Restaurant Review
The Holiday Inn Hotel is an iconic building in Preston set on the ring road and on one of the main junctions as you drive from the North into Preston City Centre so it is hard to miss. However, how many of you would choose to visit as a restaurant to dine in? I certainly had never done, so was pleased when asked to give it a try.
The restaurant, set on the 1st floor, is called Nineteen75, a celebration from when the building was first built, however being recently refurbished you would be hard pressed to know. The restaurant now has a modern feel with deep purple and slate grey being the predominant colours. The tall windows and elevated position allow you to look down on the city while being completely removed from the hubbub and noise.
The menu offers a choice of 6 starters and 8 mains and we were able to make our choices while enjoying glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
The menu consists of classic British dishes with a modern twist, the chef prides herself on sourcing quality local produce and changes the menu monthly to suit the seasons. Gluten free is available on request and enquiries from those with other allergens are welcomed.
Friday night at home is fish night so my dining partner for the evening chose the Battered Fish Goujons with pea and mint puree. They were superbly lightly battered and melt in the mouth. I chose the homemade soup of the day which was a Spicy Lentil soup. This turned out to be a hearty broth with a deep flavour and was completed with a crispy warm bread roll.
For mains I chose the oven baked Citrus sole, Grain Mustard Crushed Potatoes & Prawn Cream Sauce. The fish was lovely soft, with a fresh flavour. My partner (after a certain amount of dithering) eventually decided on the grilled chicken breast topped with bacon and ranch style Sauce. This chicken dish was a slice of the south with a sticky smokey sauce, crispy bacon, wedges and a corn on the cob.
For dessert I choose Eaton Mess. My favourite, but this came with a twist. The passion fruit and strawberry combined to take this to another level and completed the meal wonderfully. I also had to sample my partners chocolate crème brûlèe which was smooth, chocolaty and oh so creamy. Divine. The homemade shortbread made for a crispy crumbly texture to balance that of the brûlèe.
We were made to feel very welcome and looked after by the staff and were able to admire some of the views over the city and beyond after our meal. Nineteen75 is keen to point out that it is open to everyone and not just for residents. Ideally placed for a night out in the city or when taking in a show at the Guildhall. If you’re lucky you may even see the stars of the show as a little bird told me that it is often where they will stay due to the close proximity to the Guild Hall.
So whether you’re celebrity spotting, visiting the Guildhall or preparing to paint the town red then Nineteen75 at the holiday Inn would be a great place to go
Nineteen75
1st Floor, Holiday Inn,
Ringway, Preston
01772 567050