2010 is the 10th anniversary of the legendary annual Obsession – a gastronomic extravaganza and to mark the occasion this year the event is extended to 10 nights. Once again some of the UK’s greatest chefs, and some from overseas, will each cook a special ‘one night only’ menu.

Nigel can’t wait for the event to start. “ It’s just amazing, we started this 10 years ago, my first thought is – where did those 10 years go? The Obsession festival always comes round so quickly, the planning is happening all year.

“I then think of all the chefs that have visited Northcote and become part of this national event, and I am extremely honoured to have had these great cooks and friends in my kitchen – inspirational chefs such as – Heston Blumenthal; the Galvin Brothers; Peter Gordon; Darina Allen; Giorgio Locatelli; Sat Bains; Dieter Koschina; Claude Bosi; Fergus Henderson; Bruce Poole; Raymond Blanc; Michel Roux; Atul Kochhar, to mention only a few. And this year, all the chefs from the last 10 years will be featured in a commemorative book which will take you through the journey of 10 years of our Obsession along with recipes from all the chefs.”

This year Obsession will be dedicating the 10 night event to Hospitality Action, the industry benevolent organisation, which provides specialist support to all who work, or have worked, within hospitality in the UK and who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in crisis. There will be donations to the charity from each ticket and each book.

Craig is set and ready for the challenge of food and wine matching for each chef’s menu, and with his sommelier they have their work cut out to really bring something new to Obsession each year, and always try not to repeat a wine in the 10 days – that’s a challenge in itself!

What’s been the attraction for Nigel and Craig over the last 10 years to have built this event into a world class show stage of the most incredible culinary talent? “There’s a tremendous adrenalin rush every year, and this year it’s got to last for 10 days! The event develops its own momentum, in a way it’s a thank you to our customers for supporting us with their loyalty all year round by giving them a chance to enjoy different restaurants along with the opportunity for the staff to work with 10 chefs in different ways. We love it.”

Click here to download our introduction to the Festival (PDF - 1.6MB)

Wines to complement every dish are chosen specially by Craig Bancroft and Neil Alexander, head Sommelier from Northcote’s celebrated cellars. Northcote would like to thank the following sponsors for supporting this venture.