Tender opportunity: Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park, Warwickshire Day Visitor Catering

Expressions of interest are sought from proactive and innovative catering companies to work in partnership with the Compton Verney team to manage day visitor catering.

Located in the heart of the Warwickshire countryside some nine miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, Compton Verney Art Gallery and Park is an independent paid-entry gallery of international repute, housing one of the most prestigious art collections in the UK. The collection is housed in the Grade-1-listed mansion and surrounded by a 120-acre park landscaped by Capability Brown. It currently attracts over 75,000 visitors each year but this is expected to increase to over 100,000 visitors through the continued development of the outdoor spaces and an exciting exhibition programme. The catering services comprises a 100-seat casual dining restaurant with a terrace for an additional 60 covers looking out into the park, together with a takeaway kiosk for park users. Current turnover is in the region of £400,000 per annum for day visitor catering but with development of the offer it is believed there is scope to increase this.

The five-year contract (with an option to extend by two years) will be let on a fully commercial concession basis for commencement in early 2021. To pre-qualify companies will need to demonstrate experience of delivering commercial catering operations of a similar standard and local support infrastructure.

Catering for commercial events (weddings, corporate dinners etc.) will not automatically form part of this contract. These operate on a stand-alone basis using a select panel of specialist event caterers. This events contract will be tendered next year.

For copies of the tender documents, please send expressions of interest to: alex@boyd-thorpe-associates.co.uk .