our story.
Aven aims to deliver a dining experience that Preston has never seen before.
Aven, named after its neighbour Avenham Park opened its doors in October 2023, taking over from 263 which was previously housed on Camden Place. Oli Martin and Alex Blamire work closely with Sean Wrest and Sam Haigh to bring Preston a dining experience like no other. Creating intricate menus that encompass the best of Lancashire’s seasonal produce, heritage and foraged ingredients.
Crafted by us.
A unique experience the level of service and skill displayed at Aven takes enormous preparation and development.
Oli Martin, Chef Director.
Our new, Lancashire born Executive Chef, Oli Martin brings with him 17 years of experience in fine dining, having worked in Michelin Star and Rosette restaurants, from here in the UK to the South of France, to Australia.
From the age of 16, Oli found his calling experimenting with flavours. Working alongside Steven Shepherd as an apprentice at AA Rosette Restaurant, Chicory, seeing Oli’s unique potential early on in his career.
Following on from Oli’s apprenticeship, he went on to work at esteemed restaurants such as Northcote, Gilpin Lodge and Hipping Hall.
At 26, Oli progressed from Sous Chef to Head Chef at Hipping Hall, where he made a huge impact, defining his own food philosophy and getting the restaurant their fourth AA Rosette. Oli’s creativity and passion, alongside his focus on bringing together a multitude of flavours, utilising locally sourced, seasonal ingredients make for some truly exceptional dishes.
Oli’s travels have led to an emphasis on traditional ingredients which have often been long forgotten. Oli realised that there are many wonderful ingredients on our doorstep which simply needed rediscovering. Quite the opposite of going away and being influenced by several other cultures and importing new ingredients! The new menu will focus on reconnecting with British culture using and preserving ingredients at the peak of seasonality.
In 2018, Oli was in the final three on MasterChef: The Professionals, where he cooked for Michael Caines and three Michelin starred Anne-Sophie Pic, receiving complements on his creative flavours and cooking methods.
Oli’s focus is creating outstanding dishes, nothing more, nothing less.
Sean Wrest, Head Chef.
Sean was born in Leyburn, Wensleydale, and began his career at Darlington College where he his first professional kitchen job was working for Roux Scholar Jonathan Harrison at the Sandpiper Inn.
As Head Chef of Roots in York, Sean led the team to win their Michelin Star in 2021 – York’s first ever star! Sean has also worked at two 3* restaurants; the incomparable Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, and Maaemo in Oslo, Norway. Alongside working in some fantastic kitchens, Sean has won various awards himself including Staff Canteen ‘One to Watch’ 2020 and an Acorn Award in 2021.
Samantha Haigh, Manager.
Sam joined the team from Michelin starred The Black Swan, Oldstead, where she worked her way up to restaurant manager responsible for high standards of service as well as the front of house team’s welfare.
In 2020, Sam was recognised in CODE’s annual 30 and under rising stars for young people making waves in the hospitality industry.
