Global hospitality provider Centerplate has been selected as Liverpool Philharmonic’s new catering partner as part of the organisation’s plans to enhance the dining and refreshment experience for concert goers and visitors at its prestigious Grade II listed Art Deco style home, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
In appointing Centerplate, Liverpool Philharmonic which had previously managed catering in-house, is looking to introduce creative new Ideas and expand usage of the 30-cover restaurant and bar facilities located in the Hall’s newly-refurbished Grand Foyer. Several initiatives are already being implemented by Centerplate, all of which draw inspiration from the Hall’s rich Liverpool heritage with an emphasis on sourcing ingredients and products from local suppliers and craftspeople.
New lunch and evening menus
Centerplate has collaborated with Matt and Adam Locke, owners of the acclaimed Spire restaurant in Liverpool, to create new lunch and evening menus featuring signature dishes such as Earl Grey tea smoked mackerel, Wirral watercress, horseradish crème fraiche; Spire’s grilled halloumi, pomegranate and avocado salad; and Steamed West Coast codling with parsley liqueur and sauté potatoes.
An afternoon tea menu has been introduced offering a delicious selection of artisan sandwiches and home-made pastries and lavender shortbread. A particular highlight on the menu is a unique blend of Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee which has been created by Peter Atmore of Coffee 1652 and is exclusively available at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. The special blend was developed following tasting sessions with musicians from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
For lovers of tea, the menu offers a choice of seven speciality teas blended by local artisan tea blender, The Brew Tea Co, and all are served in teapots designed by the Liverpool-based potter Alison Appleton.
Concerts, festivals, comedy, films
As well as being home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall hosts a wide range of contemporary rock, pop, folk, roots, jazz and blues concerts in addition to festivals and comedy. The 1,790 seat Art Deco style concert hall also regularly transforms into a cinema with films screened on its unique Walturdaw cinema screen which rises from under the stage. Centerplate is working with Liverpool Philharmonic to introduce Cinema & Dine packages to maximise the catering potential at these events.
75% increase in bar sales
Simon Pile Regional Operations Manager – Heritage at Centerplate in the UK, says: “Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is one of the iconic landmarks in Liverpool and we want to pull out all of the stops to ensure that catering plays an integral role in the visitor experience. On re-opening the newly refurbished Grand Foyer and bar we introduced a new wine list, provided the opportunity to purchase wine by the glass, and the bar now remains open for an hour after every performance.. The result on the first night was an impressive 75% increase in bar sales and we are aiming to achieve similar sales uplifts in the bar and restaurant when the full refurbishment the Hall is completed next summer.”
The value of the contract has not been disclosed. Centerplate also provides the catering services at ACC Liverpool.
Photograph by Mark McNulty
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