ACCLAIMED chef Nigel Haworth is aiming to bring a taste of Lancashire to the nation’s dinner tables after announcing a partnership with supermarket giant Sainsbury’s.

Mr Haworth, co-founder of Michelin-starred Northcote Manor hotel and restaurant in Langho, who now serves as the site’s global ambassador, will call on more than 30 years of culinary experience to create a Lancashire hotpot, a beef and ale hotpot, a vegetarian hotpot and a curried chicken hotpot, which will hit 150 of the retailer’s stores from November 5.

The range, which has been two years in development, will be called ‘Food With Roots’.

“It has taken a great deal of time to develop the hotpots to the exact standards that I wanted,” Nigel said. “I’ve also been passionate about British comfort food and I think that we have got this range absolutely right, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“I pride myself on only using the finest ingredients, only 12 to be precise, for my hotpots. I’ve interpreted these regional favourites using locally sourced and earthy ingredients.”

Traditionally consisting of lamb or mutton and onion, topped with sliced potatoes and baked in a heavy pot on a low heat, the Lancashire hotpot is thought to have its origins in the industrial heartlands of the county, using affordable, easily available ingredients and cooked slowly over a low fire.

In recent years, Nigel, who trained at Accrington and Rossendale Catering College in Lancashire, has become a tireless campaigner for the dish and has served it across his establishments after researching the hotpot’s history.

One of Nigel’s finest moments came 10 years ago, when his Lancashire lamb hotpot won the main course category in BBC Two’s Great British Menu. “It’s one of the best feelings of my life,” the triumphant chef said at the time.

His dish was chosen as the winning main course for a banquet hosted by Prince Charles for servicemen and women returning from Afghanistan.

“My hotpots take the fuss out of home cooking,” added Nigel.