A Preston woman is launching a new initiative that will bring together some of the city’s best food and drink producers.

Jane Cuthbertson from Penwortham owns the award-winning independent wine retailer Barrica Wines.

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Jane traded from Chorley’s Botany Bay until it was closed for redevelopment in February. Since then she has been sharing space with Beer Brothers Brewery at Walton Summit.

A new opportunity has now arisen for Jane to move back to Chorley, but she won’t be returning alone.

Jane, who is calling the new venture Barrica in the Park, says her vision is to create a permanent food festival full of local producers.

Jane said: “We had the wonderful opportunity to take on part of the farmhouse buildings at Astley Hall and Park, but the space is too big for just beers, wines and spirits – so we invited some friends to join us.

“I see the Astley Park site as a place where established local producers can share space with smaller producers who have neither the financial nor logistical clout to open independent shops.

“It’s not all about food. We also have a photographer who specialises in landscapes and nature, a lady who upcycles furniture, and an extremely gifted glass engraver.

“All the artisans will be committing to spending time on site, demonstrating their goods, talking to customers and holding workshops on the mezzanine.

“We’ll also have a garden at the back where we’ll be serving wines by the glass, plus beers and gin and tonics!”

Read more:New pizza and beer joint set to open in Penwortham

Barrica in the Park is set to launch in February 2020. Jane already has around 20 local producers due to join the project, including the following from Preston: Beer Brothers Brewery, Crankshaft Brewery, Goosnargh Gin, Spirit of Garstang Gin, Choc Amor Chocolates, Fat Jax Chutneys, Sunflower Kitchen Gluten Free Cheesecakes, Beer Candle UK and Becky Stout Art.

Jane is still looking for more local producers who are interested in sharing the space. She can be contacted at wines@barricawines.co.uk or 07885 646064.

“Although the project is headed by Barrica Wines, I’d love for this to be a collaboration of small, local businesses for the benefit of us all.

“After all, what’s the point in being somewhere like that if you don’t all work together and make each other stronger?”

Read more: Street food restaurant to bring exciting new concept to the city

What do you think of Jane’s plans for Barrica in the Park? Would you visit? Let us know in the comments.