Food News, with Amanda Killelea

ONE of Lancashire's gastronomic gems has been honoured with a top food award.

Northcote Manor, which nestles in Langho, has been named Independent Hotel of the Year at the prestigious annual Caterer and Hotelkeepers' Awards, or Cateys as they are known.

Northcote Manor's pride in its appeal to local people, as well as its Michelin-starred menu which attracts diners from far and wide, were two factors that made the hotel stand out from the rest.

The proudly Lancastrian menu was praised, along with chef and owner Nigel Haworth who has researched old regional recipes and buys many of the ingredients locally.

The judges also praised Northcote Manor for the quality and comfort of its bedrooms, as well as the delicious food, including black pudding with pink trout and corn-fed Goosnargh duckling.

The unequivocal independence of Northcote Manor also counted strongly in its favour in the judges' decision because, as one said, absolute independence is becoming much rarer as hotels seek funding from larger organisations which then require a management role.

Nigel Haworth said: "We were absolutely overjoyed to have received this award on behalf of the present and past teams of Northcote who have enabled us to reach this prominent position within our industry.

"It is a great credit to the Ribble Valley and recognition of the passion at Northcote which has driven our business for the past 15 years."

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