey result
For 25 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 60,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.
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).
Summary
“A major decor upgrade for the better” (completed 2-3 years ago) still features in reports on the North West’s most commented-on country house hotel – “a class act” in all respects. “Nigel Haworth (chef/patron) and Lisa Allen (head executive chef) have created the most wonderful menus – world-class yet true to their local roots” – delivered by “excellent but unfussy service”. “I have been visiting Northcote for over 20 years, and have never been disappointed.”
Summary
A “love-it-or-hate-it” refurb a couple of years ago (most reporters love it), complete with “numerous alterations and extensions” (and the installation of a “flashy bar”) has zhooshed up the North West’s most prominent country house hotel. Lisa Allen’s “effortlessly delicious” seasonal cuisine (“so intense it makes you drool!”) is matched with a “tremendous” and “constantly evolving” wine list, and served “without undue formality” by staff who “couldn’t be more helpful”. Top Menu Tip – “the table d’hote lunch is simply stunning value”.
Summary
“Improved , even if it is flashier!” – after some “terrific renovations”, including a new kitchen, the North West’s most prominent restaurant-with-rooms “has moved up a gear” (and it was no slouch before); Lisa Allen’s cooking is “truly gorgeous”, and the “brilliantly compiled” wine list a major attraction in its own right.
Owner's description
Managing Director Craig Bancroft together with Executive Head Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and the team are dedicated to their vision of ensuring the perfect experience at Northcote - a renowned small luxury hotel with a Michelin star restaurant situated on the edge of the Ribble Valley, in the heart of Lancashire.
The hotel, a member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain Hotels, offers 26 individually styled luxurious bedrooms. Northcote's restaurant is renowned for its fine cuisine and serves traditional Lancashire recipes with a modern twist, created from local produce. To add to the experience, the Chef’s Table, in the kitchen, offers insights into how the kitchen really operates, and the Cookery School provides a unique and intimate experience where you can learn new skills and dishes in a Michelin star kitchen.
Restaurant details
The chef
Lisa Goodwin-Allen
Lisa Goodwin-Allen is Executive Head 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 Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Taken lunch here twice in last four weeks. Once as a group of six for a celebration and once for a romantic lunch with my wife. As always the excellent value for money provided by the three course seasonal lunch menu did not disappoint. The staff were excellent and the food fab. We are lucky to have this gem in easy access to us. Highly recommended."
Northcote Rd, Langho, BB6 8BE
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 7.45 to 9.45; 12 to 2pm; 3pm to 5pm; DINNER Mon to Thurs 7pm to 9.30pm; Fri 6.30pm to 10pm; Sat 6.30pm to 10pm; Sun 7pm to 9pm
Last orders: 10 pm, Sun 9 pm
