Centerplate’s UK division – formerly The Lindley Group – has landed a five year contract to develop and manage the public catering services and food offering in the Silver Ring and Heath Enclosure during Royal Ascot.
The retail sales value of the contract over the five-year period is estimated to be in the region of £5 million, and Centerplate is now preparing the groundwork for the introduction of a range of bespoke new retail catering concepts which will be introduced for the company’s inaugural season at Royal Ascot this summer (17-21June).
With a strong and proven track record in racecourse and sports stadia catering, Centerplate is further enhancing the catering options at Royal Ascot alongside lead caterers, Sodexo Prestige, through a partnership with food market operator, Sourced Market, to provide the best and most innovative offers for the 70,000 race goers who access these two areas during the five-day annual event.
Best of British Produce
Celebrating the best of British produce provides the focal point for the wide variety of seasonal, freshly-prepared and locally-sourced food and drink which will be offered by Centerplate. The caterer is developing a number of bespoke new branded retail concepts which will serve a range of quality hand-held food such as gourmet fish and chips, 100% British beef burgers, and locally sourced British sausages.
The Sourced Market farmers’ market style outlet, staffed by Centerplate personnel, will also provide a selection of high-quality picnic options, and bars will be stocked with a wide choice of traditional real ales and ciders, premium British spirits such as Sipsmith gin and quality sparking English wines.
Alastair Warwick, Chief Operating Officer, says: “During the tender process we’ve been extremely impressed with the holistic approach that Centerplate has taken in assessing the opportunities to develop the public catering services during Royal Ascot. The retail concepts they are creating place the emphasis on serving freshly prepared, seasonal British produce and bring contemporary flair to traditional British dishes which will take will take the public catering offering in the Silver Ring during Royal Ascot onto an entirely new level.”