Seventeen nights of culinary excellence featuring 21 chefs and 27 Michelin stars—Obsession has evolved into the must-attend fine dining festival.
As it prepares to celebrate a significant milestone, Northcote’s renowned Obsession festival returns in January 2025. One of Europe’s most esteemed gourmet festivals, Obsession will enchant food lovers at Northcote in the picturesque Ribble Valley from January 24 to February 9, 2025, marking its 25th anniversary with extra flair.
This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of 21 world-class chefs, collectively holding 27 Michelin stars, who will gather at the luxurious Northcote hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant, led by executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Over the span of 17 nights, culinary talents from various corners of the globe—from Singapore to South Africa, Denmark, France, Ireland, and beyond—will showcase their unique cuisine in the heart of the Ribble Valley.
Festival Schedule:
- 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) & 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) & 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)
Since its inception in 2001, Obsession has grown into an extraordinary celebration of food, wine, and camaraderie, retaining its core mission to provide guests with unforgettable culinary experiences crafted by some of the world’s most innovative chefs.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at Northcote, shared: “Obsession has an extraordinary history, and I feel privileged to have been part of it since the beginning. The concept was unique for the UK, which ultimately shaped its evolution. Taking over the reins in 2022, I aimed to bring together innovative chefs and diverse cuisines. The 25th anniversary promises to be exceptionally special, and we are thrilled to invite some of the world’s best chefs to participate.”
“The enthusiasm of Obsession is contagious, and beyond the remarkable food, it serves as a social hub for industry professionals and food enthusiasts to connect over a shared passion for outstanding cuisine and wine. This milestone event will be a unique opportunity for us to welcome distinguished chefs and rekindle the magical energy Obsession is known for.”
Alain Roux, chef-patron at the three-star Waterside Inn in Bray, expressed his excitement about participating in Obsession25, stating: “I am thrilled to prepare the grand finale dinner and celebrate this milestone alongside chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Obsession is an incredible culinary event that highlights the talents of various chefs, fostering awareness and support for charities. It promotes British hospitality, shifting the spotlight from London to Lancashire. My menu will feature favorite winter dishes made with the finest British produce, complemented by delightful French influences.”
Commenting on his participation, Ivor Jones, chef patron at Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia in Cape Town, shared: “I was beyond thrilled when I received the invitation from Lisa to be a part of Obsession. I have admired many of these chefs from a distance and never imagined I’d be cooking at such a prestigious event. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to work with UK produce!”
Miller Prada, executive chef of Humo London, stated, “I’m thrilled to take part in this legendary event, often referred to as the Glastonbury of gastronomy. Collaborating with chef Lisa and some of the world’s finest chefs is a dream. We plan to bring our Humo philosophy to Obsession, featuring signature dishes that highlight the unique characteristics of different woods in our cooking.”
Each evening begins with a Louis Roederer Collection 242 Champagne reception, with an option to enhance the experience with a carefully selected wine flight. Managing director Craig Bancroft and his wine team work diligently to pair wines with the inventive flavors of each course, further elevating the dining experience. Northcote has also earned the Spectator Two Glass Wine Award for its dedication to wine excellence and its diverse selection across renowned wine regions.
Obsession25 offers a range of sponsorships:
- Restaurant Sponsor: San Pellegrino
- Cook School Sponsor: Gaggenau
- Film Sponsor: Wellocks
- Wine Sponsor: Wright Wine Company
- Kitchen Sponsor: Electrolux
- Digital Sponsor: La Font / CCS
- Technology Sponsor: Deepbridge
- Programme Sponsor: Sarah Layton Jewellers
- Champagne Sponsor: Louis Roederer
- Glass Sponsor: Riedel
- Key Sponsors: Macallan Whisky and Double Dutch
- Hotel Room Sponsor: Bettys & Taylors
The official charity for Obsession25 is Hospitality Action.
Tickets for Obsession25 will be available for purchase starting November 13, priced at £220 per person. This includes a Louis Roederer Champagne and canapé reception, a five-course menu, coffee, and petit fours. A specially curated wine flight can be added, starting from around £70 per person.
For more details, visit Northcote Obsession.
VIP hospitality packages for groups of six or more can be booked in the Louis Roederer Room or at the Chef’s Table, starting from £2,900 + VAT.