PLAU Gin and Beer House has temporarily closed its doors.

The Friargate venue will re-open under new operators as PLAU Bar and Bistro on Friday 18 November.

Co-founders Rebecca Rowlands, Jeremy Rowlands and Nicola Heritage are handing the reins over to the team behind Fino Tapas and 263.

The team will launch a new gastropub menu at the bistro on the upper floors, and a refreshed drinks offering at the bar on the ground floor and basement.

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The menu will be British with a focus on locally-sourced food and local suppliers.

While the bistro will focus on a typical starter and mains menu, the bar will offer a selection of small plates with a focus on Sunday roasts.

Explaining the decision to hand over the management of the venue, Rebecca said: “PLAU has been an amazing experience and we loved every moment of creating this unique space for Preston. However it is time for PLAU to move on the next level and we believe the new management team are the people to take it forward.

“After the last few years we as a family need some rest from the day-to-day running of the venue. We also have a rather new exciting project that will need more of our focus and time this next year.

“We want to thank everyone who has followed us and supported us on our journey, and who we hope will continue to support the venue.

“We will continue to maintain the building and support the new operators to keep bringing the best food and drink in the most unique space Preston has to offer.”

Read more: Plau bar and 263 restaurant shortlisted as Lancashire’s best

A spokesperson for Fino Tapas said: “PLAU is such an important part of Preston’s past with a wealth of history dating back over 350 years.

“We’re incredibly excited to be part of its future and build on the success that Rebecca, Jeremy and Nicola have built over the years.”

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