Magical Event
Obsession – one of the most respected gourmet festivals in Europe, was recently staged at Northcote raising £77,000 for local, national and international charities. Photography: David Scholes
Twenty-two world class chefs with 27 Michelin stars between them descended on the Ribble Valley as the annual Northcote Obsession festival recently celebrated a landmark 25th anniversary.
Honouring the major milestone, Obsession returned to the culinary stage and firmly cemented its reputation as one of the most prestigious and internationally recognised gourmet festivals in Europe.
Some 1572 guests enjoyed 97 different dishes with 88 matched wines in a stunning showcase of cuisine from chefs from all over the globe. From Paris to Cape Town, Singapore to Denmark, Glasgow, Sussex, London and of course Lancashire’s own Lisa Goodwin-Allen who wowed the Obsession crowds with her usual mix of highly technical yet nostalgic cooking, in a menu created especially for the event.
Highly acclaimed chef Alain Roux of the three Michelin starred Waterside Inn brought to a close what was a stunning event, which helped to raise over £77,000 for local, national and international charities.
Throughout the 19-day festival followers of Northcote’s Instagram channel were treated to a series of behind-the-scenes films that showed the chefs hard at work in the Northcote kitchens and allowed fans to get a personal view of the inner workings of the festival.
Commenting on this year’s event, Lisa, who is 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 range of cuisine to Obsession. It has been 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 has been extra special for the team, it has been a major milestone and to celebrate we invited some of the world’s best chefs to join us.
“It has been truly magical and we’re hugely thankful to everyone who made the journey to Northcote and helped to continue the legacy of this amazing event.”
