Lindley Heritage wins five-year extension with Malvern Theatres

Lindley Heritage has scooped a five-year contract extension at Malvern Theatres worth £4m.

The partnership was originally formed in 2005 with the current five-year deal due for review in 2013. But three years in the West Midlands arts centre has taken the decision to extend the catering agreement to a full 10-year contract.

Lindley Heritage, which will now manage all aspects of catering and hospitality at the complex until 2018, has just completed a £50,000 refurbishment of the Malvern Theatre Restaurant.

Now named Scene Bistro, the transformation was completed in just two weeks, concluding with the introduction of a new menu. An instant online booking facility was launched and opening times have also been extended in a bid to generate further revenue from catering sales.

Nic Lloyd, chief executive of the Malvern Theatres, said: "Introducing afternoon teas and serving meals during the course of the evening as well as offering pre-theatre menus will make greater use of the bistro facilities and will, we believe, attract a new clientele."

Adam Elliott, chief executive of the Lindley Group, described the theatre's decision to extend the catering contract at this stage as a real accolade for Lindley Heritage division, which was formed earlier this year to develop business in the heritage and arts & leisure venues sectors.

He said: "It pays testament to the hard work and results that Simon Rogers, Lindley Heritage's general manager based at Malvern Theatres, and his team have achieved, and the job they have done in transforming the restaurant has been fantastic."

The extension of the Malvern Theatres' catering contract is the second deal to be clinched by Lindley Heritage, which was awarded a five-year contract with Yorkshire's new art gallery, the Hepworth Wakefield, in August.

Lindley Heritage secures Hepworth Wakefield gallery deal >>

Lindley Group makes move into heritage sector >>

Lindley wins £8.2m contract with Sheffield Wednesday FC >>

By Janie Stamford

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