Leading contract caterer Elior UK has secured a new contract worth over £300,000 per annum to run Abbott’s Kitchen, a popular café at St Albans cathedral. After giving it a visual makeover, Elior took over the operation of the café at the beginning of September and has experienced some busy trading during its first few weeks.

Ruth Lomax, sales director, Elior UK, said: “We were delighted to have been awarded this contract. The cathedral chose Elior because our ethos is to offer a truly inspiring range of menu options, use nothing but the finest quality ingredients from local suppliers and to provide exceptional service. At Elior we believe it’s the whole experience that matters.”

Open six days a week from 10am – 4.30pm (12.30pm – 16.30pm on Sundays), Abbot’s Kitchen is located in the cathedral’s Chapter House and is proving a popular place to enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and refreshments. The café attracts a steady stream of tourists during the week, many of whom stop off on coach tours to the cathedral. Ruth said: “The café has a regular customer base and we’re looking to build on this by attracting new customers during the different day parts. In particular we want to attract families with young children to visit at the weekend by offering family-style meals.”

Ruth said: “We’ve got some exciting plans for Abbot’s Kitchen in the pipeline, including a Christmas market and other events. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a good family meal or relax over a hot drink with friends – it really does have something for everyone.”