There’s been a flurry of news regarding catering at zoos, and now Lindley Heritage has been selected by Twycross Zoo as The World Primate Centre’s catering partner in an arrangement which will span the next five and a half years through to the end of 2018.
The East Midlands-based Zoological Society, which has until now managed all of the catering services at Twycross Zoo in-house, has brought Lindley Heritage on board to help it to develop and enhance its catering services for the 500,000 members of the public who visit the venue each year; build the conference and events business; and establish a viable incremental revenue stream for the 90-acresite.
Current turnover £2 million p.a.
Turnover derived from catering and event management at Twycross Zoo is estimated to be in the region of £2 million per annum, totalling £11 million during the term of the partnership. The arrangement offers the East Midland Zoological Society a guaranteed annual income from catering services, plus a share of the profits.
Starting in August
Lindley Heritage will take over the entire catering operation at Twycross Zoo from the beginning of August when a year of 50th celebrations begins. Immediate plans are to introduce new menus and style of service at each of the cafés and restaurants located around the zoo, and create a new barbecue and outdoor seating area adjacent to the Dome Café for this summer season. In the autumn, the caterer will commence a major refurbishment programme of some key areas at the site, including:
- the re-launch of the Himalaya Restaurant – the main restaurant which is also available for private hire, caters for receptions of up to 500 guests and is situated at the entrance to the zoo overlooking the snow leopard enclosure; and
- developing a bespoke new concept for the Gorilla Outpost – which will feature gourmet fish & chips on the new daily menu.