Dome catering contract finally set for tender

CATERING for the Millennium Dome is finally going out to tender next month following the appointment of a new catering services manager.

Andrew James, previously general manager at Regent Inns, has stepped in after a two-month gap following the surprise resignation of Max Booth in May.

James, who also held the position of catering manager for event caterer Ring & Brymer, admitted that getting the catering arrangements set up within 17 months would be tough. "We have got a very tight schedule," he said.

The catering contract should have been awarded last November, but was postponed to August because of changes to the content of the Dome. James said that an announcement was now likely at the beginning of November.

Catering at the Dome is expected to turn over at least £60m. There will be six areas for banqueting and corporate hospitality. A single contractor will run these together with staff feeding and some mobile catering units.

Up to 12 high street chains will also come in to run restaurants.