Lisa Higginson
Acclaimed Lancastrian chef Paul Heathcote has announced he will not be selling his flagship Longridge Restaurant. The fine dining Lancashire hotspot went on the market earlier this year after opening its doors around two decades ago. But Paul revealed this week that the restaurant will not be sold and will instead celebrate a new era under the command of previous employees Kath and Chris Bell.
Former manageress Kath worked at the Longridge Restaurant for seven years, during which time it held a Michelin star, and Chris was the former head chef and winner of a Gordon Ramsay scholarship. The pair, who live in Longridge, have spent the last three years running their own business.
Paul said: âIt has been a very emotional time. It was only when I put Longridge on the market that I considered the emotional impact it had on me and all the team. Kath and Chris are really keen to come back and I am absolutely delighted about this.
âI am confident many of our regular customers who have been coming to Longridge for years will be delighted to hear about Kath and Chrisâ return and the renewed energy which we now have behind Longridge. It will be like giving some of the old magic back to Longridge with a team which knows what the restaurant is all about.â?
Kath added: âChris and I are both absolutely passionate about the Longridge and we really feel that is where we belong. We were really sad when we heard the restaurant had been put up for sale and we are delighted at Paulâs change of heart and the fact we can now return to a venue where we feel we belong.â?
The Longridge Restaurant, 104-106 Higher Road, Longridge, Preston, PR3 3SY
T: 01772 784969
W: www.heathcotes.co.uk