'We’re going out with a bang'- Preston's Mad Giant Food Hall announces shock closure after a year

The food court within Preston’s Animate complex has announced it is closing for good this weekend.

Preston's Mad Giant Food Hall only opened in Animate in October 2025 but less than a year later, the venue has sadly announced that Sunday night (September 27) will be its last.

Taking to Instagram, a spokesperson for Mad Gaint Food Hall confirmed the sad news alongside the announcement that they will be holding a weekend long farewell party.

A spokesperson said: “Sadly, this Sunday night will be our last ever night at Mad Giant. 💔

“We’re going out with a bang, so come down, grab a few farewell drinks and help us give Mad Giant the send-off it deserves including our final Open Mic Night this Saturday! 🎤

“A huge thank you to every single person who has walked through our doors, shared a drink, danced, laughed and supported us along the way.From all of us at the Mad Giant team, thank you. ❤️

“Come and say goodbye and let’s make these final few nights ones to remember.”

Preston's Mad Giant Food Hall originaly featured local vendors Eat Like a Greek, Cove & Crumb, Different Gravy and Crust & Co Pizza.

Just two months after opening however, Different Gravy- a “gravy comfort food concept” cooked up by Manchester based housemates Dylan and Demitri - announced they would close on December 21 as they were opting for something ‘close to home’.

By April 13 2026, Eat Like a Greek, Cove & Crumb and Crust & Co Pizza had also left, leaving the venue without a vendor.

Mad Giant Food Hall temporarily closed for a week that April as a full switch up in traders took place.

Announcing the temporary closure, General manager Josh Norris said at the time: “I think the most important thing to stress is that this is only a temporary closure.

“Today, we say goodbye to our final original vendor, Eat Like A Greek along with Cove & Crumb. It’s been a pleasure working with you both and we wish you every success in the future.

“As one chapter closes, another begins. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working on exciting new plans and partnering with a fresh line-up of food vendors to elevate your experience from the moment you walk through our doors.

“We’ll reopen on Tuesday 21 April with new food, great offers, and an experience for everyone to enjoy.”

Following the latest development, the Lancashire Post has approached Mad Giant Food Hall for comment.

Mad Giant Food Hall is one of various eating establishments open at Animate.

Ask Italian, Argento Lounge, Cosmo, Taco Bell and Wagamama remain open.

Animate is operated by Preston City Council but Mad Giant Food Hall was operated by the Northern Lights Group, as a separate subsidiary company.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, Cabinet Member for Resources said: “Preston City Council can confirm that Mad Giant Foodhall is vacating the Animate leisure and entertainment complex. The Council is currently progressing the necessary legal process relating to the surrender and exit from the premises, and therefore unfortunately cannot comment further at this stage. All other venues at Animate remain open.

“Since its opening, Animate continues to be a great success and a vibrant addition to the city’s cultural Harris Quarter, enhancing the city’s leisure and entertainment offer as a go to visitor destination for the whole family.”