Preston retains its Purple Flag nightlife status

Preston has been given the Purple Flag status for the seventh year running.

The city remains the only place in Lancashire to be recommended for its nightlife.

Preston Business Improvement District (BID) submitted the city for its excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

To bag the status the city has to demonstrate a ‘vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for diverse ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures’.

Preston was also recognised as a safe and welcoming place, and gave people the ability to get home safely and move around the city centre on foot with ease.

The city first gained the Purple Flag status in 2012 and has retained it each year since.

Chair of Preston BID John Boydell said: “Preston’s early evening and night time economy has improved dramatically in recent years. There is more choice than ever before with investment from established venues and new places to enjoy opening regularly.

“Preston is an ever-evolving city, the only destination in Lancashire to have been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation – I would like to thank everyone involved in the application process, that works tirelessly year-round, to make Preston an award-winning place to visit.”

Here’s a few places which have recently opened in Preston city centre, or plan to:

Fino Tapas was the newest independent restaurant when it opened up in what was Korova, and is fast gaining a good reputation for its tapas selection.

Just up the road and Bistrot Pierre spent more than a year fitting out the former Fishergate Baptist Church to make it the latest venue in its French dining chain.

Real ale fans were pleased when Plug and Taps added itself to the city’s craft ale bar scene, in Lune Street. And by the university the former Hearts and Oak pub was refitted and reopened as The Vinyl Tap.

Ballers is opening this week in Friargate in what was Placebo bar and further up towards the university the long-awaited Plau bar is due to open during September.

What do you think about going out in the city? Where is your favourite place to go? Let us know in the comments below