Event caterer the London Kitchen launches Middle East franchise
Event catering company the London Kitchen has launched a new franchise, taking its business to the Middle East.
The firm last month signed a contract in its Lambeth kitchens with a Kuwaiti catering business to take the London Kitchen brand to the Gulf States.
The overseas expansion comes after managing director Damian Clarkson (left) was approached 18 months ago by a number of Kuwaiti industry professionals looking to implement a Kuwait version of the London Kitchen.
The London Kitchen Middle East will be based in Ardiya Kuwait, in a facility that comprises 2,700 square metres of food production area. The business will employ 110 full time staff including 40 chefs who will primarily focus on weddings and corporate events.
Clarkson said: "It's great to have a partner that wants our experience and has such potential throughout the Gulf States. This deal also has practical benefits for the growing amount of business the London Kitchen is doing at the Farnborough International Airshow and in Dubai."
The London Kitchen Middle East is the latest in a number of UK brands to be franchised in the Middle East, such as the Hummingbird Bakery and Costa Coffee.
