Originally a private house built in 1880, Nothocte became a hotel a hundred years later and now has 26 luxurious rooms. The traditional and the modern are woven into the fabric of Northcote, with manor house rooms in the main house and opulent rooms in the garden lodge.
The restaurant won a Michelin star in 1996 and has retained for it 26 years.
Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen champions the finest products and sources her ingredients from the surrounding Lancashire landscape, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Who for
This hotel is for those who seek out good food and wine and want to wallow in luxury in the heart of the beautiful countryside. It’s also the perfect setting for private celebrations, business meetings and small weddings.
Accommodation
Junior Suite
There are 18 guest rooms in the Manor House plus seven junior suites and one large suite in the Garden Lodge. These all have a terrace or balcony overlooking Northcote’s gardens and the Ribble Valley.
We stayed in a spacious Junior Suite on the ground floor of the Garden Lodge, with a large terrace opening onto the surrounding nature.
Our room had a comfy king-sized bed and a lounge area complete with a living flame fire a Smart TV and Ruark DAB Bluetooth radio.
The bathroom had a large bath, a double shower, twin sinks and Temple Spa toiletries. Also, complimentary bathrobes and slippers were provided.
Food & Drink
At the heart of Northcote is the Michelin star restaurant, elegant and sophisticated, overlooking the gardens. Gourmet menus championing the finest produce and honouring local ingredients are created by Lisa Goodwin-Allen, one of the UK’s top chefs regularly seen on BBC’s Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen and James Martin’s Saturday Morning. An award-winning wine list compliments the dining experience.
There’s also a chef’s table, in a separate room, with glass doors offering a window to the theatrical setting of the busy kitchen. Engage with the head chef throughout your experience and ask about the dishes. A dedicated Kitchen cam on the wall, means won’t miss a thing.
The bar offers signature cocktails with the menu regularly changing, using seasonal fruits, herbs and garnishes sourced from Northcote’s gardens.
For two weeks, in January and February, a different guest chef cooks every night for the Obsession Food Festival.
Facilities
A day in the Northcote Cookery School with Head Tutor Bruno Birkbeck will teach you how to cook seasonal dishes, learning new skills as you go. Even better, you get to take away the food you’ve prepared to enjoy at home.
How much
A Superior room with breakfast starts from £260 for two people sharing. The five-course gourmet menu is £115; wine pairings are an extra £69.55.
What’s nearby?
The Ribble Valley is ideally placed in the dead centre of the United Kingdom, a good stopover when travelling from north or south. The jewel in Lancashire’s crown, its stunning scenery and picturesque villages are just waiting to be discovered. Enjoy the great outdoors, walking or cycling, and explore historic market towns.
Within one hour you can explore England’s largest National Park, the Lake District or visit the North West’s famous cities of Liverpool and Manchester. Bowland and Bay offer artisan foodie adventures in the surrounding area, visiting gin distilleries, cheese shops and traditional bakeries.
VERDICT: If you love good food in peace and quiet, this is the place for you. The high-end rooms make a perfect base for exploring Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland, an undiscovered part of the country. Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s gourmet menus are worth more than a detour, you won’t regret a special trip.
