Prestige Scotland wins catering contract

Prestige Scotland, part of Sodexo Prestige, held a unique showcase evening to mark the launch of the new contract to provide catering services at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Executive Head Chef Stephen Frost and his team served a delicious three-course showcase dinner in at the Caledonian Hall, to highlight the quality of the hospitality services available for corporate events and weddings at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Prestige Scotland will be responsible for the visitor restaurant as well as both corporate and private events in the 70 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens.

This comes at an exciting time for the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which is currently undergoing a major development of its catering facilities.

Visitors to the showcase evening enjoyed a delectable menu, in the elegant 19th century surroundings of the Caledonian Hall, overlooking the world-famous Rock Garden.

The evening commenced with a Champagne reception followed by a taster of culinary delights beginning with a watercress panacotta with crisp parma ham and pea dressing, followed by a mouth-watering dish of roast breast of duck served with a fondant of potato, salsify and chestnut, Port wine jus, cabbage and bacon parcel, completed with a delicious tasting trio of desserts, freshly brewed coffee and petit fours.

The contract includes hospitality at the hall, which offers room for around 100 guests, providing an exclusive and versatile corporate or private venue, perfect for weddings and conferences.

In addition, Prestige Scotland will manage The Terrace Cafe, which has views over the city's skyline and castle, and has been redeveloped to offer a new fresh ambiance along with an exciting menu range for the day-to-day customers.

The Terrace too offers very good facilities in which to hold events for both private and corporate events, especially those that lend themselves to al fresco meals and drinks receptions in the evening.

The showcase evening also highlighted that Prestige Scotland will manage services in a new 120-seat visitor restaurant opening in 2009, part of a GBP15.7 million development project called The Gateway, which has been designed according to principles of green construction and sustainability.

The Gateway will offer visitors a facility where they can discover the world of plants and explore the scientific work that takes place at the Gardens through a unique set of interactive experiences and activities.

As an integral part of the contract and commitment to embracing environmental best practise, Prestige Scotland will be implementing a variety of environmentally friendly and healthy eating initiatives at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

These include sourcing food locally where possible; ensuring the use of only biodegradable packaging; and organising educational programmes for children to teach them about the importance and benefits of a healthy, balanced diet.

Alyson Cawley, Managing Director of Prestige Scotland, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and look forward to a strong and successful partnership.

"The unique venue gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of our catering and hospitality expertise from afternoon teas to fine dining events".

Founded in the 17th century, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh now has the second richest collection of plant species in the world.

It welcomes over 660,000 visitors each year, providing inspiration and relaxation to people from all over the world.

The garden not only offers a magnificent and memorable location with its tranquil and peaceful setting but also the opportunity for unique corporate and private events.

Prestige Scotland provides the highest level of catering and hospitality services to some of the leading venues and events in Scotland, while continually pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Prestige Scotland is recognised as the market leader in the provision of private and corporate hospitality in Scotland.

The services that it provides range from match day hospitality at Hampden Park and annual awards dinners at the National Museums of Scotland to intimate wedding receptions at Dundas Castle.

Prestige Scotland is the dedicated Scottish catering services division of Sodexho Prestige, with its head office based in Edinburgh.

It provides the highest level of catering and support services to some of the leading venues and events in Scotland, while continually pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Sodexho Prestige is the UK's largest event caterer and provider of corporate hospitality packages.

The company provides catering at prestigious events such as the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot.

It also provides catering at permanent visitor attractions such as Blenheim Palace, Knebworth House and Epsom Downs Racecourse, as well as Murrayfield and Hampden Park stadia in Scotland.

Location is essential, and through Prestige Experience's collection of over 30 properties you can select venues throughout the UK.

that run the gamut from racecourses and castles to stadiums and ships.

The booking of an event is now made easy through our central sales team - a group of dedicated professionals who look after your individual event from start to finish.

Our high-level organisational expertise, genuine hospitality and inspired catering all combine to ensure that an event at any of our venues is a success.

Prestige Hospitality has long been recognised in the UK as a leading corporate entertainment provider, with an extensive selection of official hospitality events to its credit.

We manage prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, the Vodafone Derby, and Rugby World Cup 2007.

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