HIDDEN away inside the Sir Tom Finney stand at Deepdale is one of the best equipped banqueting kitchens football can offer.

The man behind it all is Chef Director of Heathcotes Outside Ltd, Gary Bates, who in the past year has helped transform Deepdale in to having one of the best catering facilities in the country.

Gary is the joint owner of Heathcotes Outside - a separate company to Heathcotes - and he works at North End controlling all outside catering.

He said: "When North End contacted Paul Heathcote last year about us taking charge of the catering at Deepdale we grabbed it with both hands."

It was perfect timing for Paul and Gary who were thinking about joining forces in the outside catering industry.

He now uses Deepdale as his base, with North End giving him their kitchens to use whenever they're needed for serving outside caterers.

"We pride ourselves on the personal touch and friendship side of business. We are very versatile and co-operative.

"In fact only three weeks ago we visited a house to serve food but the kitchen was not suitable. We removed the cars from the garage and made up a special kitchen which provided food for 25 people."

Born in Halifax, Yorkshire, Gary has always had an interest in catering and started by helping his brother, a former chef, when he was at school.

After studying at Huddersfield College he got his big break when he was given a job at a restaurant in Cumbria.

During this time Gary met Paul Heathcote and struck up a close relationship with him.

"We both met each other as we were on the way up - and now were business partners!"

Gary was soon head-hunted by Paul who gave him a top job at the Broughton Park Hotel, now Preston Marriot.

After working there for 18 months he was given a dream job as head chef at the Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh.

Seven years later Gary came back to the North West to manage Heathcotes Brassiere on Winckley Sqaure, Preston.

From there, discussions about a partnership began with Paul and now they find themselves in the ideal location.

"It's great working here because more and more people are enjoying party nights at Deepdale.

"A lot of people don't realise the facility we've got here. I would recommend to anyone that they can have a great time at North End."

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