Major changes at Heathcotes flagship Longridge restaurant

CELEBRITY chef Paul Heathcote has today revealed a reshape at his flagship Longridge restaurant.

Michael Noonan has been appointed as head chef at the critically acclaimed restaurant, which was the first of Paul’s 14 establishments and opened in 1990.

It will also get a new menu focusing on creating dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients. The menu will change every month to include all of the foods which are in season.

Head chef, Michael Noonan, has been promoted from within the Heathcotes group where he has worked for five years.

Longridge has always used regional produce wherever possible and the menu is evolving to be governed by what is in season and will benefit more independent local businesses.

Paul Heathcote opened his eponymous Longridge Restaurant in 1990 and within two years he had been awarded his first Michelin and Egon Ronay stars. The restaurant prides itself on great British cooking using the best local and seasonal ingredients wherever possible.

Paul said: “Our menu will really show to people the great local seasonal produce we have in the north west. It will change on a monthly basis so will always offer our customers something different.

“We are really excited about the changes we are making at Longridge but we still have the same objective we have always had- making our diners’ experiences unreservedly special and continuity of great food and service is really important to us.

“We have championed local produce since our first week at Longridge and it is about finding the right growers and suppliers- we’ll add produce from more small businesses to the suppliers we already use.

“Michael’s promotion to head chef of our flagship restaurant is one that he really deserves- he has a passion for ingredients and I am looking forward to working with him far more closely.”

Michael Noonan added: “I am delighted to be taking the reins at such a prestigious restaurant and will strive to maintain the great reputation that it has throughout the region.”

Following its launch Longridge quickly established itself as one of the finest restaurants in the north west.

Events are planned throughout the summer to highlight some of Lancashire’s finest produce with supplier events happening on the first Tuesday of every month. These will include northwest cheeses and organic meats.

Paul now has a portfolio of 14 restaurants including Grado in Manchester, Winckley Square Chop House in Preston, Simply Heathcotes in Wrightington and several Olive Press Pizzeria Bar and Grills across the north west.

For more information please visit www.heathcotes.co.uk

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Posted: Wednesday 9th July 2008
ID: 4080 - 138