Set amid the tranquil rolling pasture of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley is Northcote, a luxury hotel and Michelin-star restaurant run with esteemed chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen at the helm.
Just under an hour’s drive away from Manchester, this is the perfect weekend retreat to the countryside for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
We headed to Northcote for an overnight stay as well as to sample their Five Course Seasonal Gourmet Menu, which was a real feast for all the senses.
Hopping off the train at Langho station after just an hour’s journey through the scenic Ribble Valley, we embarked on the short walk to the hotel with a mini suitcase in hand, a vision which must’ve looked like a scene from The Holiday to any passers-by.
Northcote’s luxurious manor house, outdoor terrace and scenic views (Credit: The Manc Group)
The beautiful 19th-century manor boasts 26 rooms each with an individual style, guests can stay in the Manor House rooms or the Garden Lodge rooms.
The Garden Lodge is situated just across from the Manor House within the beautiful Northcote gardens, which is where we were swiftly led to.
From the views of the kitchen gardens to a ‘Gastronomic Welcome’ waiting for us on the television screen, this immediately felt like a foodie retreat and we couldn’t wait to taste what was in store.
After taking in the views on our balcony, we headed to the cocktail lounge to enjoy a little aperitif before our dinner.
Northcote’s cocktail menu
I opted for the ‘Obsession Martini’ whilst my guest chose the ‘Passionfruit Spicy Margarita’, a tipple which the bartender explained was one of their best sellers and one which they make by infusing tequila with fresh chilli.
Here we received a copy of the menu and our lovely server discussed our carefully paired wine choices for the evening.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen joined Northcote when she was just 20, becoming Chef de Partie within a year, and junior Sous Chef the following year. She has been Executive Chef since 2017 and has helped to maintain the restaurant’s Michelin star, which it has held for more than 20 years in total.
New for October, Lisa’s gourmet menu taps into the season’s most celebrated ingredients whilst utilising her signature artistic flair. The fine dining menus also come with a recommended pairing of award-winning wines, and the professional, warm Northern hospitality Northcote is known for.
After being led to our table we were greeted with a selection of ‘snacks’, small bitesize morsels of deliciousness to awaken our tastebuds.
Our sommelier, Magdalene, then presented our first wine to us: a Pinot Gris from France which she explained was meant to offset the flavours of our first dish, an Aged Dairy Cow Tartare with warm marrowbone.
A picture-perfect circular ring of beef tartare topped with a clear layer of pickled jelly; a beautifully balanced dish that truly set the precedent for what was to be a superb meal.
Everything from the Native Lobster with Iberico Bellota to the Yorkshire Duck topped with Aged Balsamic was simply outstanding, and each dish paired expertly with the beautiful wines it was served with.
Our sommelier also explained to us why each piece of glassware was chosen to fit the wine and how some wines were served in a larger glass to act as a small decanter to allow the wine to breathe.
The Forest Garlic Mushrooms was also a highlight for both myself and my guest who enjoyed the vegetarian menu, a dish which stood out as a celebration of all the wonderfully rich and nutty flavours of the humble mushroom.
Forest mushrooms were placed elegantly on a mushroom-infused jelly before our waiter poured over a delicate mushroom sauce, all of which was to be mopped up with a tiny croissant served on the side.
The attentive service struck just the right balance between friendly and informative but not overbearing, and the brief introduction to each dish added a touch of theatre which really made the whole experience.
We were lucky enough to be shown around the impressive kitchens, where we also had a peek at their ‘Chef’s Table’, a purpose-built space where diners indulge in the food as they sit in close proximity to the talented chefs and witness the fruits of their labour come to life.
The menu concludes with freshly ground coffee or a selection of teas served with handmade Northcote chocolates — a perfect end to a fantastic experience.
Priced at £125 per person for the Autumn Gourmet Menu, plus an extra £83.60 for the Wine Glass Package, this is a real celebration of culinary excellence where food enthusiasts can enjoy a true taste of the very best of the season.
If you’re a lover of fine food and good wine, this is the place for you. A spectacular stay that combines gastronomic excellence, good old Northern hospitality and luxury accommodation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. To find out more and to book your stay, visit the Northcote website.
The team behind Salford’s beloved Black Friar set to take over popular Chorlton pub
Danny Jones
The talented culinary team behind the stunning Black Friar pub in Salford are set to take over a new site at a historic old pub in Chorlton: the beloved Horse and Jockey.
As one of the longest-standing and most charming spots on Chorlton Green, The Horse and Jockey public house dates all the way back to 1512 and has remained a regular watering hole for native boozers since the 19th century.
Having been operated by legendary local beermasters, Joseph Holt Brewery, from 2012 onwards, it’s remained a popular spot for generations of punters and ‘The Inn of the Green’ is still the go-to for so many of those who live and work nearby.
Nevertheless, The Horse and Jockey is now set to be taken over by the duo who rebooted a fellow site of Manc hospitality heritage are turning their attention to a new gastropub project.
The Horse and Jockey Inn on the Green, Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Credit: Adam Bruderer via Flickr)
Announcing the redevelopment plans at the start of this month, owner Neil Burke and Executive Chef Ben Chaplin is set to oversee the next chapter for the 200-year-old community pub.
The current Black Friar team has been in place for just over four years now and has very quickly turned what used to be a casual working men’s boozer into a lovingly restored English pub and restaurant with a beautiful outdoor terrace and back garden.
Known for classic but elevated pub grub, proper homemade pies, regularly rotating seasonal menus, a carefully curated cocktail and drinks menu, along with the elegant updated interior, it’s come a long way from its rebirth in 2021.
Having proved their revitalising powers with the Grade II-listed building, which had sat derelict for more than a decade and a half, Burke is using his experience and knowledge as a local resident of the central Manchester suburb to bring a new lease of life to The Horse and Jockey.
Formerly a regional manager of the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, before teaming up with Chaplin to take on their own challenge, Chorlton Green’s treasured public house has been something he’s dreamed about for some time.
Speaking on the upcoming overhaul, Neil said: “Myself and Ben are champing at the bit to get the Horse and Jockey living up to its full potential. As with the Black Friar, we want to create a pub that heavily focuses on great British produce in a beautiful environment.
Neil and BenThe Black Friar stunned this past springCredit: Supplied/The Manc Eats
“We’re over the moon to be taking on a true suburban gem that’s all about the community. The Horse and Jockey will be a place where everyone is welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint, having a roast after a leisurely Sunday walk, or throwing a bash to celebrate a milestone.”
Set to reopen following a major revamp this autumn, Joseph Holt will continue to run the cherished Chorlton pub in the interim while the refurbishments are completed.
Those passionate about keeping that authentic, traditional feel will also be glad to hear that original features like the bright white visage, wooden beams will be kept intact and complemented by a stripped-back decor, heritage colours and more cosy furnishings.
Looking to make this a more dining-led venue than just another bar that happens to serve food, they promise all the usual pub grub favourites, premium á la carte dishes, weekly specials and “a fresh take on The Black Friar’s legendary Sunday roasts.”
Better yet, there’ll still be Holt ales to be enjoyed as well as a new dedicated wine list designed specifically to pair with the new foodie lineup.
We can’t wait to see how it turns out, and you keep your eyes peeled HERE for more updates.
Featured Images — Adam Bruderer (via Flickr)/Press shots (supplied)
Eats
Tiny Manchester pub brilliantly condemns ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech
Daisy Jackson
A micropub in Manchester city centre has spoken out about an ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech.
The Victoria Tap, a tiny little boozer at Manchester Victoria train station, strongly condemned any racist, homophobic or sexist conversations taking place in its venue.
The pub said ‘there is absolutely no room for it’ within its walls.
In a statement – which has been met with praise from customers and followers – they added that anyone bringing hate speech to the pub ‘can let the door kick you on the way out’.
The Victoria Tap wrote: “We’ve noticed an alarming rise in racist, homophobic and sexist slurs/comments/conversations lately and we just want to say that there is absolutely no room for it here.
“This is a safe space for everyone.
“If you, or someone in your group, want to disturb this philosophy, you can let the door kick you on the way out.”
The Victoria Tap has brilliantly condemned ‘alarming rise’ in hate speech
Praising their statement, one person wrote: “Great to read this. There is NO place for this. All public spaces should be welcoming.”
Another said: “Pubs should be welcoming environments for people of all walks of life. There’s no room for misogyny, racism or discrimination of any kind. Those who espouse those thoughts need a good hard look in the mirror.”
Someone else commented: “That’s how I see the Vic Tap. Great place for a safe quiet pint. Keep up the great work guys as it’s a fantastic venue.”
The Victoria Tap opened at Manchester Victoria back in 2023, completely transforming a space that was previously a bin store.
As well as its cosy interior, it has a small beer garden which overlooks the tram tracks in and out of the train station.
It’s operated by the same team behind the Piccadilly Tap and the even newer Oxford Tap.
We know exactly where we’ll be heading for our next pint now. Good work, Victoria Tap.
Clementine Hall -
17th October 2023 
