263 Restaurant opened in 2019 but was ‘reawakened’ in 2021
The 263 Restaurant team (Image: LTA 2022)
An intimate and innovative fine dining restaurant in Preston is celebrating after being recognised for serving up “food, beverage and service excellence”.
263 Restaurant in Camden Place off Winckley Square, which was “reawakened” in 2021, has won the Taste of Lancashire award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022. The establishment pipped The Coach and Horses in Bolton-by-Bowland and La Laconda in Gisburn to the prestigious prize.
The venue, which is featured in the Michelin Guide, was opened by entrepreneur Mark O’Rourke in 2019, but was shut for the majority of the pandemic. Rikki Hughes is the current head chef, arriving fresh from a stint as sous chef at Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers in Buckinghamshire.
READ MORE: Review – 263, Preston – a wild ride that takes in the world’s poshest butter pie and Goosnargh fried chicken
On the award win, which is a much sought-after accolade in the in the hospitality industry, Rikki said: “It’s an honour to win such a prestigious award within the county of Lancashire, especially against such tough competition.”
Mark said that the staff had been rewarded for their hard work. He added: “I’m super proud of the food and experience they’ve been able to put together. It’s brilliant to see them get the recognition that they deserve.”
The restaurant is housed on the ground floor and has a distinct minimalist Scandi-chic style, with only a few tables. It serves an evening tasting menu with a wine flight accompaniment also available.
The menu is crafted from wild ingredients that showcase the best of Lancashire’s seasonal produce, heritage and foraged ingredients.
The kitchen is headed up by Lancashire-born chef director Oli Martin while the restaurant director is Alex Blamire.
Oli has 17 years of experience in kitchens in Michelin Star and Rosette restaurants in England, the South of France and Australia, and made it to the final three on Mast
erchef: The Professionals in 2018. Alex has previously worked at Linthwaite House, Gilpin Lodge and Hipping Hall in Cumbria.
- 19:12, 9 FEB 2023