The Lancashire Evening Post gave us a glowing report in their Week Ahead section on 27th September - you can find a PDF with the full review here, and here's a few of their comments:

"Gone is the tired chintz, replaced by stylish flock wallpaper, blocks of statement colour, polished wood and well chosen accessories, creating a subtle calming interior. The conservatory and beer garden have also had a makeover to exploit the views across the nearby Ribble and the play area has given way to funky garden furniture and sail-like canopies providing shelter from either sun or rain."

"The Continental kitchens aim to produce quality restaurant standard interpretations of Northern classics created with fresh ingredients sourced from local suppliers and utilising local specialities. They succeed brilliantly."

"(My companion), having a wheat allergy, is most restaurants’ idea of a nightmare customer. But nothing seemed too much trouble and her extensive questions about ingredients and requests for modifications to dishes were all smilingly accommodated."

"In the interests of research, I sneaked a mouthful from the plate of a friend dining nearby on another item from the specials menu, a homecooked steak, field mushroom and thyme pie and immediately wished I’d chosen this. The pastry was crisp and flaky while the meat was meltingly tender and the gravy rich, herby and hearty – a gourmet take on a traditional pub favourite."

"I opted for a velvety vanilla and strawberry panacotta, which came topped with a layer of fresh wild strawberries smothered in a luscious fruit coulis, and savoured every mouthful."

"This is what the New Continental does best – taking a classic and elevating it with a delicate touch. From nowhere, Preston has suddenly gained an exceptional pub."