Peyton & Byrne has decided to cease to deliver catering and hospitality functions for Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Royal Pavilion and Museums over the next few months, having decided that, despite enthusiasm and considerable investment, that the project does not fit with their London core activities.
At this early stage of the exit process, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Royal Pavilion and Museums have committed to continue to work together and intend to run joint tenders for event catering and for the daytime cafés.
It is anticipated the Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival bars will return to in-house management. Existing event catering commitments will be honoured and café facilities will remain open for business until the tendering process for cafés is complete. Consultation will now begin with elected staff representatives and unions in relation to how Peyton & Byrne staff can best be protected.
Janita Bagshawe, Head Royal Pavilion, Arts and Museums, and Andrew Comben, Chief Executive Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, said:
“We are disappointed that Peyton & Byrne will be leaving at this stage, especially as they have invested considerably locally in existing and new outlets over the past 16 months. We are pleased to confirm, however, that Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and the Royal Pavilion will continue working in partnership on a joint tender for event catering and daytime cafés. We look forward to welcoming applications from bidders who appreciate the uniqueness of Brighton & Hove, and can cater for what our visitors and audiences really want, helping us to make the Royal Pavilion Estate a world-class destination for residents and visitors.”