Centerplate to provide catering on Hastings Pier
Centerplate has secured a deal to cater for the attractions on the newly rebuilt Hastings Pier, after the original pier was destroyed by a fire in 2010.
The firm will provide catering and hospitality at the Pavilion, a 60-100 seat restaurant and bar and the Deck at Hastings Pier, a 16-cover visitor centre café.
Hastings Pier Charity has chosen to collaborate with Centerplate in a long-term partnership to develop and manage the pier's catering and hospitality services.
The contract value has not been disclosed but industry sources estimate it is likely to be worth between £8-£10m.
Centerplate will also provide catering for the roof terrace and two function areas, which can accommodate up to 100 and 120 people on the ground floor and upper deck respectively.
It aims to make the food offering a major attraction at Hastings Pier and will use seasonal ingredients from local Sussex producers.
Food will range from traditional fish & chips to dishes such as cider cured sea trout, Earl Grey tea smoked Channel mackerel and Weald mushroom ragout.
There are also plans for a range of mobile units to be located outside the Pavilion selling seaside favourites such as ice cream, doughnuts, candy floss, sweets and snacks to support key events.
Harveys Brewery has worked with Centerplate to create a new beer 1872, which will be exclusively available at the pier.
Simon Opie, CEO of Hastings Pier Charity, said: "We're delighted Centerplate have taken up the F&B opportunity at the new pier. They have a world-class reputation and have really understood the specific needs of Hastings Pier, not simply for visitors to the town but for the locals as well.
"The pier will become a year round attraction as well as a great venue for private parties, official functions, business meetings and local celebrations."
Matthew Nicholson, Centerplate's operations director - south, added: "The very essence of visitor catering is enhancing the customer experience and we want food to be one of the focal points for those visiting Hastings Pier - whether they are enjoying a family day out, attending a conference or celebrating a special occasion."
Heritage Portfolio, which is part of the Centerplate Group, recently secured a catering contract for British Airways i360 in Brighton, which is due to open this summer.
Hastings Pier originally opened in 1872 and will officially reopen on 21 May.
Heritage Portfolio to cater for two UK attractions >>