Plau, Preston

The Plau opened in November 2018 after more than three years of careful and sensitive restoration of the building which dates from the the 18th century. The name recalls the fact that the Plough Inn occupied the property in the 18th,19th and early 20th centuries, which finally closed as a licensed premises in 1923. The resurrection after 95 years of closure must be one of the longest gaps in the country.

The main bar is spread over three levels on the ground floor. A further two bars are in the Vault Bar (an original vaulted brick cellar including a restored and exposed 40 feet stone-built well) and on the first floor serving the dining room overlooking Friargate.

Four cask ales are available, sourced from a wide range of microbreweries. There are fourteen key lines also available serving a range of craft beers along with an extensive range of gins.

In June 2023 the modern Spanish tapas restaurant, Fino @ Plau relocated from Guildhall Street to the upstairs dining room at the Plau, offering an even more varied food experience and as part of a new collaboration, Rivington Brewery have taken over the Vaults Bar as a winter taproom from 13th October until January 2024 serving their beers on 8 keg lines and one handpump.

Historical Information

Historic England