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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Traitors star and comedian Joe Lycett is putting cash behind the bar at two Manchester pubs
Daisy Jackson
Comedian Joe Lycett is putting money behind the bar at two Manchester pubs this week, as he continues to encourage people to get out and support their local boozers.
The TV favourite – who is also currently one of the stars on The Traitors – announced the news as he bid farewell to his fictional TV pub The Lycett Arms.
On the show, he said: “There are 45,000 pubs in the UK – go and give them some love.”
Joe Lycett then proceeded to list 30 brilliant pubs up and down the country, including two in Manchester, and announced that the drinks are on him this week.
He told audiences: “[This] Friday I’ll be putting a little bit of money behind the bar in all the pubs you’ve just seen. I hope you can have a drink on me.”
The pubs he picked out in Manchester are the iconic old boozer The Peveril of the Peak, and the excellent pub and comedy venue The Old Monkey.
The Peveril of the Peak on Great Bridgewater Street is a real icon in the city centre, with its green tiled exterior and its cosy interiors.
Until recently, it was run by legendary local landlady Nancy Swanick, who died in July at the age of 96.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterInside The Pev
Commenting on Joe Lycett’s post about his pub offer, they wrote: “You are all more than welcome at The Pev. Give me a shout and I will sort you out with a pie, Joe.”
The Old Monkey, meanwhile, is famed for its comedy nights run by Trapdoor Comedy Club, and for its open mic sessions, as well as award-winning beers.
The Portland Street pub has also very kindly agreed to match Joe Lycett’s donation, which means double the budget for pints for Mancs.
The Manchester restaurants and bars shortlisted for the MFDF Awards 2026
Daisy Jackson
The Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards – better known as the MFDF Awards – have revealed the shortlist of local restaurants, bars, cafes, chefs, and more that are up for the city’s ultimate accolade.
Dozens of outstanding local businesses are nominated across 17 categories, covering everything from food trucks to Michelin Star chefs.
The winners will be revealed at the MFDF Awards ceremony on Monday 25 January, which this year will be held at Medlock Square’s City Hall for the first time.
Sponsored once again by Therme Manchester, the MFDF Awards celebrate the outstanding talent in Manchester’s hospitality scene.
Categories have been chosen to showcase new openings, talented chefs and producers, neighbourhood favourites, top restaurants, great pubs, and plenty more.
The shortlist has been selected from a list of submissions by the MFDF Awards judging panel, made up of leading food and drink critics, writers and industry experts.
As well as the public vote, judges will mystery shop venues in a number of categories and will score venues based on their experiences. The mystery shopping and public voting period will end at midnight on 11 January 2027 when the polls will be counted and combined with the judges’ scores and the winner of each category will be chosen.
The awards are now open to public vote on the MFDF website HERE.
Alexa Stratton-Powell, Awards Director of the MFDF Awards, said: “We’re proud to reveal this year’s MFDF Awards shortlists and shine a spotlight on the very best of Greater Manchester’s food and drink scene.
“The awards celebrate the incredible talent, creativity and diversity that make our region a world-class food and drink destination. We’re encouraging everyone to get behind the nominees by voting for your favourites, visiting the shortlisted venues and showing your support for our brilliant hospitality industry.
“We’re also looking forward to bringing the industry together on 25 January 2027 for a fantastic night of celebration and to crown this year’s winners.”
The Community Food and Drink Project of the Year, sponsored by Therme Manchester, is being decided through a separate judging process. The award celebrates initiatives making a positive difference to communities across Greater Manchester, from tackling food poverty and promoting sustainability to improving access to healthy food and bringing communities together.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement will also be presented on the night to recognise an outstanding contribution to Greater Manchester’s food and drink industry, with no public shortlist for the category.
The Manchester restaurants and bars on the MFDF 2026 shortlist
1. Affordable Eats Venue of the Year (Sponsored by Therme Manchester)
Sips n Dips in LevenshulmeNoodle Alley in ChinatownCredit: The Manc Group
Al Madina – 76 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M14 5AL
Noodle Alley – 56A Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FH
Sips & Dips – 994 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3WN
Que Huong Viet – 76–78 Oldham Rd, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5EB
Kabana – 52 Back Turner Street, Manchester M4 1FR
Bahn Mi 782 – 782 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DR
Zaytoni’s – 12 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JQ
Cafe San Juan – 27 St Petersgate, Stockport, Manchester SK1 1EB
Previous winner – Double Zero
2. Takeaway of the Year
Kool Runnings – 118 Chorlton Road, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M15 4AN
Rita’s Reign – Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LY
Chicken Run – 6 Yarburgh St, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 7FJ
Viet Deli – 22 Blackfriars Street, Manchester M3 5BQ
Levenshulme Bakery – 842 Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3AW
The Post Box Shawarma – 543 Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9PP
Clementine Hall -
17th October 2023 
