Northcote celebrates prestigious industry marketing award for the 25th anniversary of Culinary Festival Obsession

Northcote, the acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant and luxury hotel in the heart of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, is celebrating a standout industry accolade after being awarded ‘Best Marketing Campaign’ for the 25th anniversary of culinary festival Obsession.

Firmly recognised as one of the world’s most exciting fine dining events, each year Northcote’s Obsession brings together some of the globe’s leading chefs for a series of exclusive evenings, where world-class food, wine and hospitality take centre stage.

This year, supported by an innovative and now award-winning marketing campaign, Obsession 2025 was a sell-out success with demand for covers far outstripping seats at the table.

Celebrated this week at The Cateys, the UK hospitality industry's most prestigious awards, the accolade was awarded to Northcote in recognition of the powerful storytelling, strategic innovation and the impact of the Obsession 2025 campaign. 

The team oversaw a campaign that incorporated an enhanced digital strategy with dynamic behind the scenes short films for social media and unique content that captured the attention of food lovers and industry professionals alike. 

This was reflected in the sheer scale of enquiries the property received - for Obsession 2025, Northcote received more than 10,000 inquiries for an event that has space for just over 1,500 guests. 

Over the past 25 years, Obsession has transformed traditionally slow trading months into a peak performance time for Northcote, directly fulfilling one of its core objectives to significantly boost low-season income. 

During the 17-day event, bridging January and February, 1,572 Obsession guests were treated to a selection of 97 dishes created by 22 world-class chefs, including Angela Hartnett, Yannick Alleno and Alain Roux, who between them have won 27 Michelin stars.

Kaye Mathew, marketing director at Northcote, said: "This award is a huge honour for the entire Northcote team. Obsession is more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of food and connection.

“To have the work behind the scenes recognised at the Cateys means so much to us all as it’s a real team effort and we’re incredibly proud.”

The award also marks a moment of continued evolution and ambition for Northcote, under the direction of chef patron-director Lisa Goodwin-Allen and new owners Alf and Clare Ellis, following their acquisition of the property this year. 

Kaye Matthew added: "We’re also thrilled to confirm that Obsession will return in 2026.

“We have some incredible plans in the works and can’t wait to share the next chapter of this iconic event.”

For more information on Northcote, Obsession and upcoming events, visit www.northcote.com