THE SEASONAL LUNCH…
THE BEST KEPT SECRET!
Northcote, renowned for its fine dining and famous chefs, also has a fabulous great-value seasonal lunch – the perfect opportunity to experience this Michelin-starred restaurant
Food is one of the main reasons visitors come to the Ribble Valley. Farmers’ markets, the Clitheroe Food Festival, and of course the incredible selection of restaurants. The flagship without doubt is Northcote. Holding one Michelin star for nearly 20 years, this fine dining experience is not one to be missed with diners and hotel guests travelling from far and wide to sample its delights.
Let me let you into a secret, known by many locals and regular diners, the seasonal lunch menu is arguably the best value lunch in the Ribble Valley. With three incredibly delicious courses priced at just £33.50, which includes coffee and legendary Eccles cakes, you can’t argue the value. There are even summer promotional vouchers available to download to bring the price to under £30 – fine dining alongside famous Ribble Valley hospitality is a combination not to be missed.
The current menu is truly stunning – Nigel Haworth prides himself on his careful selection of the finest local produce and alongside the talented team of chefs, prepares dishes that are simply exquisite.
I recently had lunch with my twins to celebrate joint birthdays and enjoyed every second of our experience. As it was a special occasion, we enjoyed pre-lunch cocktails inspired by the seasons and took time to peruse the menu. My ‘just’ cooked treacle salmon was delicate and moreish with a touch of brilliance in a lime and ginger marshmallow to accompany the fish. Main courses were difficult to choose as they all sounded fabulous.
Robert and Emily, being twins, both chose local Goosnargh duck leg served on a perfect base of peas, beans and bacon. We had wines to match, carefully selected by Craig Bancroft and the award winning sommelier team.
Rhubarb was bang in season and for dessert my duck egg custard tart was delightfully decadent. Emily had all her favourites on one plate – chocolate banana cheesecake and a salted honeycomb ice-cream – ‘perfect’ was her description and the clean plate bore this out.
The three course lunch was incredible – many of our fellow guests had been shopping in the independent shops in nearby Whalley and Clitheroe and many of the regular clientele were simply enjoying each others’ company whilst sharing the secret that is Northcote. However, not everyone was having the seasonal lunch – there are a host of options including the a la carte menu, and if guests want to linger a little longer over lunch there is a five-course gourmet menu or why not book early for Northcote’s iconic tasting menu.
As we returned to the lounge for coffee more guests were arriving to sample the ultimate Champagne afternoon tea – another great reason to visit Northcote. Quintessentially British, teas are served outside when the sun shines and in the lounge on colder days.
Very refined, very elegant and very unhurried. My wife and our girls love this for birthday treats and as Christmas presents – it is a delightful shared experience.
Sunday lunch is another incredible value option with family and friends and with a packed programme at the cookery school, there’s something for everyone – seven days a week to suit both mood and budget. If you’ve never been to Northcote before, you now know our secret – enjoy!
Northcote
Northcote Road, Langho BB6 8BE
01254 240555
www.northcote.com
