Cal Byerley chef-owner of Michelin-starred and Michelin Green-starred Restaurant Pine along with Pine’s head chef Ian Waller are to cook at one of the UK’s most iconic food events in 2025 as Northcote’s Obsession celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Obsession one of the most prestigious and internationally recognised gourmet festivals in Europe, is once more set to captivate guests from 24th January to 9th February 2025 as they witness twenty-one world-class chefs, with 27 Michelin stars and 3 Michelin Green stars between them cook at the luxury hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant, headed up by executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.
Taking place over 17 nights, the festival will see chefs travel to Northcote from around the world, including Singapore and South Africa, to Denmark, France, Ireland and every corner of the UK, with each participating chef poised to deliver the essence of their cooking in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley.
The Line-up Features:
• Friday 24th January: Lisa Goodwin Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
• Saturday 25th January: Jonny Lake, Trivet, London (2 stars)
• Sunday 26th January: Cal Byerley & Ian Walker, Pine, Newcastle upon Tyne (1 star, 1 green star)
• Monday 27th January: Rafael Cagali, Da Terra, London (2 stars)
• Tuesday 28th January: Miller Prada, Humo, London (1 star)
• Wednesday 29th January: Graeme Cheevers, UNALOME by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow (1 star)
• Thursday 30th January: Vincent Crepel, Terre, Castlemartyr Resort, Cork (2 stars)
• Friday 31st January: Max Coen, Dorian, London (1 star)
• Saturday 1st February: Paul Cunningham, Henne Kirkeby Kro, Denmark (2 stars, 1 green star) and Nathan Outlaw: Outlaw’s New Road, Port Isaac (1 star)
• Sunday 2nd February: Angela Hartnett: Murano, London (1 star), Neil Borthwick, The French House, London, Mitch Tonks, The Seahorse, Dartmouth
• Monday 3rd February: Hélène Darroze & Marco Zampese, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London (3 stars)
• Tuesday 4th February: Jean Delport, Interlude, Horsham, Sussex (1 star, 1 green star)
• Wednesday 5th February: Yannick Alléno, Pavyllon, London (1 star) and Alleno Paris, Paris (3 stars)
• Thursday 6th February: Ed Wilson, Brawn, London
• Friday 7th February: Ivor Jones, Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia, Cape Town
• Saturday 8th February: Michael Wilson, Marguerite, Singapore (1 star)
Grand Finale:
• Sunday 9th February: Alain Roux, The Waterside Inn, Bray (3 stars)
Obsession launched in 2001 as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new. From that first event, it has evolved but the ethos is still very much the same; to offer guests a completely memorable culinary experience, created by some of the world’s most innovative chefs.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef at Northcote 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. I was proud to take over the reins in 2022 and bring collections of innovative chefs and a diverse range of cuisine to Obsession. It’s an honour to lead the 25th anniversary of this special event.
“Over the years I’ve seen so many incredible chefs work their magic on the pass and create everlasting memories for our guests. The passion and the excitement of Obsession are 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. The team is excited to welcome them and create the magical energy Obsession is famous for.”
While Cal Byerley chef-owner of Restaurant Pine, Northumberland, remarked: “Lisa asking us to take part in what is one of the UK’s top cooking events is pretty amazing for us both, and it’s a real honour to get involved. We’ve cooked in some pretty maxing events over the years, but this is a major highlight for Ian and me. One thing is for certain we can’t wait to get into Northcote’s kitchen, share our menu and a little insight into our cooking ethos and what we are about with diners.”
Guests can also enjoy a Louis Roederer Collection 242 Champagne reception and have the option of adding a wine flight to the dinner. Managing director Craig Bancroft and his wine team meticulously choose wines to pair with the unique flavours and ingredients of each course each night, to elevate the dining experience. Northcote recently retained its Spectator Two Glass Wine Award for its absolute commitment to wine, and breadth of the cellar across multiple winegrowing regions including Burgundy, Spain and Portugal. The hotel’s atmospheric bar is also a focal point of every evening with specially created Obsession cocktails that take inspiration from chefs’ menus.
Obsession25 Sponsors:
• 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: Reidel
• Key Sponsor: Macallan Whisky
• Key Sponsor: Double Dutch
• Hotel Room Sponsor: Bettys & Taylors
The official charity for Obsession25 is Hospitality Action.
Tickets for Obsession25 are priced at £220 per person, including a Louis Roederer Champagne and canapé reception, a five-course menu, coffee and petit fours. A specially paired wine flight can be added, starting from around £70 per person.
For more information visit https://www.northcoteobsession.com
VIP hospitality packages are available to book for six or more people in the Louis Roederer Room or at the Chef’s Table, from £2,900 + VAT.