Contract caterer Compass Group wins deal with Barbican Centre

5th August 2010, 10:09am

Compass Group UK & Ireland has secured a seven-year deal with the Barbican Centre to transform its Waterside Café and Level 1 Balcony Bistro.

Opening on 14 September the Barbican Foodhall and Barbican Lounge will offer "a contemporary edge to the iconic Brutalist venue".

The Barbican Foodhall will comprise a street food market, counter-top service, and a restaurant and book bank to buy, borrow or bring back books.

Food stalls will serve a variety of dishes such as Cornish pasties with Branston pickle, marjoram infused mackerel, fennel, glazed damsons and goats cheese pie and New Orleans shrimp étouffée with visitors able to purchase products to eat in or to take away.

And resident chefs will create a different menu every day at the restaurant, depending on the season and "what makes their taste buds tingle that morning". Prices will start from £7 for a main course.

Managing director Sir Nicholas Kenyon said: "We're really excited about the transformation of our food offering. The spaces are being stripped right back to the original wall textures and fittings, so it really feels like a natural and organic development of our iconic centre. 

"We're confident regular visitors to the centre will enjoy the new experience and that this transformation will also help to introduce new people to the area."

Sarah Miller, business director for Compass' Leisure division added: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with the Barbican Centre. For us, this provides an unmissable opportunity to showcase the significant work we have been undertaking to understand what our customers want and apitalize on current trends. 

"With the new Barbican Foodhall and Barbican Lounge, I believe we have created a fantastic new offer, providing visitors with the ultimate foodie experience in a wonderful venue."

Related Articles:

• 03 Mar 2011 - Compass Group strengthens Restaurant Associates business with new managing director
• 02 Sep 2010 - Compass team completes UK's first Advanced Apprenticeship in Facilities Management
• 20 Jul 2010 - Compass staff cuts affect 'relatively small number'

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