Northcote Obsession 22 takes home AA Outstanding Contribution Award – the AA’s ultimate accolade presented to a business, team or individual that has made a significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry
At the AA Hospitality Awards last night at London’s Grosvenor House, Northcote’s annual culinary food festival Obsession 22 was presented with the AA Outstanding Contribution Award.
The Outstanding Contribution Award recognises extraordinary achievement and significant contribution to the hospitality industry. Northcote Obsession 22 not only broke every record but it also raised £68,000 for Hospitality Action and left the nation in no doubt, hospitality was back.
In what can only be described as a culinary triumph and much welcomed boost for the hospitality industry, the gourmet food festival returned, after a break due to Covid, with flair, exceptional gastronomy, record numbers and a whole host of critically acclaimed, innovative and exciting chefs.
The numbers for 2022 were staggering – the biggest numbers yet since the inception of Obsession and saw some of the UK and Ireland’s top chefs, including James Martin, Tom Kerridge, Matt Abe and Monica Galetti, showcase their diverse and technically excellent menus over a series of 15 nights.
Lisa Goodwin-Allen, Executive Chef of Michelin star restaurant Northcote and Director of The Game Bird and American Bar at The Stafford London commented: “We have worked really hard since the inception of Obsession to establish it as one of the UK’s best food festivals. After a tough couple of years for the industry, it was amazing to see Obsession 22 exceed all previous years. But the best thing for us was to see people out again, enjoying themselves. The feedback we had from everyone who attended was phenomenal. And we were able to raise more than £68,000 for Hospitality Action, a charity which is close to all of our hearts, so that was the icing on the cake.
Craig Bancroft, Managing Director of Northcote continued: “The team worked tirelessly around the clock to bring the event together and ensure everyone who attended had the very best experience. We are absolutely delighted to receive this award from AA. It’s the recognition our amazing team and the incredible line up of chefs deserves.”