Lancashire restaurant is named best outside London

Michelin-starred Northcote in Langho scooped the accolade at an awards ceremony held by the Food and Travel Magazine in London on Monday night.

Winners at the star-studded event at the The Royal Automobile Club were decided by readers of the magazine.

A spokesman for Northcote said: “It was a wonderful surprise to receive this award from Food & Travel Magazine, particularly when its voted by its readers.

“To win the best restaurant outside of the capital is great recognition for the team here at Northcote and for our region. It all helps in placing Lancashire as a gastronomic destination as we attract visitors now from all over the UK along with global travellers.

“Needless to say Craig, Nigel and the whole team are absolutely delighted.”

Since opening in 1983 and being placed under the dual management of proprietor Craig Bancroft and chef Nigel Haworth, Northcote has built a reputation for fine cuisine with a “deep loyalty” to the food producers of Lancashire.

It is also well-known for its annual Obsession event, where top international chefs take over the kitchens over a 15 night period.

Magazine editor Mark Sansom said: “With Nigel Haworth behind the pass, it came as no surprise that Northcote won the Food and Travel gong for the Best Restaurant Outside London. We were impressed with his use of local produce and innovative designs on the plate. The fact his dining room is one of the best looking in the country is just a bonus.”

Other winners included Michel Roux Jr who won the Timeless Classic Restaurant of the Year award for Le Gavroche and the overall UK Restaurant of the Year. Breakthrough Chef of the Year was Tomos Parry, 28, of Mayfair restaurant Kitty Fisher’s.