Revealed: What Michelin-starred Northcote is planning for this empty shop in the heart of Whalley
Northcote have an exciting plan for 69 King Street, Whalley - and it involves crumpets, chocolates and coffee.
Northcote’s reasons for taking over a former clothing shop in the heart of Whalley have been revealed.
Last week, the Post reported how Langho’s Northcote - which has held a Michelin star for 30 years - had acquired 69 King Street in nearby Whalley. Management have been tight-lipped on their plans for the site, but the windows of the red-brick former bank state: “Acquired by Northcote. Something exceptional is taking shape”.
Now a planning application to Ribble Valley Borough Council (RVBC) has spilled the beans.
Craig Bancroft, managing director of Northcote has applied for permission to part change the use from a retail shop to bakery, with staff accommodation at the first floor.
The plans involve the demolition of an existing single-storey rear extension and the construction of a new extension to the rear. He also wants to install a retractable frontage canopy, ramp/steps and handrail, along with replacement windows, service yard security gates and external seating.
The vision
In a planning statement submitted to RVBC, Mr Bancroft said: "This ambitious endeavour is the culmination of a long-held aspiration shared by Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Northcote: to establish an award-winning artisan bakery in the heart of Whalley.
“This project is a cultural reinvestment, reconnecting with the village's treasured heritage, harkening back to the thriving community hub that was Kenyon's bakery in the 60's and 70's. Whalley, situated in the Ribble Valley, is the perfect home for this vison.
“This area is earning a reputation as a champion of fine food and great producers - a movement Northcote has helped spearhead since its creation in 1983. The Northcote Bakery is the next evolution of this commitment, a dedicated venture with a singular focus: to be truly outstanding in its field.
“We envision a daily destination where the Michelin- level precision of Lisa Goodwin-Allen meets the pure, comforting soul of a village baker. The essence of this project is translating Northcote's unwavering commitment to quality, seasonality, and local sourcing into the daily art of baking. Crucially, this commitment extends to sustainable practices across our operations, from sourcing ingredients to minimizing waste, ensuring the bakery is a responsible member of the local ecosystem.”
What to expect from coffee to chocolate to muffins
Mr Bancroft added: “The bakery will deliver the freshest product, utilizing unique skills to guarantee an exceptional experience. The local community will be able to collect warm, fresh pastries, crumpets, muffins, and French classics like the all-butter croissant and pain au chocolate, for their tables at home. Furthermore, the concept of a chocolatier - a creative hub dedicated to producing perfect chocolate treats and bespoke gifts.
“A grab and go counter and a small seating area will also welcome guests who wish to enjoy a quick snack and coffee in-house.”
The proposed business would also produce a dedicated bread supply for Northcote.
Young talent
The planning statement adds: “In a wider context, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, in her role as Ambassador for Blackburn College, will be launching The Academy by Lisa Goodwin -Allen LGA 2026, in partnership with Blackburn College . With this new development The Northcote Bakery will be proud to foster a robust educational partnership offering real-world experience in an award-winning setting, helping to nurture the next generation of artisan bakers and patissiers in Lancashire.
“Our ambition is clear and quantifiable: to be award-winning and recognized nationally as one of the most creative and inspirational bakeries in the UK at large. It is worth noting that currently, Lancashire holds no nominations in the prestigious Good Food Guide Top 50 Bakeries in the UK 2025. This Northcote bakery is poised to fill that void, setting a new benchmark for contemporary British Baking and proudly positioning Whalley at the forefront of the national artisan food scene.”
A decision will be made in coming weeks by RVBC.
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