15th Apr 2011 - 00:00
Abstract
Compass Group UK & Ireland's Sport, Leisure and Hospitality business has announced a new contract with the European Tour to cater for the BMW Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Championships.
Compass has catered for the Wentworth-based Championships for the last five years, winning a new contract each year to deliver its services. However, this is the first time that Compass has been awarded a four year deal which will enable it to invest in all areas of catering and hospitality.
Part of the investment comes in the form of a partnership with Jason Atherton, former chef patron at Michelin-starred restaurant Maze and the first British chef to complete a stage at the Ferran Adria's three-Michelin-starred El Bulli restaurant. At the BMW PGA Atherton will act as consultant chef with direct involvement in hospitality menu development and cooking during the Championships.
Jason Atherton said: "It is a great honour to be able to combine my life's two biggest passions: cooking and golf. I have had a solid partnership with BMW for years and now to be able to provide my unique style of food to such a big event for the European Tour and BMW is a dream. I may also get to pick a few golfing tips up from my heroes!"
Jamie Birkmyre, BMW PGA championship director, commented: "The BMW PGA Championship is synonymous with style and panache, and our clients and guests expect quality food to match the high standards of the event. Compass has shown they can deliver on the big stage and consequently we are delighted to sign a new four-year agreement with them and to work closely with Jason Atherton as consultant chef."
As part of the £2 million contract, Compass will provide all hospitality catering including for corporate hospitality, sponsors, VIPs and European Tour guest areas, totalling some 800 covers a day.
Jason Atherton is a BMW ambassador and will be opening his Pollen Street Social restaurant in advance of the 2011 Championships on 18 April this year.