Top chef Paul Heathcote behind new food hall in Preston's Animate complex

Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Paul Heathcote will help run a new ‘warehouse-style’ food and drink hall in Preston’s Animate complex, it has been announced.

His hospitality company, Heathcote&Co., will partner with Escapade Events to launch ‘UNIT 6’ at the city leisure and entertainment attraction.

The venture will open - on a yet-to-be-announced date before Christmas - in the space that was vacated after the shock closure of the Mad Giant Food Hall in September. It will bring together six independent vendors under one roof.

Preston City Council - which owns the Animate site - says a 10-year lease has been signed for the premises.

Bolton-born Mr. Heathcote has a long association with Preston, having previously operated the nationally-acclaimed Heathcotes Brasserie and the Olive Press Preston on Winckley Square for more than two decades until 2016. He acquired his two Michelin stars with the first eatery he founded - The Longridge Restaurant - back in 1990, which he also ran for over 20 years.

Of his involvement with UNIT 6, he said Heathcote&Co “will be bringing some exciting food partners with celebrated chefs and great drink” to the new outlet, adding that it was “still great to be contributing to the city”.

“Our guests to the hall can expect carafes of wines, Prosecco on tap, frozen steins and freshly tanked beer.

“We will have…over 30 courses from around the world [and] I can announce that chef Steve Smith will be joining us. Many will know him from the Top 50 Gastro Pubs when he was voted number one, ahead of Tom Kerridge. I am looking forward to eating one of Mr. Smith's Pies with soft creamy mash.

“Lots more to reveal and share in the next couple of weeks before we open in December,” said Mr. Heathcote, who also headed the food operation when Chorley hosted the G7 Speakers’ Summit in 2021.

Escapade Events will run the bar unit directly UNIT 6 - which has taken its name from the commercial property it will occupy within Animate - and will be joined by five other independent food vendors to complete the food hall.

The firm’s director, Alex Leigh, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be…creating something special in the heart of Preston. Our vision for UNIT 6 is to bring people together over food and drink.

“Lancashire - and Preston, in particular - boasts an impressive industrial heritage, a rich diversity and an independent soul like no other. We can’t wait to celebrate that through our food and drink culture.

“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.”

Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources at Preston City Council, added: “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 together with the partnership with Heathcote&Co, brings a strong combination of local knowledge and decades of top-class hospitality experience.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the plans come to life at Animate to create new memorable experiences at the unit.”

The £45.8m Animate scheme - built on Preston’s former indoor market site - opened in February 2025. The Mad Giant Food Hall began operating last October, but unexpectedly shut its doors six weeks ago after a tenure which saw a wholesale change in the line-up of outlets housed under its umbrella.

One unit at the Animate complex remains unoccupied. The 10,140 square foot premises is being marketed as a ‘competitive socialising’ outlet for a venture like an escape room.

The space has a ceiling height of more than seven metres, floor-to-ceiling glazing with views over the city skyline and window frontage overlooking the restaurant terrace and Market Hall. The unit also benefits from stair and dedicated lift access, the city council says.