Former Michelin-starred chef, Paul Heathcote, to return with new venue

Paul Heathcote has plans to open a new business venture in Preston's Winckley Square, from the exact building the Bolton-born chef ran his then-popular Heathcotes Brasserie.

The 60-year-old ran the Brasserie from 1995 until 2016, before it was sold to the burger restaurant chain, Solita.

Solita closed in 2018, and the venue, at 23 Winckley Square, became Trinity On The Square, before that was closed in 2019.

Paul Heathcote at the opening of The Northern in Bolton

Since then, the building, close to the city's iconic Avenham Park, has had 'for sale' signs outside.

However, on July 1, Paul's company, PH Restaurants (Preston) Limited lodged an application for a premises licence/club premises certificate with Preston City Council.

Although the exact nature of the venture is not yet known, it is thought there will a space for live music, an area for films and plays to be staged, permission for the sale of alcohol from 8am, late night refreshments up to 12.30am and space for a dancefloor/club.

Paul, who held two Michelin stars at the now-closed The Longridge Restaurant in Longridge, also owned Grado in Manchester, Simply Heathcotes in Wrightington and several branches of Olive Press Bar and Grill.

He runs one of his businesses, Heathcote and Co, at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium.

The restaurateur was forced to close his Bolton-based eatery, The Northern, in April due to the pandemic.

Paul Heathcote at Deepdale stadium

The Northern had only launched in the Albert Halls six months before the pandemic struck, and Paul said the sad decision was taken following the devastating impact lockdowns had had on the hospitality industry.

As part of the closure, a 10 year-contract agreed between Bolton Council and Heathcotes in 2018 was also terminated, with the agreement of both parties

It is not yet known when the new establishment in Preston will open but Paul will be looking to call the venue Number 23 Winckley.