Restaurant plans being served up for landmark Preston pub

Aneta and Ebrahim Paruk run Coco’s Soul Food in Friargate, and have taken over the former Shawes Arms pub in London Road.

Although they remain tight-lipped over what kind of food will be on offer, they say it will be “something special” for families to enjoy.

Currently the pub is under renovation, having been unoccupied for more than six years and falling into disrepair.

>>>Read more about the pub's history hereAneta said: “We have considered the local residents comments which we see on Facebook pages, and would love to give back to the community a place they have been missing. We are trying to restore their sentimental place and improve it too, so it will have old and modern touch at the same time.

“From what we gathered many people are attached to it. There are also cyclists who would like to see it as a place to stop and snack and we are definitely going to consider them.”

She added: “We are a family business and we value families and we would like them to feel cosy and comfortable when they visit us.”

Mrs Paruk said she cannot give a timeline for the restaurant to open, as it is dependent on funds available.

She said: “As much as we would like to have the place ready ASAP we just don’t know how long it’s going to take. There is still lots and lots to do before the door opens.

"My husband created Coco’s on Friargate and what we can say for sure, once the pub is open, is that it’s definitely going to benefit from his level of culinary expertise and will bring some interesting food and flavours.”