An unforgettable staycation in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, Wersha Bharadwha discovers luxurious rooms and the best type of Michelin-starred dining in this ultra-romantic countryside escape…
Perfectly situated in Lancashire’s stunning Ribble Valley – with its emerald fields and distant hills all rolling out as you approach the hotel – Northcote is tucked away just off the A59 and near the charming and ancient market town of Clitheroe, known for its historic 12th century Saxon, Whalley Abbey, boutique shops, and local food scene. It’s a 15–minute drive from the M6, making it an easy jaunt from Preston (only 12 miles away and with excellent train connections) but also straight forward enough s drive from London or further afield. You’re also a stone’s throw from the Forest of Bowland – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – for picturesque walking and cycling routes.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Primarily a destination restaurant with rooms – though that feels a massive understatement – Northcote is impressive in its subtlety. You won’t find sweeping gates, grandiose fountains and gargoyle statues as you drive into the estate, but it’s still every bit the refined getaway with a simple, tree–lined path that takes you right up to the front of the Victorian manor house and it’s grey stone façade, tall, skywards–reaching chimneys and leaded windows.
Dating back to the 19th century when it was a private residence, it’s been welcoming the likes of Tom Cruise and more recently, TV chefs and footballers galore with its warm blend of northern hospitality and a top UK culinary destination – having maintained its Michelin star since 1996 – it’s reinvention as a top UK culinary destination.
Staff greet you with smiles that are contagious and a genuine personalised service that immediately helps you shake off any post-wedding fatigue and puts you at ease. You’ll be kept busy, but in the way one imagines pampered royals are; think fresh G&Ts on the terrace after you’ve checked in, champagne bottles in suites, sneak peaks at gourmet menus for the decadent foodie evening ahead and being swiftly handed maps for walking routes before (so you won’t feel too guilty about gorging and overindulging on desserts).
You’ll find classic interiors of oak-panelled walls, oversized armchairs, and plush sofas in deep hues next to the open-fireplace in the small but cosy lounge. Particularly eye-catching is the leather-fronted bar with shelves brimming with high quality bottles of gins and spirits – it’s the perfect spot for clinking crystal glasses over pre-dinner drinks or an afternoon of board games and reading.
SUITE DREAMS
There are 26 rooms in total, all slightly differing in style and size, and which are split across the original Manor House and the more contemporary Garden Lodge building. Here, you’ll find seven luxury suites all with their own terrace or balcony and the building also has its own separate communal lounge area filled with books and magazines, a pantry kitchen and boot and drying room. The sumptuous and vast Master Suite in the Garden Lodge is a proper sultry–looking showstopper and where you’ll book for an blow–out minimoon since it comes with a mini apartment–sized lounge (the entire suite comes in around 860 square feet) guest bathroom, master bedroom with an en–suite bathroom and a sun–filled terrace offering more views of the hotel’s manicured gardens and the hills beyond. Floor–to–ceiling doors that open up fully onto the terrace let the countryside flood in and with clean lines and neutral interiors you’re given a calming and abundant feeling of space. Furniture and fixtures are sleek and unfussy—dark wood wardrobes, brushed steel handles on doors, matte black light switches, soothing dimmable lighting and floor lamps, low coffee tables all add to the welcoming design.
You’ll walk into the bedroom with an instant and surprising call to dive right into a super–plush, enormous king–sized bed, draped in dark grey throws and topped with royal purple velvet cushions under which you’ll find crisp, white Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous goose–down duvet and pillow. The bathroom is equally vast and impressive and features a double walk–in monsoon shower and freestanding roll–top bath with marble countertops and twin basins. Lovely Noble Isle bath products are guaranteed to beautify a soothing soak in the tub and your morning shower routine.
EAT
Of course, what sets Northcote apart from other small luxury hotels is its formal fine dining restaurant and the world–class culinary experience it offers inside. Led by executive chef, Lisa Goodwin–Allen (who became one of the UK’s youngest female chefs to lead a Michelin–starred restaurant when she took over the kitchen at the tender age of 23) the menus here are a scrumptious celebration of all that is British seasonal and locally sourced and just spot–on for honeymooners wanting to spoil themselves. Many ingredients come straight from Northcote’s own kitchen garden (a cute spot for an afternoon stroll btw) ensuring everything you eat is as fresh and local as it gets. After crisp glasses of Louis Roededer fizz, we are served an amuse bouche of pretty little spoonfuls of hummus (delectable and a surprisingly creative dinner party idea we’ve bookmarked for when we get back home) followed by the most delicious, pillowy and warm Lancashire cheese loaf ever. We honestly could have made a meal of this alone. For dinner, while there’s an a la carte option, the five course gourmet tasting menu here is an absolute must and mixes traditional British cooking elements with European and French touches. We start with a creamy forest Mushroom parfait accompanied by pickled walnuts and a mushroom tea broth that cranks up the umami and helps balance everything together. Next up it’s another starter; a portion of rich, tender, and just–the–right–side–of–gamey Squab Pigeon which melts in the mouth immediately. North Sea Cod served with Taramasalata, and rich and earthy Scottish venison take the stage as mains and pleasing selection of Lancashire cheeses with Peter’s Yard crackers and artisan homemade bread finishes off the meal faultlessly. Back on our way to our room from dinner, our request to see the kitchen – AKA where the magic happens – is happily accommodated by the friendliest concierge desk and we happily thank all the wonderful staff behind the scenes who made our meal as delightful as it was.
Breakfast on the terrace is especially romantic with pretty and serene views of the green gardens. It’s served to tables and there’s no too–ing and fro–ing to continental buffet set ups dotted around the place here, thank you very much. Instead, you are served – much like at dinner – with crisp white cotton tablecloths and napkins with a menu comprised of starters followed by hot cooked mains. It feels like another celebratration meal on its own. Everything starts with coffees and teas then starters of homemade granola with thick and creamy greek yogurts and a stunningly presented trio of melon with coulis and fresh berries. Smoothies of strawberries, apricot and coconut garnished with freshly picked pansies from the garden go down a treat and hot options include a full English with thick bacon.
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE
- There’s ample parking and Tesla, Porsche, and Pod Point electric car charger on site.
- The grown up ‘for adults’ vibe. While kids can stay, Northcote is very much a refined stay, focusing on food and slipping on your boots for long walks.
- Fresh milk and dog bowls in rooms (most rooms are dog friendly, though those with allergies can request non pet room and also a deep clean before arrival).
- For couples truly wanting to arrive in style, there’s even a helipad nearby.
CAN YOU GET MARRIED HERE?
Yes! Civil ceremonies and receptions can be hosted anywhere from the wine cave for smaller weddings to larger event spaces like Grosvenor Suite, which accommodates up to 200 guests with in-house wedding planners there to organise everything from catering and flowers to photography with local suppliers. The Japanese gardens are a perfect backdrop for outdoor weddings and the in-house chefs can accommodate anything from full on formal seated wedding breakfasts to tapas-style cocktail receptions.
How To Book
Visit Northcote Hotel & Restaurant, Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancsnshire, BB6 8BE.
Prices from £220 per night per room including breakfast. To book, visit
https://www.northcote.comor email reception@northcote.com or call +441254240555
