£1m transformation for well-known Lytham venue

The former Portofino restaurant on Henry Street, closed since January last year, will now become a new bar, restaurant and live entertainment venue called Lytham House.

It has come from hospitality sector entrepreneur Ross Robinson whose company, Red Fox and Peacock Ltd, also runs the Queens Hotel on Lytham sea front as well as the destination food pub The Eagle at Weeton.

The £1m refurbishment will create 65 jobs when it opens on September 26.

He said he intends the landmark site to become the best place to socialise in the town centre, offering stand-out food, drinks and service in a stunningly sophisticated botanical and opulent setting.

He said: “Portofino Italian restaurant changed the face of Lytham when it first opened, and we believe Lytham House will do the same for the town centre.

"It will be unlike anything else in the area - the only place where you can enjoy brunch, lunch, coffee and a selection of small or large plates in the daytime, and cocktails, dinner and live entertainment into the evening.

“It will also offer residents and local businesses space for celebrations, business meetings, dining, and Christmas parties.”

He said that the venue will hold 650 people with a private dining room for 30 and another private room with capacity for 14 guests.

The rooms will each have their own flat screen TV, fridge, coffee and tea making facilities, connection points for visual and audio presentations.

The former restaurant and bar area has been opened up to create a large relaxed space.

And a 30ft tall steel tree rises through the centre of the building spanning two floors.

The trunk and roots are surrounded by a marble poseur table on the ground floor, while a lit floral canopy will cascade over first floor diners creating a "magical botanical ambience".

With an eye on the power of social media, there will be a feature Instagram wall at the entrance with flower display, plus a photobooth for guests to take fun snaps of themselves.