Peyton and Byrne wins catering contract for Brighton Dome and the Royal Pavilion
The business, founded by restaurateur and Great British Menu judge Oliver Peyton, will be the sole event caterer for six venues in total, with Peyton Events overseeing the tea rooms, cafés and bars at the Royal Pavilion, Hove Museum, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery and Brighton Dome.
“I’m delighted to be coming to Brighton, which we feel is the perfect location for our first out of London launch,” said Peyton. “We look forward to flying the flag for quality British food in this creative and dynamic area, alongside both Brighton Dome & Festival and the Royal Pavilion & Museum.”
The existing catering staff in Brighton will be retained, with the appointment bringing opportunities for further training and career development. The new contract comes a month after Peyton and Byrne secured a £6.25m investment from the Business Growth Fund,which is being used to accelerate the company’s roll-out programme.
Winning bid
The decision to seek a new supplier was made following a review carried out in 2011 by Brighton & Hove City Council. In total 22 caterers took an interest in the contract from which nine were invited to pitch their ideas.
Each tender submission was evaluated on experience, capability, sustainability, price and quality. Bidders were also expected to portray how they would incorporate local suppliers and seasonal produce into their plans along with effective ways to manage waste, minimise packaging and reduce energy consumption.
With a focus on driving sales, attracting tourists and local residents, Peyton and Byrne fronted its bid with an ethos of ‘providing high quality food which is locally sourced where possible, as well as great service and a friendly, welcoming environment with a vibrant atmosphere’.
The company launched in 2005 under the guise of Oliver Peyton and his sister Siobhan. It also operates a number of restaurants in public spaces across London, focusing on parks and national institutions including a restaurant and café in the National Gallery. The group is planning to open an outlet in the Royal Academy of Arts in a couple of months’ time.
