Michelin recommended Preston City Centre restaurant wins Taste Lancashire Award

Salted chicory, coco nib Pic: @263preston

One of Preston’s most ambitious restaurants is celebrating after winning at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

263, which is in Camden Place and is already featured in the Michelin Guide, won the Taste Lancashire Award beating off competition from La Locanda in Gisburn and The Horse and Coaches in Bolton-by-Bowland.

The restaurant was opened in 2019 by Mark O’Rourke with Lancashire-born Oli Martin now onboard as chef director, Rikki Hughes serving as head chef and Alex Blamire as restaurant director.

Rikki Hughes, head chef at 263, said: “It’s an honour to win such a prestigious award within the county of Lancashire, especially against such tough competition. Well done to everyone at 263 who make it possible and thank you to the Lancashire Tourism Awards.”

263 team celebrates at Lancashire Tourism awards

Mark O’Rourke, founder of 263, said: “The whole team has been hard at work over the last few months and I’ve always been super proud of the food and experience they’ve been able to put together.

“It’s brilliant to see them get the recognition that they deserve.”

After the pandemic forced closure after just six months of trading, 263 has seen Oli and Rikki work to create intricate menus that showcase the best of Lancashire’s seasonal produce, heritage and foraged ingredients.

Head chef Rikki Hughes has been working in a kitchen since he was 15, most recently as sous chef at Tom Kerridge’s Hand and Flowers in Buckinghamshire.

Chef director Oli Martin has 17 years of experience in fine dining, having worked in Michelin Star and Rosette restaurants, from here in the UK to the South of France, to Australia.

In 2018, he made it to the final three on Masterchef: The Professionals.

Restaurant director Alex Blamire has over 13 years experience in the food and drinks industry and has previously worked at Linthwaite House, Gilpin Lodge and Hipping Hall in Cumbria.