Preston's Olive Tree Brasserie confirm sudden closure of city centre restaurant

The Olive Tree Brasserie in Church Street said its Preston restaurant has closed for good after it failed to agree terms with its Miller Arcade landlord.

He said all staff have been offered jobs at its Lytham branch 18 miles away.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, company director Dean Wilson said the Preston restaurant had struggled with coronavirus lockdowns over the past 18 months and had sought support from its landlord.

But he said negotiations with the landlord "have sadly come to a disappointing end", leaving the restaurant with no option but to close permanently.

Miller Arcade is understood to be owned by Callaway Estate Ltd and registered to the British Virgin Islands.

In the Facebook post, Mr Wilson thanked the chain's "other landlords" who he said had supported the brasserie's branches in Lytham, Warrington and Chester, which will remain open as usual.

The restaurant boss added that there are no plans to reopen the Olive Tree elsewhere in Preston.

He said: "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the sudden closure of our beloved Olive Tree Brasserie restaurant in Preston.

"Our other landlords have been great and supported us through the challenges that the restaurant industry has faced due to covid. However, after a difficult 18 months, the ongoing negotiations with our Preston Landlord have sadly come to a disappointing end.

"We would like to thank all of our loyal customers, many of whom have enjoyed the brand over many years as well as our dedicated Preston team for all their hard work and passion in making the Olive Tree Brasserie Preston experience one to remember.

"Thankfully all Preston staff members are keeping their jobs and will be working at our Lytham restaurant.

"Our Lytham, Stockton Heath & Chester restaurants remain unaffected and are open as usual. We want to assure you that the Olive Tree Brand is stronger than ever and we have an exciting future ahead.

"We will endeavor to transfer as many bookings from Preston to any of our remaining locations upon request and will be in touch shortly to arrange this as customer service remains at the heart of what we do."

The Post was unable to reach Callaway Estate Limited for comment.

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