'Something exceptional is taking shape' - Michelin-starred Northcote take over landmark Ribble Valley building

One of Lancashire’s best restaurants is expanding into a new location.

Langho’s Northcote - which has held a Michelin star for 30 years - has acquired 69 King Street in nearby Whalley.

Although management are staying tight-lipped on their plans for the site, the windows of the red-brick former bank state: “Acquired by Northcote. Something exceptional is taking shape”.

Previous plans for roof-top pool

The building was formerly home to designer clothes shop Checkmate until its closure in 2021, and had previously operated as a bank until 1997. It has stood empty since 2001.

In January 2025, the Post reported how Ronnan Corporation Ltd had tabled plans for a change of use and extensions to the side and rear of the building. They wanted to make alterations and extensions at the ground floor level to provide a large restaurant space with kitchens, as well as a bar and reception, private dining room and lounge.

Extensions to the rear would provide two hotel bedrooms and along the George Street frontage and a semi-enclosed dining area. On the first floor and in the roof space there would be a further bedroom with “ancillary hotel facilities such as a pool, steam room and sauna”.

But the plans attracted several objections, including from the local parish council, who highlighted concerns including the extensions being “excessive”, parking problems, the proposals being incompatible with surroundings and dominating the streetscape.

The plans were withdrawn in April 2025 and the building was put back on the market.

There are no current planning applications related to the building, and Northcote has declined to comment.