Restaurant Associates enters into partnership with RAF Museum London

Restaurant Associates has signed a three-year deal to be the catering partner of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Museum in London.

This contract marks an expansion for the hospitality provider which already caters for the RAF Museum Midlands.

Based in Colindale, northwest London, on a historic former RAF airfield, the museum houses a collection of aircraft, immersive exhibitions and wartime artefacts.

The new contract will see Restaurant Associates provide catering services for the on-site café which serves light bites and canteen-style meals with a focus on quality British ingredients.

The museum also hosts corporate events including gala dinners and receptions hosted under the wings of an Avro Lancaster or alongside British combat aircraft the Spitfire.

Richard Herring, business director for Restaurant Associates Venues, said: “This new contract really strengthens our trusted partnership with RAF Museums. Bringing our expertise to RAF Museum London allows us to deliver what we do best – developing strong conferences and events businesses in unique heritage settings, while elevating the visitor experience.

“We’re looking forward to creating something personal and distinctive for the London museum, delivering a genuinely warm and welcoming offer that sits naturally within this iconic and inspiring space.”

Barry Smith, director of visitor and commercial development, added: “Restaurant Associates Venues has been a valued partner at our Midlands site, and we are delighted to be extending this relationship to RAF Museum London. Its understanding of our unique environment and commitment to high-quality, visitor-focused hospitality makes it an excellent fit for this iconic site.

“As we continue to enhance our offer for both day visitors and corporate clients, we look forward to working together to create a welcoming, memorable experience that complements the rich history and inspiration of the Royal Air Force.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Compass-owned caterer also recently picked up a five-year contract to deliver catering across RHS Garden Wisley’s outlets and events.

Restaurant Associates operates within several cultural and heritage venues across the UK, including the Design Museum and Imperial War Museum in London, as well as Glyndebourne.

The contract caterer operates Maria G’s high-street brasseries in London’s Kensington and Fulham.

At the end of last year Restaurant Associates launched a culinary partnership with chef Saran Avinash Rajinikanth to showcase south Indian cuisine.