"I’ll be taking over as head chef at 263 Preston"

Alex South

Editor

Former Roots Head Chef Sean Wrest has been appointed the new Head Chef of 263 Preston

As well as becoming the restaurant’s new head chef, Sean will also work as Executive Chef for 263 Preston’s sister venue, Fell Bistro in Longridge.

It comes after Fell Bistro announced that Sean’s colleague and friend Brett Thornton would be taking over as the restaurant’s head chef.

In a post on social media, Sean said: "Absolutely delighted to announce that in a few weeks I’ll be taking over as head chef at 263 Preston whilst also helping to oversee Fell Bistro in an executive chef role! I’m delighted that my good friend Brett Thornton will be taking the reins here at fell as head chef. Brett’s talent, vision and work ethic is absolutely incredible and I’m so excited to see him continue to grow and develop both himself and the restaurant here at Fell."

Super excited to get going! 🙏❤️ https://t.co/bKV4HOBLBD
— Sean Wrest (@SeanWrest1) May 1, 2023

Sean joins 263 Preston and Fell Bistro from The Horns Inn at Goosnargh where he worked as chef patron, after opening the venue in February 2022. The chef has a strong background in fine dining previously working as head chef at Tommy Banks' Michelin-starred Roots restaurant in York.

In 2020, Sean was announced the ‘One to Watch’ Winner of the TSC Awards 2020.

Thanking his friends and colleagues, Sean said: "Thanks as always to Oli Martin, Matt Willdigg, and Alex Blamire for the continued support, without you guys none of this would be possible. Really excited to work alongside Oli and continue to push 263 Preston after what has already been an incredibly successful period for the restaurant! Super excited also that Sam Haigh will be joining me there as her talent and vision is unbelievable! Exciting times!"

Fell Bistro has had a successful time since opening in September 2022, entering the Michelin Guide and earning an AA Rosette this year so far.

The restaurant represents a joint venture between Chef Directors Matt Willdigg and Oli Martin and Operations Director, Alex Blamire.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sean Wrest (@seanwrest1)

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