The star-studded line-up has been announced for the 25th anniversary of Northcote Obsession Food Festival.
Established in 2001, Obsession celebrates the finest food and wine at an event in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley base of Michelin-starred Northcote.
Taking place over 17 nights between January 24 and February 9, 2025, 21 chefs with 27 Michelin stars between them have signed up for the event.
The festival will see chefs travel to Northcote from different corners of the world, from Singapore and South Africa, to Denmark, France and Ireland.
The event will begin with Northcote’s very own Lisa Goodwin-Allen, with the likes of Rafael Cagali, Vincent Crepel, Hélène Darroze and Alain Roux also on the bill.
The line-up:
Friday, January 24: Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
Saturday, January 25: Jonny Lake, Trivet, London (2 star),
Sunday, January 26: Cal Byerley & Ian Walker, Pine, Newcastle upon Tyne (1 star, 1 green star)
Monday, January 27: Rafael Cagali, Da Terra, London (2 star)
Tuesday, January 28: Miller Prada, Humo, London (1 star)
Wednesday, January 29: Graeme Cheevers, UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow (1 star)
Thursday, January 30: Vincent Crepel, Terre, Castlemartyr Resort, Cork (2 star)
Friday, January 31: Max Coen, Dorian, London (1 star)
Saturday, February 1: Paul Cunningham, Henne Kirkeby Kro, Denmark (2 star, 1 green star) and Nathan Outlaw: Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac (1 star)
Sunday, February 2: Angela Hartnett: Murano, London (1 star), Neil Borthwick, The French House, London and Mitch Tonks, The Seahorse, Dartmouth
Monday, February 3: Hélène Darroze & Marco Zampese, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London (3 star)
Tuesday, February 4: Jean Delport, Interlude, Horsham, Sussex (1 star, 1 green star)
Wednesday, February 5: Yannick Alléno, Pavyllon, London (1 star) and Alleno Paris, Paris (3 star)
Thursday, February 6: Ed Wilson, Brawn, London
Friday, February 7: Ivor Jones, Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia, Cape Town
Saturday, February 8: Michael Wilson, Maguerite, Singapore (1 star)
Grand Finale
Sunday, February 9: Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, Bray (3 star)
Lisa Goodwin-Allen said: “Obsession has an extraordinary history and I feel privileged to have been part of that history since day one.
“Craig Bancroft and Nigel Haworth introduced this extraordinary event in 2001 at Northcote. The concept was unique for the UK and that’s what made it what it is today. It’s an honour to lead the 25th anniversary of this special event.”
She added: “The passion and the excitement of Obsession is infectious. Beyond the incredible food, Obsession is a social gathering for industry professionals and food enthusiasts, it’s a place to network, connect and share a love for outstanding food and wine.
“Obsession25 is extra special for the team, it’s a major milestone and to celebrate we have invited some of the world’s best chefs to join us.”
Commenting on his involvement in Obsession25, chef patron of three-star The Waterside Inn in Bray, Alain Roux said: “I'm so excited at the prospect of participating in Northcote Obssession25, especially to be preparing the grand finale dinner.
“It will be a privilege to share the kitchen with chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and join the 25th anniversary celebrations. I could not be more delighted to support this unique, iconic culinary event that brings together so many talented chefs and hospitality professionals, raising valuable awareness and funds for charities too.
“We aim to spoil our guests with a special menu featuring some of my favourite winter dishes from The Waterside Inn, prepared with the finest British ingredients and a few delicious French treats too!”
Ivor Jones, chef patron at Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia in Cape Town, commented: “I fell off my chair when I was asked to be a part of this event by Lisa. I’ve watched many of these chefs from afar my whole life and never thought I’d ever cook at an event that represents these incredible chefs.”
Tickets for Obsession25 go on sale on November 13 and are priced at £220 per person, including a Louis Roederer Champagne and canape reception, five-course menu, coffee and petit fours.
A specially-paired wine flight can be added, starting from around £70 per person.
