25 Michelin stars among Northcote Obsession 2026 lineup

Northcote has confirmed the return of Obsession, its landmark fine dining festival, running from Friday, January 23 to Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Across 17 nights, chef patron-director Lisa Goodwin-Allen will welcome 20 world-class chefs to the Ribble Valley, with a combined tally of 25 Michelin stars between them. The result is a run of one-off dinners that has become one of the most anticipated events in the culinary calendar.

A global cast, a Lancashire stage

Launched in 2001 as a celebration of great food, wine and friendship, Obsession has grown into an international showcase, drawing chefs from Chicago and Dubai to Amsterdam, Dublin and London. While the setting is intimate — the Michelin-starred Northcote dining room — the scale and ambition are global, with each guest chef bringing their own culture, creativity and signature style to Lisa’s kitchen.

Lisa Goodwin-Allen said: “Every year Obsession grows in ambition and creativity. It’s where the best in the world come together to create, collaborate and celebrate what makes gastronomy so exciting. The energy and passion that fills the kitchen during Obsession is electric – it’s an experience that stays with you long after the last dish is served.”

With new owners Alf and Clare Ellis now at the helm, Lisa added that Obsession26 will “elevate to new heights,” promising an experience that balances world-class cooking with Northcote’s signature warmth and hospitality.

Who’s cooking when?

Friday, January 23: Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
Saturday, January 24: David Taylor, Grace & Savour, West Midlands (1 star)
Sunday, January 25: Jason Atherton & Spencer Metzger, Row on 5, London (1 star)
Monday, January 26: Damien Grey, Liath, Co. Dublin (2 stars)
Tuesday, January 27: Angelo Sato, Humble Chicken, London (2 stars)
Wednesday, January 28: Nathan Davies, Vraic, Isle of Guernsey
Thursday, January 29: Grégoire Berger, Kraken, Dubai
Friday, January 30: Allister Barsby, Hide and Fox, Kent (2 stars)
Saturday, January 31: Paul Proffitt, Pearl by Paul Proffitt, Denmark (1 star)
Sunday, February 1: Kim Ratcharoen, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London (3 stars)
Monday, February 2: John Chantarasak, AngloThai, London (1 star)
Tuesday, February 3: Tom Spenceley, The Ledbury, London (3 stars)
Wednesday, February 4: Alex Verhoeven, Hert, Belgium (1 star)
Thursday, February 5: Bas van Kranen, Flore, Netherlands (2 stars, 1 green star)
Friday, February 6: Sujan Sarkar, Indienne, Chicago (1 star)
Saturday, February 7: Jorge Paredes, OMA, London (1 star)
Grand Finale – Sunday, February 8: John Williams MBE, The Ritz, London (2 stars), Adam Byatt, Trinity, London (1 star), Phil Howard, Elystan Street, London (1 star)

Returning favourites and bucket-list debuts

For many chefs, cooking at Northcote is a milestone.

John Chantarasak said: “I am thrilled to join the line-up for Obsession26, bringing the bold flavours of AngloThai to Northcote. I am humbled to chalk my name alongside so many great chefs – a true bucket list moment in my career.”

Sujan Sarkar of Indienne in Chicago added: “I’m excited to share my flavours and stories alongside inspiring chefs from around the world, while also learning from and connecting with the creativity that defines Obsession each year.”

Returning to the Northcote kitchen, Nathan Davies promised to “bring smoke and fire and the flavour of our new home in Guernsey,” while Phil Howard looked ahead to the finale with John Williams MBE and Adam Byatt and asid: “I cannot wait to join forces with these two titans of the industry to showcase some old-school magic to the Northcote audience.”

Champagne receptions and world-class pairings

Each evening begins with a Louis Roederer Champagne and canapé reception, followed by a five-course menu created by that night’s guest chef. Guests can add a wine flight, curated by managing director Craig Bancroft and his team to complement each course.

Northcote recently retained its Spectator Two Glass Wine Award, reflecting a cellar that spans regions from Burgundy to Spain and Portugal. In the bar, specially created Obsession cocktails will continue the theme of each night’s menu, offering guests a complete and immersive dining experience.

Booking details

Tickets for Obsession26 go on sale Friday, October 31, 2025, priced at £235 per person, including the Champagne reception, five-course menu, coffee and petit fours. Wine flights start from £70 per person.
VIP hospitality is available for six or more guests in the Louis Roederer Room or at the Chef’s Table, from £3,100 + VAT.

For details and ticket applications, visit northcoteobsession.com or sign up to the newsletter to receive the Obsession26 chef list and booking information on Friday, October 31.