The Hampshire cathedral is associated with a number of historical characters, including English romantic fictional novelist Jane Austen, and can be hired for events, seating up to 1,167 people in its nave and aisles.
As part of the contract, Kudos will make substantial investment to develop and improve the facilities at the on-site Refectory. The new look, which is expected to be unveiled in the new year, will provide visitors and local residents alike with new offers including summer suppers in the courtyard, homemade ‘estate brand’ gourmet foods such as rhubarb jam and homemade piccalilli, and an all-day bakery.
Kudos will also be encouraging more event business in a summer marquee and a permanent banqueting suite. All proceeds to the cathedral from the catering operation will continue to support its mission and ministry for the future.
Jon Pryce, managing director of Kudos, said: "We’re really excited about the new partnership. We’ve fully embraced the ethos of the cathedral and we’ll be working closely with the community supporting local suppliers, charities and residents.
"Our aim is to try and balance the rich heritage of the cathedral with the more modern and contemporary Refectory space and give visitors and residents plenty of good reasons to keep visiting the cathedral."
Annabelle Boyes, the cathedral’s receiver general, added: "We have taken a fresh approach to managing our catering operation and I am delighted that we will now benefit with working with a niche provider. There has been no change to the catering team who have welcomed the opportunity of the additional support that this partnership will bring."
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