ASK Italian launched their latest restaurant at the new Animate leisure complex at the start of April, bringing a slice of Italy to the centre of Preston.
As part of their efforts to bring a sense of community to each of their restaurants, ASK Italian implement an initiative to champion the best local gin producers, with restaurant teams carrying out the search, meeting suppliers first hand, hearing their stories, and most importantly making sure the gins pass their taste tests.
This was no different for their new Preston restaurant, with the team collaborating with Fairham Gin to be the gin pour in their new Lancashire venue. The gin, distilled by owners Ellis and Liam, comes from Penwortham and was launched in April 2021 from their outhouse on Fairham Avenue, which gave the gin brand it’s name.
“To be approached and selected by a high-profile restaurant chain such as ASK Italian is something for us to celebrate. Not many companies of this size give this sort of opportunity to local producers and its refreshing to see.” Says Ellis McKeown.
The new Preston restaurant opens as the 67th ASK Italian outlet across the UK, with murals on the wall painted by North-West based artist Jazz Stan, using the Italian region of Lombardy as the inspiration. Fairham Signature Gin will form part of the drinks menu at the new restaurant, with customers being able to enjoy a gin and tonic, or try the new curated local gin cocktails that have been announced as part of the recently launched Spring menu – Candy Cloud Bramble and Elderflower Burst.
ASK Italian Marketing Director, Corinne Prior said: “We may be a large family of restaurants, but we know that each ASK Italian is different and serves its own unique community, which is why we’ve got a local gin listed on the menu in each of our restaurants. Supporting local enterprise by making these connections has been a great for our teams & our customers. We’re so pleased to have partnered with Fairham Gin, who have been incredibly welcoming, to bring the spirit of Preston – literally – into our newest opening.”
In 2022, Signature Gin was awarded a coveted 1-star at the renowned Great Taste Awards, being touted as offering ‘a perfect citrus-laden G&T experience’ by the judges. Signature is a smooth, bold and unapologetically modern expression and features 13 botanicals including juniper, lemon peel, guava, kumquat and physalis, to name a few.
“With our Signature Gin being selected above other competition within Lancashire is fantastic, it’ll be a proud moment for us to see our gin on the menu and being enjoyed by customers. Signature is a true contemporary London Dry gin exploding with fresh, smooth, citrus – perfect for Italian cuisine.” Liam adds.
Packed with Italian inspired dishes, there’s something on the menu for everyone to enjoy, and gives every reason for friends and families to get together. Visit the new ASK Italian Preston today at Animate, Tenterfield Street, Preston, PR1 2BL.