The original jewel in Lancashire's dining crown could be at risk
PLUS: Lizzi Collinge responds to critics causing 'worry and upset' over Eden Project Morecambe
Hello and welcome to The Lancashire Lead.
It’s long-established that Lancashire punches well above its weight when it comes to restaurant accolades. Newly-minted three-Michelin-star restaurant Moor Hall is just one of three restaurants with at least one star in Aughton alone.
But Lancashire’s restaurant legacy, in so many ways, can be traced back to Northcote and, especially in recent times, the work done by executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.
That’s why her exit - confirmed this week - has come as such a shock. But it’s also led to questions about exactly what comes next for Northcote - and they’re not necessarily questions the restaurant or the people behind it are ready to answer yet.
Elsewhere, we also have time to look at the latest on Eden Project Morecambe - where one former MP has been accused of using the issue for political ends. Who’d have thought?
We hope you enjoy this issue and we’ll speak to you again at the weekend.
Future of Northcote unclear after Lisa Goodwin-Allen confirms exit
By Luke Beardsworth
The future of one of Lancashire’s most prestigious restaurants - and exactly how it will look - could be in doubt after the exit of one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen was confirmed on Monday (10 March) to be leaving Northcote on a to-be-determined date after 23-years in various roles, most recently as executive chef.
Northcote has retained a Michelin star for 29 years and its impact is far reaching thanks to its consistency, Goodwin-Allen’s own profile and the restaurant’s unique Obsession festival that brings in some of the best chefs in the country.
But plans for Northcote to build a new fine dining restaurant separate to the main hotel, and turn the main restaurant into a more affordable brasserie, could now be up in the air after Goodwin-Allen’s exit. This is further complicated by the fact that Northcote was, until recently, listed as for sale. It is now off the market, The Lancashire Lead understands.
The Lancashire Lead asked Northcote, and its operator The Stafford Collection, if the plan to build a fine-dining restaurant would still go ahead, if Northcote had found a replacement for Goodwin-Allen and if Goodwin-Allen was comfortable with the plan to relocate the fine dining element of the business.
In response, we were told that ‘the search has begun to find the next visionary chef to build upon Lisa’s remarkable legacy’. No comment was given in terms of the plans for a new, separate restaurant or Lisa’s view on those plans or Northcote being listed - and then removed - from sale.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, who was born in Lancaster and has an increased profile thanks to appearances on Great British Menu and Masterchef: The Professionals, said her exit is a bittersweet moment.
She said: "I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished at Northcote and, more recently, across The Stafford Collection. The journey has been nothing short of amazing, and it has been an honour to lead such an exceptional team.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity Craig Bancroft and all the team at Northcote have given me. I am leaving Northcote with the happiest of memories, after more than two decades it will always have a very special place in my heart! I am excited to see what happens next and exploring all new opportunities, whatever they may be.
“While this is a bittersweet moment, I wish the team continued success in the years ahead."
Simon Carlo, the writer behind the MeatAndOneVeg food blog which tackles Michelin restaurants, praised Goodwin-Allen but said the overall strategy of the restaurant was ‘curious’.
He told The Lancashire Lead: “Lisa Goodwin Allen’s next move will be fascinating. As one of Great British Menu's most successful ever chefs, she has the talent and media profile to hand-pick her next move. Her pedigree of Michelin-starred cooking at Northcote will no doubt attract a number of suiters, as will her refined and classical style
“The move of making the main dining room a brasserie is a curious one. You have to wonder if Obsession - one of the most prestigious culinary festivals in the UK - has the same pull for World Class chefs if they are downgrading their own fine dining offering.”
Both Northcote and The Stafford Collection are giving nothing away regarding the future of the restaurant - whether existing plans will go ahead or if a deal to sell Northcote is imminent.
Craig Bancroft, managing director of Northcote, says: "Lisa’s leadership in the kitchen, dedication to showcasing the finest British ingredients, and ability to inspire those around her have made a lasting impact—not just on Northcote, but on the industry as a whole.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside her, and we are incredibly grateful for everything she has given. Lisa will always be a part of the Northcote family, and we wish her nothing but success in the future."
John McLean, managing director of The Stafford Collection, added: "Lisa has been the beating heart of Northcote’s kitchen, setting new standards for British cuisine and making an extraordinary impact on the industry. Her legacy is one of excellence, creativity, and mentorship, and we are immensely grateful for all she has given. While we will miss her dearly, we celebrate everything she has achieved and know she will continue to shine in her next chapter."
Northcote is one of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Lancashire, along with The White Swan at Fence, sō–lō in Aughton and the duo of the three-starred Moor Hall and one-starred sister restaurant The Barn, also at Aughton.
When plans were unveiled in 2024 for Northcote’s existing restaurant to become a more ‘simplistic and affordable’ brasserie in, the plan was for Goodwin-Allen to oversee both that and the second venue more focused on fine-dining.
Northcote insists that ‘it remains dedicated to the exceptional culinary experiences that Lisa has helped shape, ensuring its place as a beacon of British gastronomy in the north of England and beyond.’
A spokesperson for Marketing Lancashire said: “Lisa is a chef of exceptional skill and creativity and has been a mentor to so many of Lancashire's talented young chefs, who have learnt by her side in Northcote's Michelin star restaurant.
“She has worked with and attracted chefs from all over the world to Northcote's unique Obsession festival and as a Taste Lancashire Ambassador, has always been a champion of Lancashire produce and producers.
“We wish her every success with her next venture and thank her for her great contribution to Lancashire's culinary success."
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No need for ‘worry and upset' over Eden Project Morecambe completion date
By Jamie Lopez
The planned opening date for Eden Project Morecambe now sits in 2028 - but the town’s MP has hit out at attempts to cause “worry and upset” about its future.
Lizzi Collinge accused critics of playing politics after the Government confirmed the latest schedule for the development would see it open to the public two years later than originally planned.
Those details were explained by Housing, Communities and Local Government minister Alex Norris in response to a question from Tory Kevin Hollinrake. Confirming the government’s £50m funding would be in place from April 2026, he outlined the following timetable:
Full design stage – (RIBA 2-4) March 25 - October 26
Initial enabling works during design - August 2025 - November 2025
Main site enabling works commences - March 2026 - July 2026
Main construction commences - March 2026 - July 2028
Main Construction Practical Completion – July 2028 - August 2028
Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition – May 2028 - October 2028
The answer prompted accusations from the town’s former MP David Morris that the development - which he described as “my legacy to Morecambe” - had “completely stalled after the general election and no progress has been made since the Conservatives sent the first £2.5 million to the project”.
In response, his replacement Lizzi Collinge said: “I just want to make clear there has been no further delays and the Government funding is secure.
“There is no funding withdrawal or holding back, in fact it's quite the opposite as the Labour Government actually signed off the full figure, which the last Government had not.
“There are no new delays to the project and I reiterate my disappointment that some continue to worry and upset the people of Morecambe with their cynical nonsense, clearly motivated by politics.”
News in headlines 🗞️
Preston Labour cabinet member suspended over Whatsapp comments slammed as antisemitic and council accused of burying issue (Blog Preston)
Admin error sees 30 families lose Bacup & Rawtenstall offers (Lancashire Telegraph)
New £15m surgical hub opens at Morecambe Bay hospital (Lancaster Guardian)
Jet-setting Speaker: here's how much Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle spent on foreign travel (Lancashire Post, via Daily Mail)
Thank you for reading The Lancashire Lead this week. We will speak to you again on Sunday.
Luke, Ed, Jamie, Sophie and the team.