Top TV chef visits Myerscough to begin exciting student partnership

Michelin starred Lisa Goodwin-Allen is Chef Patron-Director at Northcote in the Ribble Valley, and along with the venue’s head gardener, Ciarán, came to Myerscough to begin shaping an exciting collaboration between agricultural and horticultural students and Northcote’s upcoming garden projects.

In the coming weeks, Myerscough students will work with the Northcote team to bring their kitchen garden space to life.

Susanna Brandon, Curriculum Area Manager – Greenspace, said: ‘’It was an inspiring visit, with Lisa speaking passionately about the respect chefs must have for the produce they work with to deliver truly high-quality and innovative menus.

‘’She highlighted the special relationship between grower and chef; one built on mutual learning, trust and creativity, experimenting with new combinations leading to exciting culinary innovation.

‘’Lisa and Ciarán were equally delighted to hear the ideas and perspectives from our learners, reinforcing just how powerful collaboration can be.

‘’We’re incredibly excited to be working alongside the Northcote team to bring their kitchen garden space to life over the coming weeks.

‘’What an amazing enrichment opportunity for our students, that is thoroughly deserved after the dedication and hard work they’ve shown throughout their assessment period.’’

Lisa Goodwin-Allen is one of the most innovative and exciting chefs in the UK today, and in addition to her role at Northcote, she is also Culinary Director of The Beaumont in Mayfair, London.

Lisa, who hails from Lancaster, is a regular face on Britain’s TV screens. She is often seen as a guest on James Martin’s Saturday Morning and BBC Morning Live and has judged and mentored on both MasterChef: The Professionals and Celebrity MasterChef.

However, she is perhaps best known as one of the veteran judges on BBC1’s Great British Menu, a show which she herself won in 2010.

A spokesperson for Northcote added: ‘’Building strong connections between education and industry is something we’re incredibly passionate about.

‘’Collaborations like this create valuable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, while helping us support and develop future talent across food, farming, and hospitality.

‘’A huge thank you to the students who welcomed us into their glasshouses and gardens, and to the dedicated staff whose enthusiasm and hands-on approach really stood out. It was inspiring to see such engagement, skill, and pride in their work.

‘’We’re looking forward to sharing more as this partnership grows.’’