Olive Press - Preston

Based in Preston's town centre in Winckley Square, facing landscaped parkland, the Olive Press is in a location that is truly beautiful throughout the year. Walking through the door, you are at once aware of the warm, relaxed atmosphere that characterises the restaurant scene in Preston.

On arrival you will find the open fire is complimented by exposed brick, distressed plaster, and muted tones of wood, creating a sense of rustic surroundings.

The blend of young, vibrant staff make this a friendly and welcoming experience. It is a great place for that family gathering, when you can let the children make their own pizza whilst you enjoy an appetiser or a starter from their extensive menu.

You can go into the Olive Press and have a great sandwich for lunch or a simple pizza or pasta as a meal - or you could really let rip and enjoy a three course dinner, including their 21 day old matured rump steak with garlic butter or pepper sauce, with wine in the evening.

So talking of starters, what's on offer? Red pepper minestrone makes a bracing introduction, but then so do spicy lamb meat balls with tomato and bacon. Quince jelly and flat bread is served with an artisan chicken live pate, and for those who can't wait to latch on to that fishy flavour there's a choice of deep fried chilli squid, or mussels with soave, garlic and cream.

An Olive Press lasagne never fails to please - a simple dish but a satisfying one. Baked gnocchi, baked salmon and mozzarella macaroni, or prawn with garlic butter and spring onion spaghetti all ring the bells too. From the oven or char grill there's a delightful fish and seafood casserole, escalope of veal with creamed wild mushroom, or crisp duck leg with soft blue cheese polenta, crisp pancetta and red wine.

The stone baked pizzas have delicacy - none of your superannuated roofing tiles here - the base is an accompaniment rather than a conversation stopper, with the customary well-loved toppings, none more so than the asparagus and smoked salmon with soured cream and spring onions.

Olive Press takes the requirements of children very seriously, and their own menu, designed with pleasure in mind, comes complete with some little puzzles to solve whilst waiting for their order to arrive. As well as making up their own pizza, Little Olives, as they tend to become for the duration, can choose from a pasta selection, sandwiches and garlic bread, burgers, or chicken, before moving in on the knickerbocker glory or banana split. Meanwhile parents and favourite uncles can contemplate a warm double chocolate brownie with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream.

A well balanced wine list rarely strays far from Italy and includes limoncello, that wonderful classic digestif from Capri. A recent, and much welcomed introduction is their three course Sunday lunch menu at only £15.50, or £7.50 for children. Good parking facilities make Olive Press one of Preston's premier destinations for eating when it comes to business or pleasure

For further details, including latest deals, menus and images, their Website should prove invaluable. The menu changes twice a year - for Autumn/Winter in September and in March for Spring/Summer.