Cafe society is alive and well in Preston

Dan Kynaston is owner of Cherry Pie which is returning to Market Hall

Cherry Pie, which vacated the Market Hall amid complaints over cleanliness in August last year, is now moving back in after a renovation of the café space.

Coun Robert Boswell, cabinet member for Environment and Community Safety at Preston City Council (PCC) said: “It is great to see Cherry Pie re-opening in the Market Hall. It has always been a popular café and I look forward to exploring their extended menu.

“The renovation of the unit is looking great and the expansive seating area will welcome their regular and new customers to Cherry Pie.

“As always I encourage everyone to shop local and support independent businesses to benefit from the great value, local produce on offer.”

Dan Kynaston, owner of Cherry Pie said: “I can’t wait to re-open at Preston Markets. The new look Cherry Pie will be launching in a few weeks and I look forward to welcoming back my customers.”

Meanwhile the city council is also considering proposals to continue operating the Pavilion Café for another year. It had stepped in when previous operators, Tribourne Catering Services, surrendered its lease and went into voluntary liquidation in 2019.

Documents being tabled at a meeting of Cabinet members on Wednesday say: “While there is a cost to the council, the people of Preston benefit from having a cafe in the park, which may mean the park attracts more visitors.”

The cost the report refers to is an anticipated budget shortfall of £17,490 in 2020/21 which will be picked up by the residual leisure budget.