Preston Guild Hall has an enormous amount of performance to offer, including in the kitchen. Eating in the Arcade used to be a choice between the much-loved Cassandra’s and some bargain shops.

Simon Rigby, local millionaire and businessman, took over ownership and invested £1 million into the venue and the Guild Hall Arcade in 2014, and he has visions of it becoming a ‘Printworks-style’ venue for the city.

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Part of his plan – outlined early on- was to open new restaurants, a coffee shop and a wine and cocktail bar in a major modern makeover of the Arcade. His plan is simple, get people in to watch shows but also get them sitting down for a meal and a drink.

The Villa Italian

The Villa Italian is a stunning Italian cuisine with a stylish interior enabling clienteles to enjoy tasty dishes in the sophisticated surroundings.

The authentic Italian menu, designed by the head chef Stefano La Camera, includes a range of signature dishes including crisp stone baked pizzas, fresh salads, authentic pastas and much more, all cooked from the £120k kitchen.

The Villa’s pizza oven replicates a wood burning pizza oven, without the wood and mess, creating delicious pizza’s cooked to perfection with the best crusts possible.

Located at the front of the Guild Hall with an admirable view of the town centre, plans are already in action to open an extended terrace above the restaurant, which hopes to feature live music.

The impressive Italian cuisine follows a striking yellow and white colour scheme, with bay tables, a classy bar and sparkling lights that surround you.

Related: Preston Youth Theatre School coming to Preston Guild Hall

Richard Simkin, Head of Operations at the Guild Hall, spoke about The Villa that has been opened for two months.

He said: “We have put a lot of work into the restaurant.

“It has been personally designed by our team with a unique Italian interior.

“Our doors opened in June and with its success we are already looking forward to expanding with our new terrace”

“It’s going to be a place of live music that people can come and enjoy, along with seating areas overlooking the city.

The Villa will share half of the Terrace with Review Bar which is situated next door.

Mundo Tapas

For a tasty tapas cuisine, Mundo Tapas is the perfect choice.

The exciting restaurant serves tapas from around the world, including delicious sea food, paella, duck spring rolls, and much more.

As you walk in you are presented with an elegant seating area that features leather sofas, HD TV’s and, of course, the Mundo Tapas bar offering a selection of fine beverages.

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A thrilling factor is that you can book a seat at the chef’s table and watch your meal be prepared directly in front of you.

The cuisine is located next to The Villa and has a pleasant atmosphere with excellent service, providing the perfect place for customers to enjoy fantastic food.

All ingredients are sourced locally, adding to the uniqueness that is Mundo Tapas.

Leaf or Bean Coffee Shop

The charming Leaf or Bean Coffee Shop serves a variety of fresh tea and coffee drinks, along with an extensive menu of food, including breakfast and lunch

Offering scrumptious sandwiches, soup, omelettes, cakes and much more, the brand new Leaf or Bean Coffee shop is ideal for both nibbles and meals.

The coffee house features numerous tables with white leather chairs and black sofas, allowing the customers to relax in the extremely appealing environment.

Located opposite Mundo Tapas, you can enjoy in or take away with the Coffee shop being open until 3.30pm Monday – Friday, and 5pm on Saturday.

Leaf or Bean also provide a range of special offers, making every visit even more delightful.

Review Bar

A contemporary venue boasting a relaxed ambience by day yet an upbeat atmosphere by night, Review Bar is the new Wine and Cocktail bar that is definitely not to be missed.

Bringing Preston’s first ever circular bar, the remarkable Review serves an extraordinary range of quality wines, international beers and classic cocktails, such as Martini’s, Bellini’s and Margaritas.

At the front of Preston Guild Hall, Review bar is glimmering with fairy lights that surround the stunning venue.

Review offers a unique drinking experience for Preston with a team of trained mixologists serving a concoction of drinks along with appealing offers such as the two-for-one cocktail offer at selected times.

Even more, Review serves a delicious variety of food including gourmet burgers, mouth-watering pizzas and flamed-grill chicken wings.

Review is also acting on plans to extend above, opening a terrace that joins to The Villa and will host live music with a dancefloor, enabling you to enjoy the fantastic atmosphere even more.

A classy bar both day and night.

The development of the Guild Hall has certainly transformed Preston’s adored landmark into a fresh and exciting complex, putting a buzz of atmosphere into the air.

Busy in the Guild Hall's restaurants and bars tonight. Promising sign. #preston

A photo posted by Blog Preston (@blog.preston) on Jul 15, 2016 at 1:46pm PDT

Will you be visiting The Guild Hall? What do you think of the changes in the Guild Hall? Let us know in the comments below

Disclaimer: Blog Preston were invited along by Preston Guild Hall to sample all four places, they knew we were coming.