Restaurant Associates picks up five-year RHS Wisley contract

Restaurant Associates Venues has entered a five-year contract to deliver catering across RHS Garden Wisley’s outlets and events.

The collaboration aims to elevate culinary quality and broaden choice for Wisley’s guests.

Restaurant Associates Venues will introduce new concepts, refreshed menus and approaches designed to bring greater personality and better reflect the character and values of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Initial developments include launching new menus across Wisley’s dining outlets, alongside the launch of Wisley Dining Club, a series of dining events hosted in the site’s Terrace restaurant. Each event will feature a five-course tasting menu inspired by the seasons, complemented by a welcome drink and canapés as well as insights from the RHS curatorial team.

A new summer picnic offer will be designed to encourage al fresco dining throughout the garden. There are also plans for more extensive developments, including the longer-term refurbishment and revitalisation of the Food Hall.

Richard Herring, business director for Restaurant Associates Venues, said: “Our focus is on creating a hospitality offer that feels considered, welcoming and memorable, enhancing each visit while remaining true to Wisley’s identity. This partnership gives us the opportunity to introduce new ideas, raise standards and bring fresh energy to every part of the food and drink experience.”

RHS’ head of food and beverage, Andrew Mugliston, added: “The restaurants and cafés play an important role in our overall visitor experience and this partnership will help us create offers that reflect the seasons, celebrate ingredients and connect visitors more closely to the garden. We look forward to working together over the next five years.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group UK and Ireland, operates within several cultural and heritage venues across the UK, including the Design Museum and Imperial War Museum in London, as well as Glyndebourne.

The contract caterer also operates Maria G’s high-street brasseries in London’s Kensington and Fulham.

At the end of last year the caterer launched a culinary partnership with chef Saran Avinash Rajinikanth to showcase South Indian cuisine.