THE Michelin-starred Northcote Hotel and Restaurant has been ranked as the best hotel in the North of England at a national awards ceremony.

The luxury Ribble Valley venue was awarded number 25 on the Hoteliers’ Hotels Top 100 List.

Northcote has moved up 20 places since last year which now means it is highest ranked venue in the North of England.

The 26-bedroom boutique hotel in Langho has been run by managing director Craig Bancroft and chef patron Nigel Haworth since 1984.

The accolade was announced at a reception at The Ned Hotel in London.

Craig Jackson, general manager, said: “We are so pleased to be awarded number 25 on the Hoteliers’ Hotels Top 100 List 2017, especially as we have climbed 20 places and are the highest ranking hotel in the north of England.

“The competition is always tough and there are a lot of well-known, well-respected hotels in the list, so it’s a great testament to the hard work of the whole team at the hotel.

“We all strive to create an oasis of food and wine excellence with genuine service, and this award is recognition of that work.”

The Hoteliers’ Hotels Top 100 list is assembled by the UK’s leading hoteliers.

It is then verified by a selection of the nations’ respected hotel experts, such as Fiona Duncan and Giovanna Grossi, along with the senior editors at The Caterer.

Northcote has already won the hotel of the year 2017 prize at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in April.

It also won Hotel of the Year prize at the AA Hospitality Awards in 2016.

Managing Director, Craig Bancroft has also been celebrating several other successes including The Caterer’s Hotelier of the Year 2016, Imbibe Hotel Personality of the Year 2017 and the Wine and Spirit Ambassador Award at the Catey Awards 2017.

The venue has also held a Michelin star, putting it in the international restaurant elite class, for 20 consecutive years.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said the venue is a credit to the area and provides a big boost to businesses.

He said: "It is an absolutely fantastic place that provides so much to the Ribble Valley.

"It's been a huge quality investment, not just in terms of bricks but the staff.

"From Nigel and Craig all the way down to the bar staff they show superb dedication and do some fantastic work.

"It's now obviously not just known as a massive success in the country, but across the nation, it's fantastic.

"The only thing I'm surprised about is that it's not further up the lift."