The Ginger Bistro, Fulwood, review: We tried out award-winning Preston bistro and left happy and satisfied... well, nearly

Being proclaimed one of the best bistros it England in the Food Awards 2022 is quite a honour indeed, and we were expecting great things as headed up Garstang Road for our meal.

And I’m happy to say we weren’t disappointed and left happy and satisfied. Well, nearly.

Before I continue, I would unequivocally recommend The Ginger Bistro for being in such a great location. It is easily accessible and boasts its own parking, making it a joy to visit for this reason alone. I can’t be the only person to despair at how difficult it’s become to access the city centre by car, so much so that I’m thinking of giving up the place entirely. Sorry about that.

Anyway… it was a lovely summer evening when we visited. Straight away I picked up on the happy and relaxed atmosphere. Soon after being seated we heard a Champagne cork pop and saw a candle-lit cake being carried to the table next to us as Happy Birthday was sung and everyone (nearly) clapped at the end.

Great first impressions… on to the food. There is a fairly decent selection on the two menus which I would un-scientifically say have the feel of an upmarket pub.

My wife ordered the Fish of the Day off the Specials Board. This was sea bass and came served with seasonal vegetables and an orange, dill and caper sauce. The fish was firm and tastily cooked. The sauce was flavoursome, although perhaps a little too strong for some tastes. But the whole thing was eaten with no complaint audible – which translates as a success.

So far, so good.

My two daughters demonstrated an annoying lack of individuality and both opted for the BBQ Ribs and Chips.

They both eagerly dived into the mighty slab of meat, and were both ultimately defeated by its generous vastness. The meat was slow cooked and came away easily for the bone making a delicious dish to work through slowly and really savour. The homemade coleslaw was also very tasty.

So, on to my Lamb Rack. It wasn’t what I expecting, which was a rack of lamb, and consisted of three large lamb chops. I opted to have them rare, and they certainly did have ‘a touch of blush’. But it was a tasty meal and one I would recommend.

But our meal ‘experience’ wasn’t perfect however, which I suspect was possibly due to a staffing issue.

We waited over 30 minutes from the point of ordering to actually receiving any food. This is too long in my opinion, especially as it was mid week and about half full.

You know the wait is too long when people start fidgeting and keep asking where the food is. I suspected we were in for a wait when I was told the Beef Bourgignon I initially ordered from the specials menu was off - 25 minutes after asking for it!

It didn’t spoil things but it didn’t enhance them.

With a jug of filtered water the bill came to just over £75.

Details: The Ginger Bistro333 Garstang Road,Fulwood PR2 9UPthegingerbistro.co.uk01772 460214

Rating: 4