Northcote – the ultimate culinary retreat
Words: Gentleman's Journal
It usually happens around Wednesday/Thursday of every week. I’m sat in my office on the 1oth floor looking out to the dreary London skyline, yearning for a country retreat. By Friday morning after a 45-minute commute from hell on the Northern line, I’m practically jumping out the window to find some form of fresh air and relaxation.
So when the weekend arrived to escape to Northcote I was filled with reassurance that long country walks, log fires and food by Nigel Haworth were just a 4-hour drive away. I planned ahead so I could have a full digital detox, with all work related matters covered for those 2 days I could fully allow myself to switch off – something that doesn’t happen often. Visiting somewhere as beautiful as the Ribble Valley, set in the heart of Lancashire, you really don’t want to be staring down at your phone checking work emails or Facebook statuses.
Upon arrival at Northcote, set at the end of a charming country lane, the welcome is as warm as the log fire in the reception room. There’s something about the mannerisms and friendliness from people living in the countryside – attributes I miss desperately residing in the city. The greeting at Northcote soon reconnected me with my country roots and made me feel securely at home in their beautiful environment. We were shown out to the Garden Lodge, a newly-constructed outbuilding set away from the main house which has just 8 rooms. Thoughtful touches are what set Northcote apart. Whether that’s the wellie boots and raincoats they provide for your country walks or the tea awaiting you in your room on arrival, nothing is too much trouble for the delightful staff.
The real centre of Northcote, and what draws in most of its clientele, is quite simply the food. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth, the restaurant has always had a strong loyalty to artisan producers and the wonders of Lancashire produce on its doorstep. Their own gardens are integral to the supply of organic vegetables that appear on dishes throughout the year. The 7-course tasting menu that arrived on our table was nothing short of genius.
The way flavours complimented each other from dish to dish and the exquisitely chosen wines to pair with each course, it was clear time and thought had been put into each mouthful. From treacle salmon with pickled ginger and lime marshmallow, to roe deer with potato wrapped black pudding, it was 7 courses of heaven. The way each dish is explained gives knowledge of the produce, perfect for the intrigued foodie. Bespoke cookery days are also available at Northcote so the real food fanatics can go and immerse themselves in the cooking one step further.
At the end of my weekend at Northcote I felt rejuvenated, the most relaxed I’d been in a long time and with an excitement to get back into the kitchen. Nigel and the team’s cooking is nothing short of inspiring, and teamed with faultless service and a beautiful location, they really are onto a winner. Whether you need to escape the stress of work or to merely indulge yourself in incredible food and long hot baths, Northcote is where you should head.
Monday morning back on the tube, I was already planning my next dinner party straight out of Nigel’s cookbook, and mentally assessing my diary for the next free weekend to venture back.
Discover more at www.northcote.com
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