BY CLAIRE BOSI
15 NIGHTS, 18 CHEFS AND 18 MICHELIN STARS. AFTER A TWO-YEAR WAIT NORTHCOTE’S OBSESSION RETURNED BETWEEN 21 JAN - 6 FEB 2022. AND THIS YEAR WAS BIGGER THAN EVER. The ultimate celebration of gastronomy, Obsession began in 2001, with a modest, yet brilliant group of chefs. Over the years, the celebration has grown to a fortnight-long and become recognised as one of the most prestigious gourmet festivals in Europe. When details of the Obsession22 line-up were released, the team at Northcote received a startling 15,000 requests to attend within just 14 days of the announcement. Obsession22 was also the first year under the leadership of Northcote’s Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. When restrictions were relaxed during the pandemic in 2021, I joined Lisa on a foraging trip with the festival film sponsors, Wellocks - a company with whom Lisa holds a great relationship, and who supply much of the produce into her own Michelin starred kitchens. During the trip Lisa discussed the direction she hoped to take Obsession22 in, for its first year back; “I want Obsession22 to really showcase the exceptional talents we have here in the UK and Ireland. Previous Obsessions have seen chefs fly in from all over the world, and that is definitely something we will return to. But this year, it’s going to be extra special. It will be about celebrating our own hospitality industry and our own world-class chefs” True to Lisa’s word, she made it happen. The festival saw chefs travelling from all across Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland – from Edinburgh to Dublin, London to Newcastle and beyond - to cook
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their unique Obsession menus. Of course, Obsession22 took all manner of support and ingenuity to deliver. There is a whole team working throughout the year, and during the festival. From reservations, to room attendants, marketing to sponsorships – Obsession is one monumental collaborative effort. These efforts are further enhanced by the festivals generous sponsors. Guests are chauffeur-driven in style, thanks to the support from Porsche. Headline sponsors, Deepbridge, joined by kitchen sponsors Electrolux Professional and chefs table sponsor Gaggenhau are among those who contribute enormously to the events’ success resulting in over £70k raised for Hospitality Action. New for 2022 saw a beautifully crafted cover plate and tea service, courtesy of Royal Crown Derby. As guests were seated, the cover plates added to the sense of anticipation and excitement for the evening ahead – these pieces surely set to become collectibles. As with each Obsession festival, accompanying every menu is a wine pairing, carefully curated by Northcote’s very own Craig Bancroft. I spoke with Craig, halfway through the festival; “We know each chefs’ menu in advance of their arrival, so I have a loose shortlist of wines. But of course, reading the description and tasting the dish can mean two very different things. On the day of the event, chef cooks and plates up the menu, then we taste it and match the wines carefully.
The celebrations always begin with Louis Roederer champagne, as they kindly sponsor the event” I asked Craig – what if he cannot match a menu with wines from his own extensive cellars? “I don’t have to worry about that” Craig laughs “We have the wonderful Wright Wine Co just over in Skipton. They are just fabulous at finding us whatever we need, at very short notice. And they are very used to working with me!” So, Obsession22 was a roaring success and the team now look forward to next year’s event. But before we sign off, lets have a closers look at just who graced the kitchens this year, there are two groups of people who helped to make this event so outstanding. To the line-up of chefs – so much gratitude. It has been a tough time for the hospitality sector, and your support towards Obsession has been extraordinary. You have travelled to us, shared your experiences with us, showcased your craft. You have brought generosity, optimism and celebration. Together we displayed just how our UK hospitality scene rivals that of any country. Finally, without guests, there would be no Obsession. So, on behalf of Craig, Lisa and all the team behind Northcote’s Obsession – thank you for helping to bring this festival to life, thank you for showing our chefs just how much their talents are appreciated and we look forward to welcoming you again.
