The building once the location for the Preston institution French Bistro on Avenham Road has recently been taken over by the San Macro Group who also own the Italian resaurant Angleos next door.

A brand new sparkling Italian bar called Stratos is now open on the site where the Bistro ruled the Preston cabaret nightlife.

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The French Bistro started life in 1977 located in the Miller Arcade and was the first of its kind, and as I remember a very popular intimate restaurant.

The Bistro’s move to a larger premises on Avenham Road brought with it the even more popular party cabaret night scene to Preston. Live entertainment matched with good food most nights of the week.

Motown stars including Martha Reeves, Edwin star and Emile Ford graced the stage in its early life as French Bistro Live. The DJ was great whenever I went.

Many, stag, hen, birthday and Christmas parties were held here, I attended quite a few. Who can forget getting up and dancing on the tables after food had been cleared and the sight of drunken revellers falling off the tables which was funny at the time. I surprised health and safety still allow it.

The Original French Bistro is still going strong by the way. They relocated to 23 Chapel Brow in Leyland a while ago and still provide the same great French food and cabaret nights

I spoke to Stratos main man Carlo Vragagnini, who runs the family firm that includes Pinocchio’s, San Marco’s in Much Hoole and the Italian Orchard as well as Angelos and I will be posting a rewiew of the new bar soon.

Stratos is at 7 Avenham Street, Preston, PR! 3BN
Telephone 01772 888 880

What are your memories of the French Bistro in Preston. Did you have a party there? Did you fall off a table? Let us know in the comments below