Celebrate Good Times
Excellent quality food and a drinks menu with a difference have proved a recipe for success at this Preston venue, writes Kate Ford
In these times when businesses come and go too frequently and premises seem to change hands with the seasons, it’s fairly unusual to find a place which has stood the test of time. There’s something very reassuring about an establishment which has been keeping its customers happy for over 15 years.
Forum Bar & Kitchen is one such place. Nestled on Winckley Street in Preston city centre, Forum knows where its strengths lie and is not afraid to play to them. An unwavering commitment to delivering food and drinks of the highest quality, mixed with a desire to move with the times, has proved a successful cocktail for owner Marvin Baldwin.
“Our success is built on our loyal, regular customers some of whom have been coming for over 10 years now. It’s vitally important to try and keep the venue and what we offer fresh and exciting while retaining the welcoming, familiar nature that regulars love.”
“Having the same team of managers, chefs and staff for many years is key to keeping standards and service consistently high.”
Forum Bar & Kitchen is laid out over two floors, with the bar area at street level. The wooden floor, polished concrete walls, chic industrial lighting and sociable seating create the perfect ambience for enjoying a craft beer, a Lancashire distilled gin or one of Forum’s signature cocktails.
Upstairs, the restaurant has a subtle, intimate feel and provides a stylish, relaxing setting for enjoying great food, whether on a night out with friends or a romantic evening for two. The menu is a refreshingly eclectic mix of dishes inspired by global flavours, rather than being limited to one particular style of cooking.
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian-inspired and British dishes make up the small plates, starters, sharing boards, skewers, salads, mains and desserts. Choices include a Malaysian Beef Curry, fragrant Vietnamese rice noodles and traditional beer battered haddock and chips. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too, on a menu that doesn’t just pay lip service to growing lifestyle choices, it takes them seriously.
Food is sourced from local suppliers wherever possible and Marvin is also committed to serving a range of locally produced drinks.
“We refresh our food and drink menus regularly, to make use of the best ingredients and to stay in line with established trends and lifestyle choices,” says Marvin.
“We stock a wide range of craft beers and gins but always include the best we can find from Lancashire. There’s plenty to choose from just now, with gins from Chorley, the Fylde and Burnley on the menu, along with craft beers from Preston, Bury and Manchester.”
Forum is currently taking bookings for Christmas. It’s a fabulous venue for a festive celebration and the Christmas menu is a seasonal twist on the same quality and choice its customers expect.
Forum Bar & Kitchen
16-17 Winckley Street, Preston PR1 2AA
01772 563789
www.forumbar.co.uk
