Aven is a casual fine dining restaurant located in Preston city centre where the very best of Lancashire’s produce is thoughtfully represented through a series of finely-tuned tasting menus.
Oli brings over 17 years of fine dining experience with him to Aven, having worked in Michelin kitchens across the world including Northcote, Hipping Hall and Gilpin Lodge. He was also a finalist on MasterChef: The Professionals 2018. Sean, meanwhile began his career working for Roux Scholar Jonathan Harrison back in Leyburn, Wensleydale where he is from. From there Sean went on to work at Root's York where he headed up the kitchen to receive their first Michelin Star. Together they provide and unstoppable duo who are coming together to create truly pioneering food.
The restaurant only serves tasting menus which guests can experience as a shorter offering for lunch, or as its full-length menu for dinner. There are also vegetarian tasting menus available for those who don’t eat meat for fish. The dishes on the menu are described minimally so as to keep the diner guessing until the moment the plate arrives at the table. Examples include a beef tartare with hashbrown and hot sauce, turbot, hay baked turnip and mussel.
There is also the option to add a wine pairing to your meal for an extra cost which is devised by the knowledgeable team.
Who is the head chef?
The head chef is Sean Wrest, while the chef director is Oli Martin.
Does it only serve tasting menus?
Yes.
Can you book?
Yes - visit the website to make online reservations.
What is the dress code?
Smart casual.
Does Aven offer gluten-free options?
While it does its best to accommodate dietary requirements, it cannot always offer a completely gluten-free menu. For those who are Coeliac, do note that there may be cross contamination due to limited work space in the kitchen.
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Boasting an impressive career in fine dining, from Michelin Star to Rosette restaurants in multiple countries across the globe, Executive Chef Oli Martin has been honing his skills in the industry for 17 years. Combining his creativity, passion and focus on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients have seen him create some truly exceptional dishes. This was brought to the light of the nation during Oli’s stint on Masterchef: The Professionals, where he made the final three.
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex Blamire started his career in the industry at just 17 and has been able to work at some of the best restaurants in the area after branching out into fine dining. A trained sommelier, Alex is the team's go to for anything wine.
Sean was born in Leyburn, Wensleydale, and began his career at Darlington College where his professional kitchen job was working for Roux Scholar Jonathan Harrison at the Sandpiper Inn.
Sean then went on to work at Roots York with Tommy Banks, where he led the team to receieve their Michelin Star in 2021. Alongside working in some fantastic kitchens, Sean has won various awards himself including Staff Canteen 'One to Watch' 2020 and an Acorn Award in 2021.
Sam joined the team from Michelin-starred restaurant The Black Swan at Oldstead, where she worked her way up to restaurant manager, responsible for high standards of services well as the front of house team's welfare.
In 2022, Sam was recognised in CODE's annual 30 under 30 list of rising stars, for young people making waves in the hospitality industry.
0800 246 5555 0800 246 5555
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