Looking Ahead to 2012
2012 looks set to be as busy as 2011 with several existing clients moving to the next stage of projects and a few new clients added to our portfolio.See what we will be up to in the coming months.
In 2011 Boyd-Thorpe Associates completed the competitive tender for the visitor cafe and events catering at Coventry Cathedral. Amadeus, a Birmingham based company were awarded the five year contract which commenced on 1st January 2012. Amadeus were selected above other companies for their experience of the events market locally, the proximity of their central production kitchens and extent of their local staff resource. Amadeus will work in partnership with the Cathedral events team to jointly market the Cathedral. The Golden Jubilee of the new Cathedral consecration in 2012 will be celebrated with a number of events, festivals and concerts which together with the 2012 Olympics is expected to attract a great number of visitors to the City. The Cathedral will be in an ideal position with a new caterer on board to maximise these opportunities. BTA are currently working with the Cathedral to oversee the mobilisation period.
We are delighted to be working once again with The National Memorial Arboretum on the design of the foodservice facilities for their new visitor centre due to open in 2014. Located just outside Burton on Trent, the NMA houses 160 memorials in 150 acres, the centrepiece of which is the architecturally striking Armed Forces Memorial. The stunning building currently being designed by Glenn Howells Architects will accommodate a visitor cafe and restaurant, retail shop, education rooms, an interpretation area and temporary exhibition space. A separate 350 seat Functions Pavilion will replace the temporary pavilion and increase the revenue generating potential of the site. The main external feature of the new visitor centre will be Heroes Square, a partially covered outdoor public space which will accommodate up to 1500 seated or 3000 standing for events.
BTA have been advising on the management options open to the NMA for the future operation of the service. Tim Dunn, our associate foodservice designer and fellow FCSI member will be developing the back of house kitchen and servery designs in conjunction with the architects as we move into Stage D design.
Watts Gallery first contacted us in summer 2011. Such was the success of the Gallery following an extensive HLF funded redevelopment the small in house managed tea rooms were having difficulty coping with the unprecedented volume of visitors and demand. We worked with the Gallery to improve the operational and financial performance of the tea rooms by reviewing the menu, work methods, staff structures and rotas, implementing better financial control procedures and carrying out staff training. Recognising the enormous success of the cafe in terms of its customer service but its shortfalls in terms of space the Gallery decided to make an application to extend the tea rooms into an adjacent building. This application has just been approved and we shall be working with the architects to design the spaces which will be opened in 2013.
We are delighted to have been appointed by Dulwich Picture Gallery to assist with the management of the competitive tender for the cafe and corporate hospitality contract. 
Boyd-Thorpe Associates have been reappointed by the Imperial War Museum to carry out an option appraisal for the future structure and management of the corporate events business within the museum following the redesign currently being undertaken by Fosters and Partners. 
What makes the perfect cafe? Good honest food, efficient service, a relaxing and inviting ambiance, value for money, history, decor and surrounds, a warm welcome... All important but what single factor defines a great cafe for you personally. Look out for our spring survey.