Northcote Hotel
Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Need a break from the manic pace of life in the city centre of Manchester or Liverpool? Pencil in a trip to Northcote, just an hour or so away from both, in the heart of the Ribble Valley in Blackburn. Here, you’ll find stunning views and a sense of peace you’ll be hard-pressed to find in Ancoats or on Bold Street.
As well as the Michelin-star restaurant, Northcote has 26 luxury rooms and suites, each with a unique look and feel. Thanks to this and the cheerful, welcoming staff, you’ll never feel like you’re at a faceless McHotel – rather, it’s the best of Northern England: stylish, friendly and surrounded by miles and miles of beautiful scenery.
There are 18 guest rooms in the Manor House, in the same building as the restaurant and cookery school, catering for all kinds of budget and occasion. Across from here, over the Northcote gardens, you’ll find the Garden Lodge, home to seven luxurious junior suites and the awe-inspiring Master Suite.
The latter feels like something out of golden age New York City. Think Neil Simon’s films based on the Plaza Hotel – all grand rooms with glorious views, everything you could possibly need, and a bathroom bigger than most of the flats I’ve ever lived in.
Of course, if you’re staying here, you’ll want to try out the five-course tasting menu – one of the very best in all of England, let alone the North – but you’ll enjoy a remarkably high-quality breakfast too.
Whether you’re here for a health boost (in which case, go for the fruit bowl and granola) or simply to live a life of luxury (the full English breakfast is several cuts above your local greasy spoon), every item on the menu is worthy of praise – not least the smoked Finnan haddock, poached egg and milk foam.
As somewhere to enjoy a luxurious break in the Northwest, it’s hard to beat Northcote. The staff are as charming as the hotel itself, and locations don’t get much easier on the eye than this.
