Chef Paul Heathcote sells restaurant

Celebrated Lancashire Chef, Paul Heathcote,  has sold The Olive Press and Heathcote’s Brasserie in Winckley Square to Manchester burger and steak chain Solita for an undisclosed sum.

The two restaurants are to be combined in a major refurbishment to create the biggest bar and grill in the Solita group.

Paul Heathcote opened his original Heathcotes restaurant in Longridge in 1990 and has been in Winckley Square, Preston since 1995.

Forbes Solicitors' corporate and restructuring team acted for Paul over the sale, with the firm’s property team also assisted in the transaction.

Paul said: “Forbes and their team have advised me on a number of property transactions and acted on the Winckley Square property more than 20 years ago.

“I always found them very professional and thorough then as they have been now on this deal in 2016.”

Jenny Burke, a solicitor in the corporate and restructuring team at Forbes, said: “The name Paul Heathcote is synonymous with fine dining and great food and both The Olive Press and Heathcote’s Brasserie have been a major part of the Preston restaurant scene.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to act for Paul on such an important and high-profile sale.”