Nigel was born in Whalley in July 1958. On leaving college he worked in the South of England at the Royal Berkshire in Ascot and the Grosvenor Hotel in London. In 1978 he began working in Switzerland in several Swiss Hotels. He worked with Natalie Viscardie, one of the finest chefs in Switzerland, based at the Schweizerhof Hotel. During 1980 he worked at Gleneagles Hotel. He returned to Switzerland where he perfected his patisserie skills and obtained a diploma in his sugar work. His time in Switzerland will never be forgotten and we still see Swiss undertones in some of his cookery today.

In March 1984 he was offered the challenging position as Head Chef of Northcote. Craig Bancroft had been appointed Managing Director in December 1983 to change the fortunes of Northcote and with Nigel’s arrival, this now seemed possible.

Nigel’s dedication to the craft of cooking has enabled the restaurant to continue to thrive with a glowing reputation. The pride of Lancashire has never been far away from Nigel’s heart and he has trumpeted the qualities of Lancashire ingredients during these years, becoming an Ambassador for Regionality. His reputation as a chef of great skill and finesse sits alongside his desire to champion rustic and true “terroir”. Over the years, Nigel has gained the respect of many great chefs from all over the world and as a testament to him, return to Northcote year on year to take part in the revered Obsession food and wine festival, which sees its twelfth year in January 2012.

In 1995, Nigel’s hard work was rewarded by the prestigious award of ‘Egon Ronay Chef of the Year’, it was at this time that promotions and demonstrations became part of his armoury of continuing to pioneer high standards, good exposure and overall promotion for Northcote, Lancashire and it’s producers.

Beyond the award of Egon Ronay Chef of the Year 1995, Northcote also received County Hotel of the Year for Which Hotel Guide 1995 and the restaurant was given particular acclaim for Nigel’s sticky toffee pudding in The Good Food Guide during the same year.

In January 1996 Nigel and his team finally achieved the award that everyone at Northcote has been working for. One Michelin Star has now been successfully retained each year to this present time.

On 8th July 2004 at Buckingham palace Nigel received The Prince Philip Medal, City & Guilds highest achievement in recognition of his lifelong commitment to catering, leading him to be an inspiration to others.

In 2006 Nigel was honoured to receive The Lifetime Achievement Award at the Northern Hospitality Awards. The judges commented “A true ambassador for the industry, all of Nigel’s success and hard won reputation has been utilised to promote an inspirational vision for Northern Hospitality.”

In 2009, Nigel reached the final of BBC2′s Great British Menu with his Lancashire Hotpot and continues to mentor chefs on this highly successful BBC series. Made his BBC Saturday Kitchen and Market Kitchen debuts and continues to make regular appearances. In September 2009, Nigel was also awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ in the North West Tourism Awards.

2010 saw Nigel swap his chefs’ whites for a cap and gown when he received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire for promoting the use of regional produce.

Nigel’s has recently worked with Morrisons as part of their new food range.

Nigel’s dedication to the craft of cooking has enabled the restaurant to continue to thrive with a glowing reputation. The pride of Lancashire has never been far away from Nigel’s heart and he has trumpeted the qualities of Lancashire ingredients during these years, becoming an Ambassador for Regionality. His reputation as a chef of great skill and finesse sits alongside his desire to champion rustic and true “terroir”. Over the years, Nigel has gained the respect of many great chefs from all over the world and as a testament to him, return to Northcote year on year to take part in the revered Obsession food and wine festival, which sees its twelfth year in January 2012.

In 1995, Nigel’s hard work was rewarded by the prestigious award of ‘Egon Ronay Chef of the Year’, it was at this time that promotions and demonstrations became part of his armoury of continuing to pioneer high standards, good exposure and overall promotion for Northcote, Lancashire and it’s producers.

Beyond the award of Egon Ronay Chef of the Year 1995, Northcote also received County Hotel of the Year for Which Hotel Guide 1995 and the restaurant was given particular acclaim for Nigel’s sticky toffee pudding in The Good Food Guide during the same year.

In January 1996 Nigel and his team finally achieved the award that everyone at Northcote has been working for. One Michelin Star has now been successfully retained each year to this present time.

On 8th July 2004 at Buckingham palace Nigel received The Prince Philip Medal, City & Guilds highest achievement in recognition of his lifelong commitment to catering, leading him to be an inspiration to others.

In 2006 Nigel was honoured to receive The Lifetime Achievement Award at the Northern Hospitality Awards. The judges commented “A true ambassador for the industry, all of Nigel’s success and hard won reputation has been utilised to promote an inspirational vision for Northern Hospitality.”

In 2009, Nigel reached the final of BBC2′s Great British Menu with his Lancashire Hotpot and continues to mentor chefs on this highly successful BBC series. Made his BBC Saturday Kitchen and Market Kitchen debuts and continues to make regular appearances. In September 2009, Nigel was also awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ in the North West Tourism Awards.

2010 saw Nigel swap his chefs’ whites for a cap and gown when he received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire for promoting the use of regional produce.

Nigel’s has recently worked with Morrisons as part of their new food range.