The 25th Northcote Obsession fine dining festival with a Michelin Star chef line-up

17 Nights – 21 Chefs and 27 Michelin Stars – the 25th Northcote Obsession fine dining festival has become everyone’s obsession. One of the most prestigious and internationally recognised gourmet festivals in Europe, Obsession is set to captivate Northcote in the Ribble Valley from 24th January to 9th February 2025. And this year is extra special as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. 

Twenty one world-class chefs with 27 Michelin stars between them have been invited to cook at Northcote, the luxury Lancashire hotel and Michelin star restaurant, headed up by executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Taking place over 17 nights, the festival will see chefs travel to Northcote from different corners of the world – from Singapore and South Africa, to Denmark, France, Ireland and our very own British shores – each chef is poised to bring the essence of their very own kitchens to the Ribble Valley.

The chefs at the 25th Northcote Obsession fine dining festival

1. Friday 24th January: Lisa Goodwin Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
2. Saturday 25th January: Jonny Lake, Trivet, London (2 star)
3. Sunday 26th January: Cal Byerley & Ian Walker, Pine, Newcastle upon Tyne (1 star, 1 green star)
4. Monday 27th January: Rafael Cagali, Da Terra,London (2 star)
5. Tuesday 28th January: Miller Prada, Humo, London (1 star)
6. Wednesday 29th January: Graeme Cheevers, UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow (1 star)
7. Thursday 30th January: Vincent Crepel, Terre, Castlemartyr Resort, Cork (2 star)
8. Friday 31st January: Max Coen, Dorian, London (1 star)
9. 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)
10. Sunday 2nd February: Angela Hartnett: Murano, London (1 star), Neil Borthwick, The French House, London, Mitch Tonks, The Seahorse, Dartmouth
11. Monday 3rd February: Hélène Darroze & Marco Zampese, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London (3 star)
12. Tuesday 4th February: Jean Delport, Interlude, Horsham, Sussex (1 star, 1 green star)
13. Wednesday 5th February: Yannick Alléno, Pavyllon, London (1 star) and Alleno Paris, Paris (3 star)
14. Thursday 6th February: Ed Wilson, Brawn, London
15. Friday 7th February: Ivor Jones, Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia, Cape Town
16. Saturday 8th February: Michael Wilson, Maguerite, Singapore (1 star)

The Northcote Obsession fine dining festival Grand Finale

17. Sunday 9th February: Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, Bray (3 star)

Obsession launched 2001 as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new. From that first event, it has evolved but the ethos is still very much the same; to offer guests a completely memorable culinary experience, created by some of the world’s most innovative chefs.

Northcote Obsession brings an international spread of top chefs to Lancashire

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at Northcote said; “Obsession has an extraordinary history and I feel privileged to have been part of that history since day one. Craig Bancroft and Nigel Haworth introduced this extraordinary event in 2001 at Northcote. The concept was unique for the UK and that’s what made it what it is today. I was proud to take over the reins in 2022 and bring collections of innovative chefs and a diverse ranges of cuisine to Obsession. Its an honour to lead the 25th anniversary of this special event.

“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.”

Commenting on his involvement in Obsession25, chef-patron of three star The Waterside Inn in Bray, Alain Roux said: “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!”

Encapsulating the magnitude and legacy of Obsession, Ivor Jones, chef patron at Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia in Cape Town commented: “I fell off my chair when I was asked to be a part of this event by Lisa. I’ve watched many of these chefs from afar my whole life and never thought I’d ever cook at an event that represents these incredible chefs. I am so grateful for this opportunity as well as really excited to get tucked into some of the incredible UK produce. I’ll be cooking some of my favourite dishes from our restaurant in South Africa. Let’s goooooo.”

While Miller Prada, executive chef of Humo London said: “I’m super excited to be participating in such a legendary event, the Glastonbury of gastronomy. I can’t wait to bring Humo to Lancashire and cook together with chef Lisa, alongside some of the world’s best chefs. We will be bringing the Humo DNA to Obsession and will cook our signature dishes with silver birch, Juniper branches, Oak, Cedar wood and ex-whiskey barrels, sharing with guests our philosophy… every tree has its own personality.”

Champagne reception and fantastic wines to pair

Guests can also enjoy a Louis Roederer Collection 242 Champagne reception, and have the option of adding a wine flight to the dinner. Managing director Craig Bancroft and his wine team meticulously choose wines to pair with the unique flavours and ingredients of each course each night, to really elevate the dining experience. Northcote recently retained its Spectator Two Glass Wine Award for its absolute commitment to wine, and breadth of the cellar across multiple winegrowing regions including Burgundy, Spain and Portugal. The hotel’s atmospheric bar is also a focal point of every evening with specially created Obsession cocktails that take inspirations from chefs’ menus.

Obsession25 sponsors:

• Restaurant sponsor:  San Pellegrino
• Cook School sponsor: Gaggenau
• Film sponsor: Wellocks
• Wine sponsor: Wright Wine Company
• Kitchen sponsor: Electrolux
• Digital Sponsor: La Font / CCS
• Technology Sponsor: Deepbridge
• Programme sponsor: Sarah Layton Jewellers
• Champagne sponsor: Louis Roederer
• Glass sponsor: Reidel
• Key Sponsor: Macallan Whisky
• Key Sponsor: Double Dutch
• Hotel Room Sponsor: Bettys & Taylors

The official charity for Obsession25 is Hospitality Action.

Book your tickets to Northcote Obsession fine dining festival

Tickets for Obsession25 go on sale on 13 November and are priced at £220 per person, including a Louis Roederer Champagne and canapé reception, five course menu, coffee and petit fours. A specially paired wine flight can be added, starting from around £70 per person.

For more information visit Northcote Obsession.

VIP hospitality packages are available to book for six or more people in the Louis Roederer Room or at the Chef’s Table, from £2,900 + VAT.