Northcote

Northcote is where chef-patron Nigel Haworth earned his stripes as an instigator of contemporary British fine dining. Today, Michelin star chef and one of BBC2’s Great British Menu winners, Lisa Goodwin-Allen, heads up the kitchen.

Expect a roving, regional smorgasbord, tempered with classic techniques and contemporary flavours. Things have changed on the looks front and following a huge cash injection, the surroundings are light and sumptuous (think lambwool, leather and soft lighting) which is part of the allure – not least to Michelin inspectors.

The tasting menu could include aged venison with blood orange and roasted yeast, or a slow-cooked pulled egg with aged sour cream. Charred monkfish with garden parsley or wagyu oyster blade and smoked mustard are the stuff special occasions are made of.

Desserts don’t let the side down. They could include Eccles cake soufflé with tea ice cream, or Goodwin-Allen’s magical take on apple pie with caramelised milk.

There’s a private dining room sponsored by Louis Roederer and the cellar, complete with some exceptional New World options, is fit for the pickiest of tasters. Bottles are hand-selected by Northcote co-founder and expert sommelier, Craig Bancroft.

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