Northcote Cookery School – A True Centre of Excellence in Lancashire
We’re thrilled to celebrate Northcote Cookery School in Lancashire, recently awarded the prestigious ICSA Centre of Excellence status following a rigorous independent assessment. Recognised for their outstanding teaching, inspiring facilities, and commitment to culinary education, the award was proudly presented to Chef Tutor Ben Hinchliffe and Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen.
Now proud members of our Cookery Collection. We caught up with Ben to ask him a few quick fire questions.
Nestled within the renowned Michelin-starred Northcote Hotel, the Cookery School offers guests a rare opportunity to learn in the heart of a working fine-dining kitchen — an immersive, hands-on experience led by passionate professionals.
Meet the Chef: Ben Hinchliffe, Head Tutor at Northcote Cookery School {Pictured with Michelin Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen}
What inspired you to become a chef?
From an early age, I discovered a natural flair for creating great flavours — and once I stepped into a professional kitchen at 15, I was hooked. The energy, creativity, and passion were infectious, and I knew then it was where I belonged.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a chef tutor.
I started working weekends in a local gastro pub while still at school, then studied full-time at Accrington & Rossendale College while working part-time at the Hilton in Manchester. After achieving my Level 3 NVQ, I became head chef of a gastro pub in Bolton at just 21, earning an AA Rosette.
After a few years travelling across North America, I returned home to complete my teaching qualification and joined Accrington & Rossendale as a tutor. Four years ago, I joined Northcote as a junior tutor — and last September, I stepped up as Head Tutor. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited for what’s next for Northcote Cookery School.
What makes Northcote Cookery School so unique?
Our Cookery School is now 11 years old and offers everything from beginner sessions to advanced five-day courses — including lunch service in the main Michelin kitchen.
What truly sets us apart is our location: right in the heart of Northcote’s Michelin-starred kitchen. Guests enjoy a front-row seat to the action, seeing first-hand how a top-tier professional kitchen operates. It’s an experience few cookery schools can offer.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My approach is all about having fun while learning. Everyone absorbs information differently, and my teaching background helps me tailor lessons to suit individual learning styles. But above all — cooking should be social, full of laughter and creativity.
What inspires you most in the kitchen?
I love courses that challenge me or take me outside my comfort zone. It’s those unique dishes — the ones you might only try once — that often end up becoming part of your go-to repertoire after a day with us.
How do you bring your personal touch to your classes?
I try to keep things light-hearted and approachable. I want guests to feel comfortable, confident, and to take at least one new skill away from every class — ideally more!
Sustainability in the Kitchen
We constantly look for ways to make our cooking more sustainable. I love showing guests how to make ingredients go further — for example, using trimmings as garnishes or turning leftovers into new dishes.
My top tip: Plan your meals to minimise waste. If you roast a chicken, save the carcass for a soup or stock. Little changes like this make a big impact.
Quickfire Favourites
Three must-have ingredients: Flour, butter, and eggs — simple, versatile, and the base of so much great cooking (plus, butter makes everything taste better!).
Essential gadget: A digital temperature probe — game-changing for perfect results.
Top kitchen tip: Be a sponge! Ask questions, experiment, and never stop learning.
Finally, how would you describe the Northcote Cookery School experience?
We like to say we’re a “cookery school with a hug.” Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll be welcomed like family. Our aim is to teach you something new, fill you with great food, and send you home inspired to cook more. That’s what we call true Lancashire hospitality.
Explore Northcote Cookery School
Immerse yourself in a world-class culinary environment, learn from expert tutors, and experience the warmth and passion that make Northcote a true ICSA Centre of Excellence.
