The man behind the new Thai restaurant opening in Preston said he wants to provide people somewhere worth eating out to rival Manchester.

Thai Ends, opening next month, replaces what was Clockwork Bistro on Tulketh Brow until its closure earlier this year. 

Although Thai Ends will be led in the kitchen by the chef from the popular Lostock Hall eatery The Fry Inn, the restaurant is aiming to be something more upmarket. 

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David Watters, 59, speaking to Blog Preston, said: “The chef has been in Thailand for the last month. He’s a great chef but he’s been training up on how to present the dishes. 

“Him, his aunt and another two Thai chefs are going to be in the kitchen.”

Preparations on pulling a menu together are not yet complete and when Blog Preston visited Thai Ends, renovation work was still being undertaken. The restaurant will seat 54 people. 

David’s working life was spent not in hospitality but instead leading Preston business Supalite, a company which provides lightweight roofing solutions, before settling into semi-retirement several years ago. 

He has provided the funds for the significant renovation of and opening of the two-floor site that is now Thai Ends but doesn’t intend to be involved on a day-to-day basis once things are up and running. 

The beer lines – currently displaying Madri and other generic pub staples – are being overhauled too. 

He said: “We’re going to be doing Chang, Lucky Buddha, Coors for people who want and a cider.

“Nobody else is doing Lucky Buddha other than Wagamama. We love it, it’s a nice beer.”

Thai Ends will, during the day, become Thai Ends Coffee Shop and aim to provide people in Ashton-on-Ribble somewhere different.

Thai Ends Coffee Shop wants to provide something of better quality than high-street chains by sourcing coffee from a single origin. There will also be Thai-inspired cakes and savoury snacks. 

The plan in early October is for Thai Ends to invite the local community and businesses to taster nights where people can sample smaller portions of the food across several nights and give feedback. 

David said: “We’re looking for people to be honest with us. Take a card and we’ll take it on board.”

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