Celebrity chef launches training academy at Blackburn College

Blackburn College has announced a collaboration with renowned celebrity chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.

The Great British Menu judge and chef patron director at Michelin starred Ribble Valley Hotel and Restaurant Northcote, has teamed up with the college catering and hospitality department to launch the Lisa Goodwin-Allen Academy.

This unique initiative is in conjunction with the college’s school of catering and hospitality and Scholars training restaurant.

Students on the colleges' catering and hospitality qualification courses will now have the opportunity to learn directly from one of the UK’s leading chefs.

Lisa will be giving master classes in culinary skills alongside students being offered the chance to gain work experience in Northcote’s renowned kitchens and restaurant.

In addition, the Lisa Goodwin Allen Academy at Blackburn College, will be collaborating  with other leading hospitality businesses across the region and beyond, to give students first hand exposure in real time working restaurants and kitchens.

Lisa said: “I wanted to do this because I think it is so important to teach the next generation, to pass on my experience and knowledge.

“It is not only all about being at the level of Northcote but in other areas of the hospitality industry, whether that’s working at pub level or in a cafe.

“The Academy is all about  teaching these young people how to gain good skill levels but also about understanding what their passion might be and bringing that to the fore.” 

David Lyon, head chef lecturer in catering and hospitality at Blackburn College is delighted to be able to provide students with such an outstanding experience.

David said: “This is a really important collaboration for the college and our students.

“The launch of The Lisa Goodwin-Allen Academy at Blackburn College will open up tremendous training opportunities for our  students, not just at Northcote but in hospitality across Lancashire and around the country.”

Lisa adds: “I have worked with David and know his calibre and the high standards he works to so we trust each other which makes launching the academy  relatively easy.

“The Academy will be very much about working on individuals,  their personality and growing their skills, allowing them to  flourish in confidence.”

Earlier this year 17 year old Blackburn College student George Hainsworth from Penwortham, spent two weeks working with Lisa and her brigade during the annual Obsession culinary festival.

Held each year at Northcote, Obsession brings together renowned chefs from Michelin starred restaurants across the world.

Working alongside world famous culinary stars who had flown into Lancashire for this celebrated event, was an amazing experience says George.

“ This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and yes,I have to admit I was really nervous at first going into the kitchen and being alongside so many incredible chefs.

“But they were all really helpful and friendly and very inspiring.

“When I was helping plating up dishes, it was definitely pressure to be absolutely perfect but you get through it.

“If one person isn’t doing so well, everyone jumps in to help and we worked as a team.

“It was so interesting to watch the service of Tom Spencer from The Ledbury, six Michelin stars, truly awesome.

“To see how the different chefs work and how their teams all pull together, the attention to detail, was just incredible.

“Lisa really helped put me at ease and I have learned so much from this opportunity.”

It is 12 months since Lancashire Business View reported how Lisa was leaving Northcote after 23 years.

In April 2025, she later returned as Alf and Clare Ellis became the new owners.