Fosters secures £5m contract with Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park

Independent caterer Fosters has secured a five-year catering partnership with Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park in Warwickshire worth £5m.

Previously operated by Amadeus, the contract win comes just weeks following the launch of Fosters’ new partner operation at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, with the group having secured £25m of new business during 2020.

The team has designed two new catering offers for Compton Verney: the first, Pod in the Park – a name chosen by guests and members via social media poll – is a mobile offer in the form of a refurbished horsebox serving freshly ground coffee from local roasters Monsoon Estates, bakes and sandwiches.

General manager Lulu Curtis-Smith said: “It’s so important that through our partnerships we can enrich the communities in which we operate, and we do that through the quality of our offer and by collaborating with all-important local suppliers. Our team at Compton Verney is made up of community members who, like us, want to celebrate the magic of the surrounding landscape and gallery through the amazing food set to be on the tables.”

Curtis-Smith, formerly general manager of His Royal Highness Prince Charles’ Highgrove Estate for more than 10 years, will head the day-to-day operation of the catering spaces alongside head chef Louise McCrimmon, former executive head chef of Bristol’s Harvey Nichols.

Phase two of the mobilisation involved initial developments to the restaurant, including a new facelift, menu and branding, now known as the Restaurant at Compton Verney. The space will be revisited to complete its full refurbishment.

Neil Lodge, chief executive of Fosters Events, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Compton Verney to bring two new and differentiated catering experiences to the gallery and park. We are invested in championing the local community at every level of our operation here, centring our offerings in fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, and creating new experiences that serve to inspire visitors and staff alike. It’s who we are and what has helped us secure £25m of new business and bring the business back to life after what has been the most difficult year in our history.”

Compton Verney director and chief executive Julie Finch added: “Compton Verney is delighted to welcome our new catering partner as we develop the venue as a destination for great food. We are keen to ensure that our visitors, whether local, regional, national or international, leave us having experienced the best on offer.

“Whether at the Pod in the Park or restaurant, our visitors will experience something new, drawn from local suppliers and in providing jobs for local people. They will also experience different types of events which centre around food, both in the park and the house. At Compton Verney there is a step change across the whole experience as we develop this extraordinary place.”