Lancashire’s thriving food scene, boasting six Michelin-starred restaurants – more than major cities like Manchester – is gaining recognition as a culinary hotspot. 

Yet, the likes of the Ribble Valley and more recently Rawtenstall have been eating up most of the headlines. But Blackburn is quietly becoming a food destination to rival any in the North West and Blackburn with Darwen Council has enlisted the expertise of journalist and editor Karl Holbrook to elevate the town’s profile as an emerging food destination. 

The partnership, which also involves Discover Blackburn, aims to highlight the town’s hidden culinary treasures and position Blackburn as a go-to spot for food lovers across the North West.

Lancashire’s food scene is second to none, and Blackburn has so much to offer with its incredible hidden gems.

Karl, formerly Editor of The Northern Echo and Executive Editor of the Daily Express, brings his passion for the North and wealth of media expertise to the initiative. It’s one of the first projects he has launched since launching his Northern-focussed PR consultancy, North Squared Media this month.

“Lancashire’s food scene is second to none, and Blackburn has so much to offer with its incredible hidden gems,” Karl said. “This project is about giving the town the recognition it deserves and putting it firmly on the culinary map.”

The campaign will focus on showcasing Blackburn’s unique eateries, innovative chefs, and diverse food culture, leveraging strategic media outreach to draw attention from food enthusiasts and critics alike.

Karl brings two decades of experience across digital and print journalism, having held high-profile roles including Executive Editor of the Daily Express and Regional Group Editor for The Northern Echo, Bolton News, and Lancashire Telegraph. Most recently, he was the Launch Editor of Express US in New York, part of Reach Plc’s multi-million-pound expansion into the American news media market. 

For more information about North Squared Media click here. 

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