Northcote joins Relais and Châteaux hotel collection

Michelin-starred restaurant and country-house hotel Northcote has joined the Relais & Châteaux hotel and restaurant collection. Craig Bancroft, director of wines at Northcote, said that himself and chef patron Nigel Haworth were ‘proud’ to be accepted into the family.

Craig said: “It’s something we’ve been striving for, and how wonderful to now have a Relais & Châteaux property in Lancashire and in the very heart of the Ribble Valley. Food and true hospitality is at the heart of both their ethos and of ours, so it’s a great partnership!”

The Lancashire property joins a group of just 32 places in the UK which are part of the fellowship, including prestigious restaurants and hotels such as The Waterside Inn, Gidleigh Park, Hambleton Hall, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and Lucknam Park.

Craig and Nigel founded the property, along with chairman Richard Matthewman, almost 30 years ago – it celebrates its anniversary next year. The hotel is renowned for seasonal, British food, contemporary and sophisticated guestrooms and warm, knowledgeable service.

Relais & Châteaux was established over half a century ago and has grown from only eight hotels to now include some of the best and most luxurious in the world, with almost 600 properties across 60 countries.

Nicola Liddiard, director of Relais & Châteaux UK & Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic to increase our presence within the North West region of the UK. And it’s great to have such an esteemed chef on board to endorse the food and beverage component of our collection. We look forward to working alongside one another in 2015.”