Fylde bar and restaurant with a tree through the middle enjoys opening night

Lytham House, which has taken the place of the former Portofino restaurant on Henry Street in Lytham, welcomed its first guests as the latest feature of the growing stable of hospitality sector entrepreneur Ross Robinson.

His company Red Fox and Peacock Ltd, also runs the Queens Hotel at Lytham, The Ship at Freckleton and The Eagle at Weeton.

The £1m revamp has created an open, relaxed feel in the building with some “instagrammable” design touches for guests to show off on social media.

A 30ft tall steel tree rises through the centre of the building spanning two floors.

The trunk and roots are surrounded by a marble poseur table on the ground floor, while a lit floral canopy cascades over first floor diners creating a “magical botanical ambience”. There are also a fun photobooth and eye-catching flower displays.

Ross said of the first night: “The opening exceeded all expectations.

“People were enjoying themselves safely socially distanced and the feedback we’ve had was that they were wowed by the interior, blown away by the small plate food options and loving our drinks range especially our floral and botanical drinks.

“I couldn’t be more delighted and am super proud of the team.”

The venue can hold 650 people with a private dining room for 30 and another private room with capacity for 14 guests. It has created 65 jobs.