Having impressed the conference, exhibition, event and entertainment venue with its ‘forward-thinking approach,’ CH&CO will manage the centre's entire food and drink offer. This includes event hospitality for conferences, galas and parties; four grab-and-go retail outlets; four bars; and mobile units that provide additional food and drink support when needed.
Each event will receive a tailored food and drink experience, adapting menus and service style in order to reflect visitor demographic, event style and programme. This ensures the centre’s clients “benefit from a bespoke catering solution that meets their requirements and enhances the visitor experience.”
Harrogate Convention Centre director, Simon Kent, commented: “CH&CO has impressed us with its commitment to Harrogate and to developing our business alongside its own.
“They have taken up the running of the full catering offer at the Convention Centre. It’s a major undertaking, which encompasses everything from awards dinners and banquets to providing tea and coffee during breaks at events.
“CH&CO has a diverse portfolio and we are their biggest site in the convention and exhibition venue market.
“They have a hugely talented team and the company’s ethos is recognising that each client, event and location has different needs. Its ability to tailor catering to very different occasions will be a real strength considering the diverse calendar events we hold here.”
As part of the deal, investment will also be made in redesigning the food and drink spaces to ‘maximise’ customer flow, reduce queue times and increase sales.
Plans are also underway to extend Harrogate’s food and drink offer to residents and visitors. This will see the café in King’s Suite redesigned to feature an internal and external facing counter serving coffee, hot and cold drinks, fresh food and snacks to centre visitors and the public.
CH&CO managing director, Dean Lindsay, added: “We’re very excited to be working with the Harrogate Convention Centre.
“The new partnership strengthens (CH&CO’s) position in the conference and exhibition venue market, with the Harrogate Convention Centre becoming our flagship venue in this arena.
“The new direction that we’re taking celebrates the site’s heritage and the town of Harrogate, while offering innovative, tailored solutions that maximise efficiencies and sales opportunities.
“We’re also creating uplifting food and drink experiences for the centre’s clients and visitors and it’s great that this will also extend to Harrogate’s residents and visitors.
“We look forward to working with Harrogate Convention Centre and being part of its evolution. The vast support that we will bring from within the CH&CO will ensure the food and drink offer continues to innovate, excite and deliver.”