Brockholes

Restaurant | Preston | England | United Kingdom

Restaurant with a view of nature

The restaurant "Brockholes" in Preston, England, specifically the "Kestrel Kitchen," is a central part of the nature reserve of the same name, managed by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester, and North Merseyside. It is located on a unique floating visitor platform anchored in the middle of a lake within the reserve, offering spectacular views of the surrounding nature. This extraordinary location makes the "Kestrel Kitchen" not only a place for culinary delights but also an experience closely connected to nature. The restaurant is a popular meeting point for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to take a break after a walk or exploration of the 250-acre site.

Culinary experience in nature

The menu at the "Kestrel Kitchen" places great emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a selection of dishes that cater to both small and large appetites. A highlight is the "Lancashire Hotpot," a traditional regional dish served with tender meat, potatoes, and a hearty gravy – a warming treat particularly appreciated on cooler days. Also popular is the "Afternoon Tea," served with a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and homemade cakes, making it perfect for a relaxed pause. For younger guests, there are child-friendly options like the "Mini Explorer’s Lunchbox," featuring small snacks and healthy sides. Vegetarians are also well catered to, with choices like a "Roasted Vegetable Flatbread," which boasts fresh vegetables and a spicy kick.

Brockholes nature reserve activities

The beverage selection complements the offerings perfectly, featuring a wide range of hot and cold options. Particularly noteworthy is the locally roasted coffee, considered the perfect accompaniment to the sweet treats, as well as the refreshing "Homemade Lemonades," available with various fruits depending on the season. On warm days, the homemade ice creams are a real crowd-pleaser, made with natural ingredients and enjoyed by visitors on the reserve's walking trails.

Fresh local ingredients restaurant

The ambiance of the "Kestrel Kitchen" is unique: The floating structure, made from sustainable materials, harmoniously blends into the natural surroundings, while large windows provide an all-around view of the Meadow Lake and the surrounding reed beds. The interior design is simple yet cozy, with wooden furniture and an open layout that emphasizes the connection to nature. One of the highlights is the option to sit outside in good weather, enjoying the sounds of birds and the gentle splash of the water. The restaurant is family-friendly and offers ample space for groups, with its proximity to the reserve's play area making it ideal for parents wanting to keep an eye on their children.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Preston New Rd
Samlesbury
PR5 0AG Preston

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Monday10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Friday10:00 - 16:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00

Reviews

3304 Reviews

Raymond Irvine
26.09.2021

Floaty like PJ Harvey
Anthony Simpson
06.03.2025

Lovely walk and very relaxing
Florence Sleeping
02.03.2025

This is cafe review, not reserve. Take a picnic. Cafe very expensive - 2 coffees, a sausage roll, very small chips and a small lasagne portion £26. Cookies £3.50 each! Their justification for gouging prices is it goes to support the reserve - if the prices were more reasonable I'd use the cafe everytime but will now take a picnic everytime so they'll get nothing more from me other than parking fee.
Arnie /MADJOCK Hamilton
02.03.2025

Fantastic place, took the grandkids for a day out, saw loads of wildlife, great walk plenty to see and do.
Matt Holloway
18.02.2025

Nice place to wonder around, get a coffee and see some nature. Well designed and a lot of work has gone on here. Floating visitor centre with coffee shop etc.
Joanne Sankanu
18.02.2025

Lovely afternoon out what a beautiful setting on the water hiw could we resist getting some lunch while there. 2 adults 3 children and what chaos 3 staff not one managed to get the order right had to ask a few times. 2 pizza 2 kids boxes and a half sausage roll . Simple . Pizza near cold before kids food came too a place with real potential let down by all staff. All I could say was they did seem a happy bunch. Onto gift shop again same issues staff very happy but not a clue no calculater for prices relying on the kids to know how much each item was and to add it up (I thought at first it was a good play with them, until I had to correct her on one of the prices and add them up ) my son laughed that even i managed to add them up . Please staff training throughout recommended.
Cherry Cheeks (Roberta)
23.12.2020

£5 car park no entry fee, toilet, cafe, info centre. Decking to view birds. Walk or cycle round wood & trails. No dogs in wood, though 1 in there off lead chasing squirrels. Dog path parallel to wood. Bird hides. Islands more exposed to attract birds. Garganey, peewit, cormorants, little egret, kestrel on river banks. Kids playground. Osprey platform up.
keith hassall
15.06.2021

Nature reserve beautiful.
Super Q
12.11.2022

TLC needed. Kids play group seems being neglected 😞.
Colin Hosie
10.02.2025

Really nice birding experience, although a little noisy being so close to the M6. There was no charge to enter but there was a charge for parking. Really nice, friendly people running the place. The only downside was the cafe. Only vegan food available when we got there, which was quite frankly, terrible
James
09.02.2025

Parking £5 not bad Free site Nice nature feel
Chloe Ebel
09.02.2025

It's cute, nice to walk around.
Allan Love
03.02.2025

Lovely spot but wouldn't recommend as a stop when traveling on the M6 with family if you're expecting food and services. Cafe is only open certain days.
Denis Jefferies
31.01.2025

Nice reserve I needed more time to explore.
rene rawcliffe
26.01.2025

Brilliant, so much space to just wander. Really peacful with lots of wild life to see.
Isaac
25.01.2025

Very nice place definitely would recommend

 

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