Here’s what’s been cooking in the North West this week — a blend of local pride, global inspiration, and a few names that continue to fly the flag for the region’s incredible talent.
Northcote’s Obsessions 2026 line-up has landed – and it’s another blockbuster.
The legendary Lancashire hotel has once again pulled together a dream team of chefs from across the globe for its famous winter series.
Expect a fusion of North West brilliance and international flair, with Lisa Goodwin-Allen welcoming a line-up that spans continents but always keeps one foot firmly in local soil.
Northcote’s Executive Head Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen
There are 25 Michelin Stars gracing the Ribble Valley, with restaurants from Dubai to Dublin descending on the Lancashire countryside, as well as the array of British talent cooking up a storm.
You can view the entire lineup here, with the event running from 23rd January to 5th February, I promise you’ll be spoilt for choice!
It’s the kind of event that reminds us just how special our region’s dining scene really is.
In Michelin news, October additions to the guide also included a well-known North West name, as Aiden Byrne’s LI-LY in Knutsford earned high praise; and has officially joined the ranks of the region’s must-visit dining destinations.
Aiden Byrne and Sarah Byrne
At LI-LY, run alongside wife Sarah, Byrne has once more made a name for himself by crafting visually stunning dishes throughout his seasonal tasting menus; making expert use of the amazing produce the region has to offer and celebrating it in the very best way.
Elsewhere, Adam Handling’s Ugly Butterfly 2.0 makes an unsurprising return to the guide, while Tom Kerridge’s Chalk in Chelsea earned recognition under the stewardship of Head Chef Tom de Keyser, who previously headed up Kerridge’s 2 Michelin Star Hand and Flowers.
And looking ahead, the Cumbria Food Awards will return in March 2026, hosted at Kendal College.
The awards celebrate the people, places and producers that make the Lake District and beyond such a special destination for food lovers.
Categories include Café of the Year, Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year, Chef of the Year, Service of the Year and Takeaway or Street Food Trader of the Year.
There are a number of special awards, including a new category, the Growing Strong Award, to recognise a business which has demonstrated substantial development over the previous 12 months.
The award is backed by new associate sponsor, The Cumberland. Head of commercial Scott McKerracher said: We are delighted to be celebrating food and drink businesses across Cumbria as an associate sponsor of the Cumbria Food and Drink Awards.
This year’s event will also proudly support Hospitality Action, raising funds for the charity that continues to champion and care for those working across our industry.
Cumbria Food Awards 2025 at Kendal College
Expect local heroes, brilliant newcomers, and a room full of well-deserved applause.
Read more here.
From Obsessions to Michelin to the Lakes – the North West continues to serve up world-class talent with a generous helping of heart.
Whether it’s global guests in Lancashire or Cumbrian celebrations on the horizon, our corner of the country keeps proving it can hold its own on any stage.
Read more stories here.
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