Wembley Stadium feeds 1.7 million customers in first six months

Wembley Stadium has had 1.7 million visitors through its turnstiles in the first six months after its delayed opening, according to the boss of onsite caterer Delaware North.

The wait for the launch of the £757m Wembley Stadium has been worth it, insists Delaware, although the company admits it is still going through a “learning curve” when it comes to service on match days.

Simon Dobson, managing director of Delaware North Companies UK, told Caterersearch: “The delays were well publicised and in terms of getting the handover between the contractor and the stadium owner there were a number of pieces that did not come to the fore but that did not come back to haunt us.”

These pieces include the installation of chip and PIN machines at point of sale through to the distribution of beer throughout the stadium to ensure the right volumes are available on each tier.

“Our most successful day was when we did £1.65m in food and beverage sales during this summer’s Live Earth concert,” Dobson said.

Since May Delaware North has turned over more than £4.2m in conference and banqueting sales at the national stadium.

Dodson oversees a team of 39 full-time staff at Wembley, boosted by up to 3,200 casual workers during major events.

Frank Coughlan named executive head chef at Wembley >>

Food service: Delaware North prepares for cup-final catering >>

Tom Aikens to design desserts for Wembley >>

Wembley stadium website >>

By Christopher Walton

E-mail your comments to Christopher Walton here.