Branching Out
Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist are on the menu for Lytham, where Olive Tree Brasserie has opened in the iconic NatWest building, writes Stephanie Sparrow
Dark nights are drawing in, but thanks to the Olive Tree Brasserie, warm and convivial times await Preston and the Fylde.
Owner Dean Wilson offers a modern interpretation of Greek food, from cured sausages, to fresh fish and meat sourced in Lancashire, and tempting desserts, his flavoursome menus served in stylish settings are this season’s must-have for lunch, dinner, and Christmas parties.
Newly opened in Lytham, there are now four Olive Tree Brasseries in the north west, including the well-established restaurant on Preston’s Church Street, launched in 2014.
“This new site, in the former NatWest bank on Dicconson Terrace, signals the next stage in the brand’s development,” says Dean. Born and raised in Lytham, he has given the former bank a £500,000 makeover which wowed 500 guests on the opening night.
He has retained original features, such as the imposing front door, but added the Olive Tree Brasserie signature style. This includes a copper-topped bar, whose warm tones are reflected in the industrial lighting and exposed pipework, while sophisticated mosaic floors subtly prompt holiday memories.
In Preston the busy open kitchen is bound to catch your eye. “Watching your meal being prepared from fresh ingredients is all part of the experience, and our philosophy of making Greek food accessible,” says guest relations manager Mary Scotford.
This philosophy extends to the brand’s easy-to-follow menus, which gives English names to the dishes, and list their key ingredients. “We like our guests to feel confident when they are ordering,” says Mary. “Of course, our staff, who taste development menus and visit our suppliers as part of their training, are also delighted to offer advice,” she says.
A new online pre-ordering facility makes it easier to settle on menu choices, particularly when organising Christmas parties. And the prices are helpful too. The imaginative three-course Christmas menu (1st-23rd December) starts at £19.95 for weekday lunch. This allows guests to enjoy a twist on the usual festive fare, such as marinated turkey skewer or re-imagined Greek classics such as beef shin stew.
Christmas aside, other menus, such as the Prix Fixe (two courses at £13.95) or Lunch Pronto (£10.95 for a main course and one drink) introduce Dean’s Greek philosophy at an accessible price. An a la carte menu is also available, as are vegan options such as the Trigona, a chickpea parcel.
And it’s not just the food, with its balanced use of herbs, honey and traditional ingredients which evokes sunnier climes. Dean’s passion for Greece inspires him to showcase its wines, beers (such as Volkan) and the rare Mastiha liqueur.
“It might be cold and dark outside, but we offer tastes of the Mediterranean all year round,” adds Mary.
Olive Tree Brasserie
9 Dicconson Terrace
Lytham FY8 5JY
01253 370050
5-6 Miller Arcade
Church Street
Preston PR1 2QY
01772 825888
