A luxury Ribble Valley hotel with the best restaurant in Britain has been put up for sale as managers look for someone to take it to the “next level.”

Northcote, near Langho, is a 26-bedroom hotel with a Michelin-Star restaurant which has recently been named the UK's best and the third best restaurant in the world by TripAdvisor.

No price has been listed, with estate agent Savills saying it is ‘price on application’ meaning anyone with the funds to take over such a large property must get in contact to find out the cost.

The hotel’s managing director, Craig Bancroft, said in a statement: “We are looking to move forward with the wider development of Northcote and its facilities, and we are looking for a new long-term investor who wants to take the work The Stafford started to the next level. 

“It’s business as usual, and this will not affect our guests. All bookings are secure and the whole team, led by myself, executive chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen and the senior team will continue to drive the standards and the passion that we always have and collectively we look forward to a positive future.”

Indeed, earlier this year, Northcote had plans for a second restaurant on its site approved as part of their ‘masterplan’ to continue its development.

The hotel’s current restaurant is among the best fine dining options in the world, ranked behind only France's Restaurant Pic and Restaurante 1621 in Colombia in the TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards.

Savills said the hotel turned over in excess of £6.5 million in 2023 and is advertising the sale of the hotel as a freehold opportunity.

Further information on the Savills website said: "The asset is a luxury hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen in the heart of the Ribble Valley.

“It is one of the UK’s leading food and wine destinations. It boasts 26 bedrooms in total (18 in the Manor House and eight in the Garden Lodge).

“It has been a member of Pride of Britain Hotels (PoB Hotels) since 2007 and its rRestaurant has held one Michelin star since 1996.”

The hotel was bought out by Britannia Hospitality five years ago and is currently part of the Stafford Collection, a group of luxury hotels in locations across the UK.