Company of Cooks partners with Ridgeview Wine Estate in three-year deal

Company of Cooks has partnered with Ridgeview Wine Estate as its first food, drink and hospitality partner.

The three-year deal will see the contract caterer service the winery’s restaurant and events space and represents the first time East Sussex winery has outsourced its food and beverage offer.

The two companies will grow Ridgeview’s food and beverage offer, with the contract caterer helping to expand the winery’s dining opportunities, including at its restaurant, Rows & Vine.

The restaurant will now open for breakfast serving coffee and pastries, as well as brunch offerings such as shakshuka with toasted focaccia, and French toast with mixed berries and crème fraiche. The 120-cover outpost is spread across the estate’s three pavilions and rooftop terrace.

Alongside the new brunch menu, Company of Cooks has introduced a refreshed lunch menu built around seasonal small plates, sharing boards and suggested Ridgeview wine pairings. It has also introduced a new children’s menu.

Dan Thennakoon, operations director for Company of Cooks, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Ridgeview to elevate and expand the food and drink offer at this beautiful location. The Rows & Vine restaurant boasts breath-taking views across the South Downs and maximising the opportunities for guests to enjoy them throughout the day, alongside exquisite food, drink and service, makes perfect sense.

He added: “The onsite team has been fantastic, fully embracing the new direction and learning opportunities. Together, we’re excited for a busy and successful summer ahead, and beyond.”

Matt Gayler, COO for Ridgeview Wine Estate, said: “Company of Cooks shares our commitment to quality, sustainability and showcasing local and seasonal produce, alongside creating exceptional visitor experiences. We’re excited to work together to continue developing Rows & Vine and our hospitality offer at Ridgeview, while also building a closer partnership across the wider Company of Cooks venue portfolio.”