Environmental & Social
Responsibility Policy

Northcote Hotel & Restaurant is located in the Ribble Valley, on the edge of the Forest of Bowland’s ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ – one of England’s most treasured landscapes.  As a food-led hotel with 26 luxury bedrooms, a Michelin starred restaurant, private dining areas, cookery school, bar and lounge and a strong connection to our local surroundings, we recognise that the natural beauty, environment and community around us are fundamental to both our guest experience and our long-term success.

We are committed to managing our business in a way that supports and protects the environment, while contributing positively to the local economy and community.  We understand that the activities of a hotel can have an impact on the natural world and on local people.  Therefore, we work to ensure that any negative effects are minimised through responsible and considered operation.

We aim to continuously improve our environmental and social performance, through small, consistent actions across every part of the hotel.  Sustainability at Northcote is not a standalone initiative, but something that is embedded in how we operate day to day.

We will comply with all relevant legislation and good practice, as well as aiming to continually strengthen our approach by:

  • Raising awareness amongst our team, guests and suppliers of the importance of protecting our environment and supporting sustainable hospitality.
  • Monitoring and reducing our energy and water consumption wherever possible, across bedrooms, offices, kitchen and operational areas.
  • Minimising waste by reducing, reusing and maximising recycling across materials including food waste, dry mixed recycling, glass and cardboard.
  • Reviewing purchasing practices to reduce unnecessary packaging and prioritise responsible sourcing.
  • Supporting local farmers, producers and suppliers, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced food as part of our offering.
  • Working with suppliers who share our values in environmental responsibility and ethical business practices.
  • Encouraging guests to engage in responsible behaviours during their stay, including reducing resource use and exploring the local area in a low-impact way.
  • Protecting and respecting the surrounding landscape and biodiversity, recognising our position alongside not just a nationally, but globally important area.
  • Supporting local employment and investing in training, engagement and wellbeing of our team.
  • Contributing positively to the local community and economy through partnerships and collaboration.
  • Fully active in local industry and national charity efforts.

We encourage all our team to take ownership of these commitments and to actively contribute ideas that help us improve.  By working together with our colleagues, guests and partners, we aim to ensure that Northcote Hotel continues to operate responsibly and sustainably, protecting the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland and wider natural environment, both national and globally, for future generations, whilst maintaining the high standards our guests expect.

Protecting Biodiversity Through Responsible Purchasing

At Northcote Hotel we recognise that many everyday products can have an impact on wildlife and natural habitats through the way they are grown, harvested or manufactured.
We are committed to purchasing responsibly sourced food, beverages, paper products, toiletries and operational supplies wherever practical. We work with suppliers who share our commitment to protecting biodiversity, reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable farming and forestry practices.
Our purchasing decisions favour:
  • Local and seasonal produce
  • Sustainably farmed ingredients
  • Responsibly managed forestry products
  • Recycled materials
  • Certified sustainable supply chains where available
By making thoughtful purchasing choices, we help protect ecosystems both locally and globally while supporting a more sustainable future for our guests, community and environment.

Download Policy

Our Sustainability Journey

Our commitment to sustainability extends across every part of Northcote, from the kitchen garden and greenhouse to the wider guest experience. We’re proud to be working with Green Tourism as we hope to acheive Gold accreditation, helping us measure, improve and celebrate our environmental and sustainability efforts.

Our Green Story