Winckley Stays

Winckley Stays – Aven

Overview

Tucked into the handsome Georgian surrounds just by Winckley Square in Preston, Lancashire, Winckley Stays offers a polished boutique base for guests who appreciate both comfort and culinary adventure. At its heart sits Aven, a fine dining restaurant that has rapidly built its reputation as one of the North West’s most exciting modern kitchens, making this city centre retreat a smart choice for discerning food lovers looking for a night or two in style.

Positioned just minutes from Preston railway station and the city’s cultural venues, Winckley Stays suits couples and solo travellers eager to combine a gourmet dinner with a relaxed, design-led overnight stay. Whether you want a weekend break with a food focus or an indulgent stopover, it puts you in prime position for exploring urban Lancashire with serious comfort—and a meal to remember.

Eat

Aven, winner of three AA Rosettes, represents the new wave of contemporary British fine dining. With chef director Oli Martin at the helm, the kitchen celebrates the North West’s larder through ever-changing tasting and set menus that lean into both seasonality and originality. Local provenance inspires the dishes, but there’s a subtle flair and polish to every plate—expect house-made elements and layering of flavours, from delicately handled fish to Lancashire’s famed butter pie, reimagined for a modern palate.

Service here is warm, professional and attentive, with staff bringing an infectious pride to each course. The dining room is elegant but inviting, balancing crisp whites and smart soft furnishings with a sense of occasion. If you book, come hungry and curious: multi-course dinners and optional wine pairings—matching Old and New World with confidence—make for a lingering, memorable meal.

Sleep

Winckley Stays offers a collection of individually designed suites and studios, each blending contemporary touches with a nod to Georgian grace. Expect plush bedding, rainfall showers or in-room freestanding baths, kitchenettes for added convenience, and playful features such as statement wallpapers or unique headboards. Suites offer an extra splash of extravagance with generous space and smart living areas—ideal for those wanting to unwind after dinner.

The sense of privacy and comfort suits couples and urban explorers alike. In-room perks such as minibars and speedy Wi-Fi are designed for ease, and select rooms overlook the leafy square for a residential city feel. Parking is available, but best reserved if you’re arriving by car.

Retreat

A two-night escape at Winckley Stays lets you soak up more than Preston’s rising food scene. Winckley Square itself is ringed by handsome Georgian terraces and landscaped gardens—perfect for a morning stroll. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery, plus city centre shopping, are all within a ten-minute walk, while Preston’s railway connections put the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland, and the Lake District under an hour’s train or drive.

After sampling Aven’s inventive menu, relax in your suite or take a late-night wander around the city’s quietly buzzing bar district. Next day, venture out to Avenham and Miller Parks—green spaces just over the river—or make a short hop to Clitheroe or Lytham for coast and countryside. With central Preston on your doorstep and a region’s worth of food and nature nearby, gourmet guests will find plenty to fill a Lancashire weekend.