Hogarths, the latest hostelry to appear in Preston which opened 5 December, is quaintly described as a “Victorian Style Gin Palace”. The premises of the former Academy in Church Street has been completely refurbished and restyled with a classical Victorian look and feel and is all set to become one of Preston’s most popular bars where you can enjoy a selection of over 80 different gins, cask ales and cocktails. In an unusual style of partitioned ‘rooms’ and at the same time keeping a sense of openness, it is both an intimate and social place to be, with the most elaborate and sumptuous decor and a lovely lit fire to keep everyone warm in the winter-time, it is sure to be a winner with all patrons of any age. Even more good news is that Hogarths show live sport on the many LED screens around the bar. Generally, wherever you are in the bar you should be able to view sport when it is available.
Hogarths occupies a building which has stood in that location since is was first built around 1892. Originally, the upper floors were used as Preston’s Conservative Club and the ground floor was occupied by a men’s barbers shop. Since those times, the upper floors had remained in use as the Conservative Club but the ground floor had become the premises of the Discount Book Company. In more recent times the whole building was remodeled and the upper floors on the front Church Street facing side were removed and the premises became known as The Academy, a bar which only closed down in recent months.
If you have an interest in the history of this locality, then there is a good historical account of that part of Church Street and some great pictures of what it was like many years ago in an article written in 2012 for one of our Past Preston history series called A ramble along Church Street part 3.
If you would like more information about Hogarths then you can access their Facebook Page or go to their Twitter account
Are you planning to go to Hogarths or have you been there yet? Let us know in the comments below.