Elior inks five-year catering contract with English Heritage

Elior UK is to deliver catering and private function services at two of English Heritage’s historic London sites.

The Foodservice Cateys Retail and Leisure Caterer of the Year 2024 winner has signed a five-year contract to become the caterer at Kenwood in Hampstead and Marble Hill in Twickenham.

Previously, Kenwood House engaged Cooks & Partners and Searcys as caterers, while family-run London caterer the Garden ran foodservice at Marble Hill.

The win for Elior UK’s cultural heritage business will see around 50 team members employed across the two sites.

Working in close partnership with English Heritage, Elior UK will help position Kenwood and Marble Hill as community hubs, focusing on elevating the visitor experience by introducing new menus that celebrate local flavours, showcase regional producers and reduce food miles.

Homemade dishes on offer will include scones produced at Elior UK’s in-house bakery, alongside an emphasis on value for money.

Shorter queue times and improved guest flow will be facilitated by a new English Heritage catering app and an electronic point of sale system powered by the caterer’s technology partner, Lolly.

Elior will also serve up a new children’s ‘Little Historians’ menu, as well as kids’ lunch boxes in the Brew House Café at Kenwood.

Further plans include a mobile street food unit for the summer season at Kenwood and an artisan coffee van to meet peak visitor demand.

The partnership will also tap into Elior UK’s social value initiatives, including collaborations with action group Water Unite and reforestation initiative Just One Tree.

Claire Small, director of marketing and concessions at Elior UK, said: “Kenwood and Marble Hill are such iconic locations, and our team is committed to creating memorable visitor experiences that honour their heritage while introducing a best-in-class, all-day food offer.

“We also pride ourselves on aligning with clients’ sustainability goals, and English Heritage and Elior UK are the perfect fit. Our sustainability strategy closely aligns with English Heritage’s priorities, encompassing responsible sourcing, waste reduction, water conservation and the championing of ethically produced ingredients.”

Dan Topliss, head of food and beverage at English Heritage, added: “Elior UK’s focus on quality, sustainability and the visitor experience – combined with its innovative approach and understanding of our audiences – makes it an excellent fit for these much-loved sites, which underpins our aspiration for Kenwood and Marble Hill to be destinations for exceptional food, social connection and relaxation.”  

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Last year Elior won a six-year catering contract with Dundee United Football Club, following a deal with Birmingham City Council to provide catering at the Alexander Stadium.