I'm 21 and I'm delighted to be the new owner of Le Patio Mediterranean restaurant in St Annes
“My aim is to build on what people already know and enjoy about Le Patio while bringing fresh ideas, energy and investment into the business”
A popular St Annes restaurant has a new owner, who in just 21 years old but already a familiar face to diners.
Ashton Charles has taken over Le Patio in Wood Street, St Annes after previously being manager there and is relishing what he describes as the challenge of developing the restaurant and building on its established name in the local area.
“Taking ownership of a restaurant at my age is obviously a significant undertaking, but it is something I am incredibly excited about,” said Ashton.
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“My aim is to build on what people already know and enjoy about Le Patio while bringing fresh ideas, energy and investment into the business.
“Although I am leading the business, Le Patio is very much a family-run restaurant, and having the support of my family was important an important part of taking this step.
“I’m delighted to be able to invest in and operate an established hospitality business, although I know running an independent restaurant presents challenges as well as opportunities.
“Our focus now is firmly on the future, ensuring a welcoming restaurant with great food and a warm atmosphere for which Le Patio is already renowned, while establishing the restaurant as an important part of the local community for years to come.
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“A huge thank you to everyone who has already shown their support. We’re looking forward to welcoming familiar faces, meeting new ones and building an exciting future together.”
Ashton was brought up in Lincolnshire before moving to live in Italy. On returning to the UK in 2017, he attended secondary school in Preston before being awarded a scholarship to spend his sixth form years at Rossall School. He started working at Le Patio at 19.
Le Patio, which specialises in Mediterranean fayre, opened in the summer of 2020 and combines an indoor restaurant and bar plus alfresco eating for summer days and balmy evenings.
It has a Tripadvisor rating of 4.6, with one recent reviewer saying: “This is a great restaurant for locals and visitors alike - the food and service are both excellent.” Another said: “Food was fantastic with lovely staff and service.”
More details of Le Patio are at its new Facebook site.