Celebrity chef’s recipe for success

Nigel Haworth receives Honorary Fellowship from his local University

A king of the culinary world has been rewarded with a top academic accolade for his commitment to the Lancashire food industry.

Nigel Haworth swapped his chef’s whites for a cap and gown when he received his honorary fellowship from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) alongside hundreds of graduates.

The Michelin Star chef has been rewarded for promoting the use of regional produce. He is a staunch supporter of local growers and uses their produce at the impressive Northcote Manor, near Blackburn, along with his pubs throughout the North West area.

The proud Lancastrian, who received the award on November 30 at Preston’s Guild Hall, said: “It is a great honour for my family and I and I feel very proud.”

Nigel is a familiar face to fans of television food shows as he has become a regular on the BBC shows Saturday Kitchen and the Great British Menu.

He started his training at Accrington & Rossendale Catering College before spending a spells working in Ascot, London, Gleneagles and Switzerland.

On his arrival back to England Nigel spent 18 months lecturing to trainee chefs before taking the position of Head Chef at Northcote Manor in 1984. It was here he started gaining a reputation for great skill and finesse while training some of the future stars of UK cooking.

 In 1989 he became joint Managing Director and 50% shareholder with business Craig Bancroft and the restaurant continued to grow and gain regional and national recognition. Nigel and his team were awarded a coveted Michelin Star in 1996 and has been successfully retained this to date. His career has been littered with industry awards including Egon Ronay Chef of the Year, The Lifetime Achievement Award at the Northern Hospitality Awards and The Prince Philip Medal, the City & Guilds highest accolade.

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02 December 2010