The New Continental

Broadgate, and now the rest of Preston is abuzz with rumours about the 'Conti', once one of Preston's most popular pubs. One day the owners simply seemed to disappear, and the doors shut for months, but now the pub is again a hive of activity as builders come and go.

In a bid to learn the facts about what is happening behind those builder's fences, Pete and Liz have met up with the new owners, Ruth and Jeremy, Jeremy is from Preston, knows the Conti's positive and more recent negative history and has a real vision for the place!

Jeremy, the new 'Mr Continental' is a young guy, 30 ish - really into music. He's funding the entire refurbishment himself in return for a peppercorn rent to the brewery. This means he can do as he wants and that includes the beers he serves, not tied to brewery beers only, so Greg's prayers for some decent real ales may be being answered!

He and Ruth have ripped out whole of the inside and the old Captain Coconuts is to become a music venue where he is hoping to attract local acts.

The garden is being transformed as well as the interior, and the pub will be serving food. Apparently they are bringing in a Manchester lad to manage it who has a lot of experience.

The new management is keen to attract local people who will want to come back and is keen to prevent its old druggy underage drinking culture.

The New Continental now have their own blog: http://newcontinentalcountdown.blogspot.com/

The 'New Continental Countdown' says:

The redevelopment will see the New Continental become a haven for fine food & drink lovers, with locally sourced produce and a wide range of cask ales, interesting wines, and soft drinks.

The landscaped garden will host weekly summer BBQ’s, alongside a new children’s play area, and sheltered seating areas for al fresco dining.

The on-site barn will become a multi-functional arts space, where you can catch a studio theatre performance, live music session or some stand up comedy.

Whether you are a early bird, popping in to use the wifi for an informal business meeting over quality coffee and cakes, a office worker in need of some feel-good lunchtime food, a family who wants to dine together in the relaxed conservatory, or a group of friends gathering for a glass of good wine and a gossip in our chic snug, you will find a home at the New Continental.

Exciting! Can't wait to sink my first pint on a sunny weekend in the Conti's beer garden!