
Celebrating a major milestone in its soon to be 25 year history, Obsession at one of Lancashire’s top fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, Northcote, is set to be full of the flair and exceptional gastronomy it is famous for once again. Known as one of the most prestigious and internationally recognised gourmet festivals in Europe, Obsession will take place at Northcote in the Ribble Valley, from January 24 to February 9, 2025. And this year is extra special; it’s Obsession’s 25th anniversary.
Twenty one world class chefs with 27 Michelin stars between them will make the trip to luxury Lancashire hotel and Michelin star restaurant Northcote, which is part of The Stafford Collection, and headed up by executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, to cook up a culinary storm. 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 cook their unique Obsession menus.
Here is the chef line-up for Obsession 2025 at Northcote
- 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 Alléno 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)
The grand finale
- 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.
Previous years of Obsession have seen noteworthy chefs such as Tom Kerridge, James Martin, Jason Atherton, Tom Kitchin and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall cook up exciting dishes at Northcote, which is less than an hour’s drive from Manchester.
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.”
Managing director Craig Bancroft and his wine team meticulously choose wines to pair with the unique flavours and ingredients of each course, every night providing a further elevated the dining experience. The hotel’s atmospheric bar is also a focal point of every evening with specially created Obsession cocktails that take inspirations from chefs’ menus.
People can register for tables for Obsession25 on November 13, and the price (which costs £220 per person) includes a Louis Roederer Champagne and canapé reception, five course menu, coffee and petit fours. A specially paired wine flight can be added. 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.
Register for Obsession25 at Northcote here.
Find Northcote at Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 8BE.