Raise a glass to new cocktail bar

Review opens its doors at the entrance to the Guild Hall and Charter Theatre, the latest addition by millionaire owner Simon Rigby to his arts, culture and leisure hub.

The new bar, which is housed in the city’s former tourist information centre, incorporates original features from the iconic building which first opened in the early 1970s.

But present day architects, the Preston-based Frank Whittle Partnership, have created what they say is a stylish, contemporary look, right down to its simple but effective logo – inspired by the drama masks of Greek theatre.

Seb Salisbury, the FWP architect behind the plans, said: “We’re all really excited and looking forward to the opening of Review.

“It’s been many months in the planning and design stage and we feel we’ve delivered a venue with a modern, stylish city-centre feel to it. We’re sure it’s going to be one of the most vibrant venues in Preston.

“It’s yet another reason to visit and enjoy all the new, transformed Guild Hall now has to offer, with even more quality attractions in the pipeline.”

Review is being unveiled at a special VIP opening event.

It is the latest stage in Simon Rigby’s plan to create a vibrant cultural hub at the Guild Hall, based on Manchester’s Printworks.

FWP’s designers and architects have already created the distinctive Mundo Tapas restaurant inside the complex and they are now working on The Villa Italian – the 
latest in Simon Rigby’s growing restaurant chain which will open next year.

FWP has also drawn up a vision to remodel the Guild Hall’s frontage – creating a new entrance with a modern atrium.

The Guild Hall was built in 1972-73 to the designs of Scottish architects Robert Matthew and Stirratt Johnson-Marshall – now RMJM, an internationally-recognised firm responsible for buildings such as the new Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh – in the new Brutalist style seen at Preston’s Bus Station.