Set up by Freddie Benjamin and Emily Gillan in 2009, Purple Grape has quickly carved a niche for itself, and will operate catering and events at the venue on a one-year rolling contract.
Purple Grape venue and sales manager Laila Owen, who will be heading up the account, said: “We are extremely excited about our ongoing partnership with Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
“Working with a brand which is known for offering truly unbelievable, authentic and unique artefacts and exhibits, will allow us to really push the bar with our catering.
“We pride ourselves on fresh, innovative food and we love thinking outside the box which complements our client brief. We also understand the importance of providing high quality cuisine with a fun, unusual twist and we are looking forward to working closely with the Ripley’s team to push the boundaries even further when it comes to catering and memorable events.”
The contract to run the on-site cafe is run separately, with Purple Grape focusing on the opportunities presented by the fact Ripley’s can be hired in its entirety to cater for events for up to 450 guests. The Distributorium area of the attraction can also be hired for up to 150 guests or for more intimate events, while the theatre area and Legends gallery, home to the Olympic torches, can accommodate a maximum of 40 people.
Natascha Crump, general manager of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! London, added: “I have a huge amount of faith in Laila and respect for the Purple Grape team and I have seen the outstanding results that they deliver.
“I know that they will be able to provide the high quality, imaginative and simply unique food and drink offerings that we are looking to inspire our clients and guests alike and I look forward to a long and successful partnership”.
The attraction features a life sized knitted Ferrari, authentic Ecuadorian shrunken heads and a unique collection of 32 Olympic torches.