Preston signs food hall operator for £45m Animate

Escapade Events has inked a 10-year lease on a 6,000 sq ft unit at the city centre leisure complex.

The concept, UNIT 6, is described as a “warehouse-style food hall”. It will be home to a bar, run by Escapade Events, and five food vendors, bolstering the Preston scheme’s dining offer, which already includes ASK Italian, Wagamama, Cosmo, Argenton Lounge, and Taco Bell.

The space UNIT 6 will occupy was previously occupied by Mad Giant Food Hall, which closed down in September after less than a year of trading.

Escapade Events is known locally for running the bar at Chews Yard – another city centre food hall – and has partnered up with Heathcote&Co, run by chef and restaurateur Paul Heathcote, which will manage UNIT 6’s food offer.

Heathcote, who is best known for running Michelin-star Lancashire restaurant Longridge, said: “It’s great to be involved in Preston’s new landmark development by supporting Alex and Kane at Escapade, who will be managing the new casual food and drink hall.

“Heathcote&Co will be bringing some exciting food partners with celebrated chefs and great drink to UNIT 6 at Animate.”

Heathcote said Michelin-star chef Steve Smith would be behind one of UNIT 6’s kitchens.

Alex Leigh, director at Escapade Events, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be opening UNIT 6 at Animate and creating something special in the heart of Preston. Our vision for is to bring people together over food and drink.

“There will be award-winning chefs, exciting independent operators cooking up high-quality food and a first-class drink experience without the formalities. UNIT 6 will be a warm vibrant hub where anyone is welcome. Morning, afternoon, evening and night. Six days a week.”

Bradys, Smith Young, and SPB solicitors acted on behalf of Preston City Council and Forbes Solicitors acted on behalf of Escapade Cocktail Events.

The UNIT 6 deal leaves just 10,000 sq ft vacant at the council-owned Animate, which completed two years ago. The unit is being marketed at competitive socialising operators.

Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Escapade Events to Animate and to see a business with a connection to Preston expanding its presence in the city.

“The team’s experience at Chew’s Yard, together with the partnership with Heathcote&Co, brings a strong combination of local knowledge and decades of top-class hospitality experience.”