The Fork in the Road

Andy Preston: The Man Behind Middlesbrough’s The Fork in the Road

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting The Fork in the Road, a charity restaurant in Middlesbrough, to meet its founder and driving force, Andy Preston. Andy is a local businessman who, like me, is incredibly passionate about the town we both call home.

During our conversation, I was eager to learn why he decided to open the restaurant, the positive impact it has had on the town and its people, and where he sees the restaurant heading in the future. I also wanted to explore what Middlesbrough means to him, his vision for the town’s future, and his thoughts on what needs to be done to make it a better place.

What does Middlesbrough mean to you?

“Middlesbrough, to me, means family, friends, and history. It’s the buildings, places, and memories I hold dear. I feel a very strong emotional attachment to this town, and it’s something I’m deeply proud of.

“That said, like many people, I can have a love-hate relationship with Middlesbrough. It’s a truly great place with so much potential, but there’s a lot that needs to improve. Middlesbrough can do so much better.

“When I was younger, Newcastle was about twice the size of Middlesbrough. Back then, it had three times as many shops, bars, and restaurants. Today, Newcastle is still twice the size of Middlesbrough but now boasts ten times as many shops, bars, and restaurants.

“This demonstrates how Middlesbrough has been overshadowed by the progress of Newcastle and other towns and cities. To move forward, we need to face the facts, understand how this has happened, and develop a smart, strategic plan to catch up.

“Positivity is key, but so is honesty. Middlesbrough needs a clear plan for the next five to ten years, complete with measurable targets. In my own life, I’ve not succeeded at everything I’ve done, but my successes have always come from setting clear goals with timelines.”

The Fork in the Road: A Beacon of Hope for Middlesbrough

Andy explained that his motivation for opening The Fork in the Road stemmed from a desire to do something positive for his hometown.

“For me, starting this restaurant was about making a difference—bringing a derelict building back to life and helping people in difficult situations turn their lives around. I think the restaurant stands out as a beacon of hope. It has the potential to inspire others and touch lives.

“Many people have come to dine here, and they’re often impressed by the positive energy and ethos behind the place. That makes me incredibly proud. If you look at our reviews on TripAdvisor, you’ll see visitors from outside the area commenting that every town and city should have something like this.”

The restaurant is a non-profit venture that offers employment opportunities to disadvantaged individuals, helping them grow and achieve more in their lives. Andy’s vision is to not only uplift individuals but also inspire other local entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Middlesbrough.

A Vision for Middlesbrough’s Future

Andy believes that Middlesbrough needs a clear, honest, and ambitious plan to unlock its full potential.

“There’s so much to love about Middlesbrough, but we must be realistic about where we stand and what needs to be done. A great town doesn’t just happen—it requires vision, commitment, and effort.

“My work with The Fork in the Road is just one example of how we can make a difference. It’s about giving back to the town I’m from and helping to create a better future for its people.

“With the right approach, Middlesbrough can grow, thrive, and once again become a place that inspires pride and opportunity for all who call it home.”

Meeting Andy Preston and hearing his passion for Middlesbrough was an inspiring experience. The Fork in the Road is just one of many positive initiatives taking place in the town, and its ethos of giving back is a shining example of what can be achieved with vision and determination.

Andy’s loyalty to Middlesbrough and his desire to see it flourish show a deep connection to his roots. Through his work, he’s making a meaningful impact, not just for individuals but for the town as a whole.

It’s people like Andy who make Middlesbrough a great place to live and who remind us all of the power of passion and purpose in shaping our communities for the better.