The Ribble Valley in Lancashire to become the epicentre of global gastronomy once again with the return of Northcote Obsession

Image credit - David Scholes Photo

The culinary world’s most anticipated festival is back. Northcote’s Obsession will return in January 2026 and promises an unmissable series of once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, once again transforming the Ribble Valley into the epicentre of global gastronomy. From 23rd January to 8th February 2026, the iconic event will unite 20 world-class chefs holding a combined 25 Michelin stars for 17 unforgettable nights of culinary artistry.

At the heart of it all is Northcote, the luxury Lancashire hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef patron-director Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Obsession26’s line-up will bring together an extraordinary roster of chefs from across the globe - from Chicago and Dubai to Amsterdam, Dublin and London - each bringing their own signature style, creativity and identity to the Northcote kitchen.

The line-up

• Friday 23rd January: Lisa Goodwin Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
• Saturday 24th January: David Taylor, Grace & Savour, West Midlands (1 star)
• Sunday 25th January: Kim Ratcharoen, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London (3 star)
• Monday 26th January: Damien Grey, Liath, Co Dublin (2 star)
• Tuesday 27th January: Angelo Sato, Humble Chicken, London (2 star)
• Wednesday 28th January: Nathan Davies, Vraic, Isle of Guernsey
• Thursday 29th January: Gregoire Berger, Kraken, Dubai
• Friday 30th January: Allister Barsby, Hide and Fox, Kent (2 star)
• Saturday 31st January: Paul Proffitt, Pearl by Paul Proffitt, Denmark (1 star)
• Sunday 1st February: Jason Atherton & Spencer Metzger: Row on 5, London (1 star)
• Monday 2nd February: John Chantarasak, AngloThai, London (1 star)
• Tuesday 3rd February: Tom Spenceley, The Ledbury, London (3 star)
• Wednesday 4th February: Alex Verhoeven, Hert, Belgium (1 star)
• Thursday 5th February: Bas Van Kranen, Flore, Netherlands (1 star)
• Friday 6th February: Sujan Sarkar, Indienne, Chicago (1 star)
• Saturday 7th February: Jorge Paredes, OMA, London (1 star)

Grand Finale

• Sunday 8th February:
  • John Williams MBE, The Ritz, London (2 star)
  • Adam Byatt, Trinity, London (1 star)
  • Phil Howard, Elystan Street, London (1 star)

Obsession launched 2001 as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new. From that first event, it has evolved but the ethos is still very much the same; to offer guests a completely memorable culinary experience, created by some of the world’s most innovative chefs.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen, chef patron-director at Northcote said; “Every year Obsession grows in ambition and creativity. It’s where the best in the world come together to create, collaborate and celebrate what makes gastronomy so exciting. After marking our 25th anniversary last year, the excitement and momentum are stronger than ever. The energy and passion that fills the kitchen during Obsession is electric, it’s an experience that stays with you long after the last dish is served.

“Now, with our new owners, Alf and Clare Ellis at the helm, Obsession26 is set to be even more special. Their vision and support are helping us elevate Obsession to new heights, making it not just a celebration of world-class food, but an unforgettable experience for every guest who joins us.”

Commenting on his involvement in Obsession26, John Chantarasak of one star Michelin restaurant AngloThai in London said: "As a long-time admirer of Obsession and chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen, I am thrilled to join the line-up of chefs for Obsession26, bringing the bold favours and cooking of AngloThai to Northcote. It's astonishing to read the previous chef names who have graced the Northcote kitchen over the last 25 years of Obsession. I am humbled to chalk my name alongside so many great chefs - a true bucket list moment in my career."

Chef Sujan Sarkar of Indienne in Chicago which holds one Michelin star continued: "It's an honor to be part of Northcote's Obsession26 line up. The event has such an incredible legacy. I’m excited to share my flavours and stories alongside inspiring chefs from around the world, while also learning from and connecting with the creativity that defines Obsession each year. Thank you to chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen for the invitation and for curating such an inspiring celebration of gastronomy."

Nathan Davies, alongside his team at Vraic on the Isle of Guernsey, remarked: "We're delighted to be invited back to take part in this amazing event and to be getting back into the Northcote kitchen, and we’re just as excited to enjoy the Northcote breakfast, as well as see some familiar friendly faces. As always we will bring smoke and fire and the flavour of our new home in Guernsey."

Phil Howard of the Michelin-starred Elystan Street in London, who will cook on the final night of Obsession26 alongside John Williams MBE of The Ritz, London (two stars) and Adam Byatt of Trinity, London (one star), concluded: “I cannot wait to join forces with these two titans of the industry to showcase some old school magic to the Northcote audience. It’s been a while, but I am looking forward to cooking up a storm at Obsession once again.”

Guests can also enjoy a Louis Roederer Collection 246 Champagne reception, and have the option of adding a wine flight to the dinner. Managing director Craig Bancroft and his wine team meticulously choose wines to pair with the unique flavours and ingredients of each course each night, to really elevate the dining experience. Northcote recently retained its Spectator Two Glass Wine Award for its absolute commitment to wine, and breadth of the cellar across multiple winegrowing regions including Burgundy, Spain and Portugal. The hotel’s atmospheric bar is also a focal point of every evening with specially created Obsession cocktails that take inspirations from chefs’ menus.

Obsession26 sponsors:

• Headline Sponsor: Gastronomy Plus
• Technology Sponsor: Deepbridge Capital
• Restaurant Sponsor: San Pellegrino
• Cook School Sponsor: Gaggenau
• Kitchen Sponsor: Electrolux Professional
• Film Sponsor: Wellocks
• Digital Sponsor: LaFont / CCS
• Luxury Car Sponsor: Bentley Manchester
• Program Sponsor: Sarah Laytons
• Hotel Room Sponsor: Taylors of Harrogate
• Hotel Sponsor: Prestige Beds / Hypnos
• Key Sponsor: Double Dutch
• Key Sponsor: Saicho Tea
• Key Sponsor: Kings Caviar 

The official charity for Obsession26 is Hospitality Action.

Tickets for Obsession26 go on sale on Friday 31st October and are priced at £235 per person, including a Louis Roederer Champagne and canapé reception, five course menu, coffee and petit fours. A specially paired wine flight can be added, starting from around £70 per person.

To apply for tickets in the Obsession restaurant – sign up today to the newsletter – to be the first to receive the Obsession26 chef list on 31st October.

             

For more information visit https://www.northcoteobsession.com/.              

VIP hospitality packages are available to book for six or more people in the Louis Roederer Room or at the Chef’s Table, from £3,100 + VAT.

To book a Hospitality table in the Louis Roederer Room email robyn.tomlinson@northcote.com or call 01254 240555 for more information.