Spotlight on Northcote

David Poynton visits the best for traditional Lancashire recipes with a modern twist

Our journey to Langho was a bleak drizzly drive; however, when we arrived at Northcote, we soon had a smile on our face. We were welcomed by a friendly courteous member of staff who guided us to the bar area where we enjoyed a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne while looking through the food menu.

We had already heard so much about the food at Northcote led by Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Therefore, we opted for the six-course tasting menu along with matching wines in expectation of a true Northcote experience, and not for one second were we disappointed.

We were led from the bar through to the dining room, which was elegant, with a relaxed atmosphere. We were seated at a spacious table for two, and our 3-hour dining experience was about to begin.

Our first dish was the West Coast Crab which was light and refreshing, which worked well with the accompanying flavours of Orchard Apple & Black Radish, this dish set the bar high. We eagerly awaited our second dish, Slow Cooked Copper Maran Egg. The egg was perfectly cooked, and the baked potato flakes created a moreish dish which left us wanting more. Our third dish was the Ox, packed with a rich taste that was neutralised well by the aged sour cream & cucumber pickle dill. The next dish was our favourite of the night the Scarlet Prawn, beautifully presented this was the best prawn dish that I have experienced to date. Our final dish was the Yorkshire duck. A hearty dish, the duck was cooked impeccably with a slight crisp to it. The smoked bacon, turnip & parsley rounded this dish off and were a satisfying closure to our main dishes.

We were then freshened with a delicate Coconut Lime & Chocolate mousse for our dessert which cleansed the taste buds. With each of our dishes, the professional staff confidently explained what to expect, with pride and passion for the menu that really shone through.

The wines to match were equal in their excellence to the food that they were accompanying and certainly enhanced the experience. The wine which stood out for us was a sparkling wine, the Nyetimber Classic Cuvee from Kent.

Finishing the experience off we chose to have some cheese along with a Port flight. The cheese was wheeled out, and each cheese was explained in detail before we made our selection.

For us dinning at Northcote ticked all of the boxes: quality, presentation, service and atmosphere. We had entered Northcote with a smile on our faces when leaving Northcote those smiles had only got bigger.  

Northcote Northcote Road, Langho Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 8BE

t: 01254 240 555 e: reception@northcote.com w: prideofbritainhotels.com