From taking on a career-defining head chef role at just 23 years old, to being crowned Great British Menu's Champion of Champions in 2010, Lisa Goodwin-Allen's imprint on the UK's dining scene is impossible to ignore. The chef is best known for her long-standing role as executive chef at Northcote, where she has helped it retain a Michelin star for over two decades, and has most recently launched her newest restaurant in London - Rosi at The Beaumont Mayfair.
Born and raised in Lancaster, Lisa studied hospitality at college and attained early roles at the likes of Holbeck Ghyll in the Lake District, and two-Michelin starred Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham. They say all roads lead to home, and Lisa returned to Lancaster where she took on the role of demi chef de partie at Langho-based Northcote. Little did she know at the time (aged 21 years old) that this would go on to be a pivotal move in her career.
Under head chef Nigel Haworth, Northcote was awarded a Michelin star in 1996. Nigel and Lisa worked together to develop the restaurant’s culinary vision, and after two years at Northcote, Lisa took over as head chef. Despite her age, Lisa stepped into the role with confidence and skill, becoming a pioneer of sustainable, produce-led British cooking. The pair built a cookery school and started an apprenticeship scheme to train young chefs.
Impressively, Lisa has retained Northcote’s Michelin star to this day, and despite a momentary hiaitus in 2025 when she stepped away from the role, she has since returned as the restaurant's chef patron director. More recently, Lisa also stepped into the role of culinary director at Mayfair hotel The Beaumont.
When she’s not in the kitchen, Lisa appears on TV shows such as MasterChef and James Martin’s Saturday Morning. She also mentors young chefs and supports organisations like Hospitality Action, and in 2022, she won SquareMeal and AYALA'S Female Chef of the Year Award for her contributions to the industry, in particular inspiring a younger generation of chefs.
It was a pleasure to catch-up with Lisa once again to hear about her favourite places to eat in the UK right now. From Lancaster to London, check out the chef's top restaurant recommendations.
Cafe Murano, London
![angela hartnett and plates of pasta with a martini]()
Lisa Goodwin-Allen says: 'Angela is just brilliant and I really do love everything she creates. She stays so true to her Italian roots and Café Murano offers traditional, fresh and seasonal dishes that are really wholesome and tasty. I love that the restaurant is so accessible, you can visit for a quick bowl of pasta and a glass of wine, or a delicious celebration. My favourite dish is the Chicken Milanese, so simple, yet delicious!'
Where: 36 Tavistock Street, WC2E 7PB; 33 St James’s Street, SW1A 1HD; 184 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ; 52-55 Dorset Street, W1U 7NQ
Book now: Cafe Murano Covent Garden; Cafe Murano St James's; Cafe Murano Bermondsey; Cafe Murano Marylebone
Sabor, London
![blue booth and spanish dishes]()
Lisa Goodwin-Allen says: 'I absolutely love Nieves and everything she has created as Sabor. She’s a great friend, exceptional chef and Sabor is always a restaurant I head to when in London. The menu is full of delicious dishes and the atmosphere is buzzing yet still manages to feel relaxed and informal in all the different dining areas. I’m a big fan of sharing dishes, so the menu style is perfect for me as it gives the opportunity to try so much more.'
Where: 35-37 Heddon Street, W1B 4BS
Book now: Sabor: El Asador; Sabor: The Counter
Kudu, London
![interior of counter dining and steak with jus]()
Lisa Goodwin-Allen says: 'This restaurant is close to my heart, as my husband is from South Africa and I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time out there, enjoying the country’s wonderful array of traditional dishes. Kudu Grill is a taste of family for me; easy relaxed dishes, cooked over fire, with incredible flavours. I know they have recently opened in Marylebone and I’m really excited to visit the new premises and keep enjoying their magical menu.'
Where: 7 Moxon Street, W1U 4EP
Book now: Kudu
The Parkers Arms, Lancashire
![pubs with vines and lobster]()
Lisa Goodwin-Allen says: 'This place is a go to for me and my family. It’s local to where I live and serves the most fantastic seasonal food and always offers a true Lancashire welcome. It’s homely and a place you can truly relax while enjoying dishes made with the most seasonal and local ingredients. Plus, even my two sausage dogs can join us as it’s so dog friendly!'
Where: Hallgate Hill, BB7 3DY
Book now: The Parkers Arms
El Gata Negro, Manchester
![sharing style tapas and prawns with lemon]()
Lisa Goodwin-Allen says: 'I love tapas and sharing dishes, so this place is spot on for me. I really enjoy the mix of modern and traditional flavours throughout the menu and the funky ambience in the restaurant. It’s definitely a place I gravitate to when I’m in Manchester.'
Where: 52 King Street, M2 4LY
Book now: El Gata Negro
Want to read more about the best chefs in the UK? Browse interviews with the likes of Mary-Ellen McTague, Emily Roux and Carla Jones, or find out who won our SquareMeal and AYALA's Female Chef of the Year Award 2025.