Northcote Restaurant dining room
Lisa Goodwin-Allen © Lateef Photography
A milestone moment in the culinary calendar is upon us as Northcote’s renowned Obsession festival gears up for its 25th-anniversary celebration. This much-anticipated fine dining event returns from January 24 to February 9, 2025, promising a feast of flavours and an unforgettable gastronomic experience in the heart of the Ribble Valley.
For nearly 25 years, Obsession has established itself as one of Europe’s most prestigious gourmet festivals, attracting culinary icons from across the globe. This year, 21 chefs boasting an impressive 27 Michelin stars will converge at the luxury Northcote Hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant under the leadership of Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. These culinary maestros will present their signature dishes over 17 unforgettable nights, showcasing a world of flavours— from Singapore and South Africa to Denmark, France, Ireland, and the UK.
Clockwise from top-left: Jonny Lake, Yannick Alléno, Hélène Darroze and Alain Roux
The Star-Studded Line-Up
Kicking off the festival on January 24 is Lisa Goodwin-Allen herself, representing Northcote’s Michelin-starred excellence. The ensuing nights feature a dazzling roster of talent, including culinary giants like Jonny Lake of Trivet in London, Rafael Cagali of Da Terra, and Yannick Alléno of Pavyllon London and Alléno Paris. The festival culminates on February 9 with an extraordinary finale by Alain Roux of The Waterside Inn, Bray — a three-Michelin-starred legend.
Here is the full list:
- Friday 24th January: Lisa Goodwin Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
- Saturday 25th January: Jonny Lake, Trivet, London (2 star)
- Sunday 26th January: Cal Byerley & Ian Walker, Pine, Newcastle upon Tyne (1 star, 1 green star)
- Monday 27th January: Rafael Cagali, Da Terra, London (2 star)
- Tuesday 28th January: Miller Prada, Humo, London (1 star)
- Wednesday 29th January: Graeme Cheevers, UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow (1 star)
- Thursday 30th January: Vincent Crepel, Terre, Castlemartyr Resort, Cork (2 star)
- Friday 31st January: Max Coen, Dorian, London (1 star)
- Saturday 1st February: Paul Cunningham, Henne Kirkeby Kro, Denmark (2 star, 1 green star) and Nathan Outlaw: Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac (1 star)
- Sunday 2nd February: Angela Hartnett: Murano, London (1 star), Neil Borthwick, The French House, London, Mitch Tonks, The Seahorse, Dartmouth
- Monday 3rd February: Hélène Darroze & Marco Zampese, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London (3 star)
- Tuesday 4th February: Jean Delport, Interlude, Horsham, Sussex (1 star, 1 green star)
- Wednesday 5th February: Yannick Alléno, Pavyllon, London (1 star) and Alleno Paris, Paris (3 star)
- Thursday 6th February: Ed Wilson, Brawn, London
- Friday 7th February: Ivor Jones, Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia, Cape Town
- Saturday 8th February: Michael Wilson, Maguerite, Singapore (1 star)
- Sunday 9th February: Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, Bray (3 star)
Clockwise from top-left: Angela Hartnett OBE, Nathan Outlaw, Cal Byerley & Ian Walker, and Michael Wilson
A Legacy of Passion and Innovation
Launched in 2001, Obsession began as a celebration of exceptional food, wine, and camaraderie. While it has grown over the years, its ethos remains unchanged: delivering a memorable culinary experience crafted by the world’s most innovative chefs.
Reflecting on this legacy, Lisa Goodwin-Allen shared: “Over the years I’ve seen so many incredible chefs work their magic on the pass and create everlasting memories for our guests. The passion and the excitement of Obsession is infectious. Beyond the incredible food, Obsession is a social gathering for industry professionals and food enthusiasts, it’s a place to network, connect and share a love for outstanding food and wine. Obsession25 is extra special for the team, it’s a major milestone and to celebrate we have invited some of the world’s best chefs to join us. The team is really excited to welcome them and create the magical energy Obsession is famous for.”
Chef Alain Roux echoed the sentiment: “I’m so excited at the prospect of participating in Northcote Obssession25, especially to be preparing the grand finale dinner. It will be a privilege to share the kitchen with chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and join the 25th anniversary celebrations. I could not be more delighted to support this unique, iconic culinary event that brings together so many talented chefs and hospitality professionals, raising valuable awareness and funds for charities too. It’s a fantastic showcase for British hospitality and important to take the spotlight away from London and up to Lancashire. We aim to spoil our guests with a special menu featuring some of my favourite winter dishes from The Waterside Inn, prepared with the finest British ingredients and a few delicious French treats too!”
Drinks at Northcote
Dining table setup at Northcote
More than just food
The Obsession experience goes far beyond the plate. Each evening begins with a Louis Roederer Collection 242 Champagne reception and concludes with coffee and petit fours. Guests can elevate their dining experience with expertly paired wine flights (starting from around £70 per person), curated by Managing Director Craig Bancroft and his team to complement the unique flavours of each course. The restaurant recently retained its Spectator Two Glass Wine Award for its commitment to wine and its cellar’s breadth across multiple winegrowing regions, including Burgundy, Spain and Portugal. Northcote’s bar also adds a touch of magic to the meal, offering bespoke cocktails inspired by the chefs’ menus.
Tickets and Exclusive Hospitality Packages
Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased here. Priced at £220 per person, they include Champagne, canapés, a five-course menu, and more. For those seeking an exclusive experience, VIP packages are available for groups of six or more in the Louis Roederer Room or at the Chef’s Table, starting at £2,900 + VAT.
Obsession25 proudly supports Hospitality Action as its official charity, while the event sponsors include San Pellegrino, Gaggenau, Wellocks, Wright Wine Company, Electrolux, La Font / CCS, Deepbridge, Sarah Layton Jewellers, Louis Roederer, Reidel, Macallan Whisky, Double Dutch, and Bettys & Taylors.
Northcote terrace
To find out more about Northcote Hotel & Restaurant, visit the links below:
NORTHCOTE
Northcote Rd, Langho
Blackburn BB6 8BE
United Kingdom
Web: northcote.com
Tel: +44 125 424 0555
Email: reception@northcote.com
Instagram: @northcoteuk
Facebook: @NorthcoteUK