Chef u-turn brings a true gem back to Lancashire
PLUS: Why did Robert Jenrick write to a Labour candidate in Clayton-with-Whittle?
Hello and welcome to The Lancashire Lead - and today we’re celebrating!
We’re celebrating chiefly because the return of Lisa Goodwin-Allen to Northcote - one of the the county’s most sturdy top-tier restaurants - has been confirmed. And so has its sale to new owners who appear to love it and are full of ideas (and the means and motivation to put them into action).
Elsewhere, we don’t quite manage to answer the question of why senior Tory Robert Jenrick wrote to a Labour candidate in Chorley offering his backing ahead of the Lancashire County Council elections on 1 May - but we do know he could be facing an investigation as a result.
Lancashire foodies’ North star comes home as Lisa Goodwin-Allen confirms return
By Luke Beardsworth
Northcote has new owners and has announced the immediate return of its high-profile chef patron-director.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen announced her departure from Michelin-starred Northcote just last month after 23 years after reportedly growing frustrated with the lack of investment and the lack of movement over new owners for the site.
Northcote had been a part of the Britannia Hospitality-owned Stafford Collection, owned itself by Egypt’s El Sharkawy family, since 2019 but has now been sold to Silkstone Finance, an investment company operated by husband-and-wife Alf and Clare Ellis.
The couple run the kitchen manufacturer Ultima and have been customers of Northcote since first dining at the Obsession culinary festival over 10 years ago. Existing plans to relax the main dining space into a brasserie and relocate the fine-dining offering elsewhere on site remain in place under the new owners.
There are also plans to modernise the business more broadly, introducing ‘a wellness space’ which would likely see it brought in line with other country hotels that offer a variety of hospitality options but have other experiences too.
“Our vision is to build on Northcote’s outstanding reputation, taking everything to the next level by introducing innovative and memorable experiences,” said Alf and Clare Ellis. “We are committed to enhancing the offering, with plans to launch a dedicated wellness space, allowing guests to unwind in the most luxurious setting and we will be expanding the event facilities to create versatile spaces catering to a variety of occasions.
“The goal is to transform Northcote into a true destination where visitors can indulge in world-class fine dining and unparalleled service. We want the property to be synonymous with excellence - at the very forefront of hospitality, setting new standards for what a country house hotel can be. Ultimately, we see Northcote as one of the very best and most revered country house hotels in the UK. Northcote is known not just for its remarkable history and reputation, but for continually evolving to offer a unique and unforgettable experience to every guest.”
The return of Goodwin-Allen is a boost for Northcote and a relief for culinary fans in Lancashire and the wider area who were concerned about what her loss might mean for a restaurant that is approaching 30 years with a Michelin star.
Goodwin-Allen’s profile has been boosted through her TV appearances but she has been a stalwart at Northcote, becoming head chef in 2004 at the age of 23 and then executive chef in 2017.
“I’m honestly so chuffed to be returning to Northcote with Alf and Clare as owners,” said Goodwin-Allen. “Northcote is a place that means so much to me and I’m over the moon to be part of the next chapter. I’ve got to know Alf and Clare well over the years and together, with the incredible team in the kitchen, front and back of house, we’ll continue to push the boundaries, offering guests an unforgettable experience and proper northern hospitality.”
Craig Bancroft, managing director of Northcote, shared his excitement for this new chapter: “We are overjoyed to have Alf and Clare Ellis as the new independent owners of Northcote. Their passion, dedication to excellence and vision for the future will be key in realising Northcote’s true potential.
“I’m particularly pleased to welcome Lisa back as chef patron-director. Having worked very closely with her for 23 years, I know our guests are going to be delighted that she’s back spearheading the next chapter. Her return will bring the energy and creativity that Northcote needs to keep it at forefront of the very best of fine dining in the UK.
“Along with our fantastic senior management team, and the rest of the Northcote family, we are committed to ensuring Northcote continues to be an oasis of food and wine excellence with genuine and outstanding hospitality.”
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Alf & Clare Ellis made their money in kitchens, ultimately appearing in the 2023 Yorkshire Rich List having built a net worth of £160m.
They take on Northcote ready to invest but also as a couple who have become fans of the business since dining there over a decade ago for the Obsession event.
In the 1980s their business began when they built their own kitchen, reportedly frustrated by the options on the market. They soon had their own factory - though it was originally built for Clare’s father - and ultimately would see success through the formation of both Ultima and DIY Kitchens.
Their son, Matt, is the owner of Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club.
Senior Tory facing investigation over letters to councillors in Lancashire
By Jamie Lopez
A senior Conservative MP is facing a potential investigation over a letter mistakenly sent to a Lancashire county councillor.
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