One of Birmingham’s most popular visitor attractions has announced a new 5-year partnership with Aramark Northern Europe, a leader in food services throughout the UK and Ireland.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens first opened in 1832 and has been entertaining and educating about the wonders of plants ever since. This 15-acre educational charity situated in the heart of Edgbaston, Birmingham is one of only two pre-Victorian Botanic Gardens that remain independent in the UK, making it a unique city space. As well as hosting family-friendly, music and fundraising events, the much-loved family attraction has four glasshouses, an aviary, wildlife trails and a seasonal butterfly house to keep visitors entertained. The Gardens are also home to one of only two National Cyclamen Collections, as well as more than 7,000 different plant species.
The new partnership will see Aramark, one of the UK’s premier food companies, invest substantially to create a new botanical look and feel in the Pavilion cafe, promising visitors new and updated menus that build on the heritage of the much loved gardens. Aramark owns Avoca, Ireland’s premier garden, food and shopping destination renowned for serving innovative food concepts from locally sourced nutritious ingredients.
As well as the refresh to the Pavilion Café, Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens also offer fantastic event spaces for which Aramark have developed a brand new array of menus. These range in scope and style to suit all manner of events; from weddings, to team building days, from deliciously delicate hors d’oeuvres to on trend street food pop ups. All menus are reviewed seasonally by the culinary development director at Aramark to maximize the use of sustainable and seasonal produce.
James Wheeler, CEO and curator of Birmingham Botanical Gardens said: “We’re delighted to work with Aramark as our new catering partner providing a new café concept to enhance our visitors’ experience. It was important that we found a partner who understood our approach to great food and I’m delighted that we have found that partner in Aramark. Their plan to use locally sourced ingredients and renovate the cafe is incredibly exciting, for our visitors and staff alike. We are very pleased with the new menu Aramark’s culinary director has developed and we know our customers will be excited too. Their commitment to food excellence and great customer service is evidenced in everything they do.”
Richard Arnell, Regional Director, Aramark said “Our mission is to deliver experiences that enrich and nourish lives and we are delighted to have been chosen as the Botanical Garden’s new catering partner. Our bespoke approach and expertise in catering for visitors at unique destinations has enabled us to create exciting and inspirational catering solutions and restaurant facilities. We see ourselves as guardians of the unique heritage of the Botanical Gardens. Customers can look forward to fresh, delicious dishes, supported by impeccable service. Our menus will enhance the visitor experience with a commitment to using fresh foods in season from local suppliers.”