Business

Arts venue looks for new catering operator

Arts venue looks for new catering operator

3rd January 2012

Email: richard.maynard@newburynews.co.uk

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Report by Richard Maynard

NEWBURY arts venue the Corn Exchange is looking for a new operator to take over its daytime cafe/coffee shop operation.
The facility has been run by Newbury caterer Rosemary and Thyme, which has now left to pursue other operations.
Corn Exchange director Katy Griffiths explained: “We currently have a daytime operation which includes a café offer which serves coffee and cake, and snacks. In the past, it has included lunch and other opportunities. We are offering the opportunity for both that daytime trade, both downstairs in the foyer and the coverspaces that we have upstairs in the balcony bar, to an operator to come in and work with us on that. It also has the potential to grow, as we have a number of external events and hires that require catering.”
She said the Corn Exchange would still run the bar operation, and added: “It is an opportunity to get involved with an organisation with a town centre organisation with a regular audience coming through the doors, whether it’s for film or matinées, and to really drive and grow the business, and to work with the team here to do that.”
She added: “It's about us finding the right person who is interested in catering for our audience. A great example of that is our pantomime, currently. We are thinking about the opportunities to create pantomime-themed cakes and biscuits. We would really like to work with someone who thinks that way with us.”
The Corn Exchange would consider either an established operator or a new business, on a fixed term contract. “We are ideally looking for someone to take over from the beginning of next year. The café is largely set up and ready to go – we have all the facilities, dishwashers and kit. Included in the rent is the cleaning and service charge, so it really can be a hit-the-ground-running opportunity.”
n Anyone interested in tendering is asked to contact Corn Exchange trustee Paul Richardson, of commercial property agent Richardson Commercial, on (01635) 584188 or email paul@richardson-commercial.co.uk