A former Preston pub lost in the jumble of Friargate could be returned to its former glory.
AdvertisementThe Plau Beer and Gin House is the brainchild of Jeremy Rowlands and business partners.
Rowlands, who is also a partner in the Continental, The Ferret and was recently involved in refurbishing the Moorbrook Inn on North Road, says the time is right for a small bar on one of the main roads in the city.
He said: “It will be a micro bar. A new intimate venue holding up to 50 customers, where people can meet and enjoy independently produced craft products in relaxed beautiful surroundings.
“People’s leisure habits have changed in recent years that has led to huge upheavals in the market.”
What was the Plough Inn building is believed to be at least 250 years old.
Most recently it was the Ozone body piercing parlour, but had previously been used as a meeting place for The Oddfellow Society.
Rowlands said: “This is a hidden and important piece of Preston’s heritage and we want to give the building back some of its lustre, restoring the old shop frontage, with many original elements which exist within the building being used to create a stylish, beautiful interior.”
A focus on gin based drinks is expected to be on the menu, sourced from artisan producers.
Rowlands, and business partner Rebecca Scott, say Plau is also to stock craft beers, wines and coffees.
Plans have been lodged with Preston City Council to convert the building back into a pub and if approved work would begin in November. It could be open as soon as December.
You can view the full plans on the city council website.
Anyone wishing to comment on the plans must do so via the council website or by emailing devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference 06/2014/0611 by Saturday 13 September.
More about the history of the Plough Inn can be found on Steve Halliwell’s Pubs in Preston blog.
What do you think of the Plau idea? Would you visit it? Let us know in the comments below