The annual cooking festival will return from 23 January to 8 February with chefs from across the country and beyond descending on the luxury Lancashire hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef patron-director Lisa Goodwin-Allen to cook a series of meals.
Next year’s chef line-up will bring together chefs from across the globe - from Chicago and Dubai to Amsterdam, Dublin and London - holding a combined 25 Michelin stars between them.
“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,” says Goodwin Allen.
“After marking our 25th anniversary last year, the excitement and momentum are stronger than ever. 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.”
Next year’s event will be the first Obsession under the hotel’s new owner Silkstone Finance, which is the investment vehicle of regular diners Alf and Clare Ellis. The couple’s first experience of the hotel and restaurant was attending Obsession more than 10 years ago.
“Now, with our new owners, Alf and Clare Ellis at the helm, Obsession26 is set to be even more special,” adds Goodwin Allen.
“Their vision and support are helping us elevate Obsession to new heights, making it not just a celebration of world-class food, but an unforgettable experience for every guest who joins us.”
Chef Sujan Sarkar of Indienne in Chicago, which holds one Michelin star, says: “It’s an honour to be part of Northcote’s Obsession26 line up. The event has such an incredible legacy. 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.”
The event will kick off with a meal cooked by Goodwin Allen and culminate in a six-hand meal cooked by John Williams, Adam Byatt, and Phil Howard.
Obsession launched in 2001 as a celebration of great food, wine and a meeting of friends, old and new and has welcomed chefs from across the world over the past 25 years.
The full Obsession line-up
Friday 23 January: Lisa Goodwin Allen, Northcote, Ribble Valley (1 star)
Saturday 24 January: David Taylor, Grace & Savour, West Midlands (1 star)
Sunday 25 January: Kim Ratcharoen, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, London (3 star)
Monday 26 January: Damien Grey, Liath, Co Dublin (2 star)
Tuesday 27 January: Angelo Sato, Humble Chicken, London (2 star)
Wednesday 28 January: Nathan Davies, Vraic, Isle of Guernsey
Thursday 29 January: Gregoire Berger, Kraken, Dubai
Friday 30 January: Allister Barsby, Hide and Fox, Kent (2 star)
Saturday 31 January: Paul Proffitt, Pearl by Paul Proffitt, Denmark (1 star)
Sunday 1 February: Jason Atherton, Spencer Metzger: Row on 5, London (1 star)
Monday 2 February: John Chantarasak, AngloThai, London (1 star)
Tuesday 3 February: Tom Spenceley, The Ledbury, London (3 star)
Wednesday 4 February: Alex Verhoeven, Hert, Belgium (1 star)
Thursday 5 February: Bas Van Kranen, Flore, Netherlands (1 star)
Friday 6 February: Sujan Sarkar, Indienne, Chicago (1 star)
Saturday 7 February: Jorge Paredes, OMA, London (1 star)
Sunday 8 February: John Williams, The Ritz, London (2 star), Adam Byatt, Trinity, London (1 star), Phil Howard, Elystan Street, London (1 star)