Northcote, the Lancashire boutique hotel and gastronomic powerhouse that hosts the annual Obsession food festival, has been bought by new owners – who have persuaded executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen to return just a month after quitting, to a new role as chef patron-director.
The acquisition by Yorkshire-based kitchen entrepreneurs Alf and Clare Ellis ends a period of uncertainty for Northcote that followed the news last October that the Stafford Collection had put it up for sale – and last month’s worrying announcement that Lisa was leaving after 23 years.
The Ellises have been regular guests at Northcote, near Blackburn in the Ribble Valley, since attending an Obsession dinner more than 10 years ago. They launched their company Ultima in 1982 after Alf designed and built a kitchen for their own home in Barnsley, developing it into the UK’s largest online kitchen retailer with a factory and showroom near Pontefract. They have acquired Northcote through their investment vehicle, Silkstone Finance.
Northcote’s managing director Craig Bancroft (pictured with Lisa) shared his excitement at 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.”
The couple’s plans for Northcote include converting the current restaurant into a more casual bistro while creating a new fine dining restaurant run by Lisa.
“Our vision is to build on Northcote’s outstanding reputation, taking everything to the next level by introducing innovative and memorable experiences,” they said. “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.”
Lisa added: “I’m honestly so chuffed to be returning to Northcote with Alf and Clare as owners. 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.“
