Preston restaurant Aven earns coveted spot in the Michelin Guide

A Preston restaurant is celebrating after being confirmed for this year’s Michelin Guide.

Aven, on Camden Place close to Winckley Square, relaunched in the Autumn after being known as 263 since the building was initially used as a restaurant in 2019.

The restaurant joins Longridge sister-eatery Fell Bistro in the guide. Both businesses are operated by restaurant director Alex Blamire and chef director Oli Martin. Aven also has three AA Rosettes to its name.

Oli said: “Aven has gone from strength to strength over the past few months and to be included in this year’s Michelin’s guide is testament to the hard work and dedication the team are putting in.”

Alex said: “We are thrilled to have been acknowledged by such a prestigious body within our industry in this short space of time.

“Aven will continue to push the boundaries of Preston’s culinary scene with the help of head chef Sean Wrest, General Manager Samantha Haigh and the rest of our amazing team.”

263 was initially launched by Mark O’Rourke before Oli and Alex joined the business in 2021. Mark’s exit from the business in 2023 coincided with the launch of the new restaurant now known as Aven. That restaurant also earned three AA Rosettes and a spot in the Michelin Guide.

Here’s what the Michelin Guide said about Aven: “On the ground floor of the Winckley Stays Hotel, you’ll find this sweet restaurant where an open fire greets you on arrival in the colder months.

“There’s a cosy feel to the room, which is minimally decorated but enlivened by some bright artwork on the walls. The cooking takes the form of a seasonal tasting menu, with dishes like duck leg suet pudding delivering intense flavours.

“Friendly, efficient service enhances the experience, as does the choice between two wine flights and even a beer pairing.”

Aven is opening Wednesday 5-11pm and Thursday-Saturday 12-11pm. The lunch tasting menu starts at £45 per person and the full evening menu is £86 per person with a £64 set menu available on Wednesday and Thursday.

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