Host picks up £16m leisure deal from Compass

Host Management has scooped a £16m catering contract at Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex, its biggest win to date.

The eight-year deal sees the company's leisure division take over from incumbent operator Compass Group at the leisure centre. Freedom Leisure owns Spectrum, as well as West Sussex facility K2 where Host already delivers catering services.

"This is our biggest leisure win to date and our largest single site," commented Andrew Scott, sales director at Host.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Host and a real boost to our fast-expanding leisure division. We won the Spectrum contract because of our flexible approach and willingness to work closely with the client to deliver new, freshly prepared and modern food styles that today's customers want to eat."

Host will manage all the catering outlets at the centre and employ more than 50 staff. In another first for the business, it will take on Spectrum's existing Wimpy franchise and is set to partner Mexican brand Old El Paso in the launch of El Paso Cantina.

Host has also introduced its GROUND café concept on the concourse along with pop-up food stands during peak times.

Facilities at Guildford Spectrum include ice skating, tenpin bowling, activity pools, concerts and major sporting events. The £28m facility welcomes two million visitors every year.