A new partnership at an historic venue
Previously described as
“the best building in London” and lauded as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Britain, Christ Church Spitalfields is a 300 year old, Grade I listed building which has been lovingly and painstakingly ushered back to life in a truly spectacular transformation.With restoration of both the Crypt and Hanbury Hall nearing completion, part of the plan for bringing the venue back to life was to bring on board an operations and management partner to provide the catering and venue services at the Church. Enter, Graysons Venues.Speaking to Tim O’ Neill, Managing Director at Graysons EP learned more about the venue, the partnership and plans moving forward.
“The team at Christ Church were keen to develop the welcome and hospitality provided to the thousands of annual visitors and as such wanted to bring on a partner to help achieve this. Having taken part in a competitive tender process, Graysons are delighted to be the successful bidder and to share the vision and values of such an historic institution providing quality service through a commercially viable partnership.”
Expected to generate in excess of £5 million revenue over the first 3 years, Graysons will be making significant investment in catering equipment, design, layout and service tools to help create a stunning and modern brasserie style café in the Crypt along with 2 further cafés on Hanbury Street and within the Church gardens. Looking at ways in which the commerciality of the venue can best be maximised to ensure market exposure and a return on investment, the plan is to place a significant emphasis on further development of external event clients and promotion of the multitude of uses of the space.
“This is a unique premises, with a lot of history and background and also some very interesting and versatile catering spaces. We are thrilled to be working with the team at Christ Church, and look forward to a productive and profitable partnership.”Noting that Graysons have significant experience in venue management along with a comprehensive understanding of operations, Business Development Director, Simona Oproiu also commented
“Our ability to understand and operate sympathetically to the needs of the client organisation were key to the contract award. Our Graysons Venues brand is gathering pace in the market and has been built on fantastic proof source where we demonstrate flexibility and understand and deliver innovative and unique food offers. We are delighted to have been awarded this contract in the face of stiff competition and look forward to working with such fantastic clients and being a part of the vibrant Spitalfields food scene.”While the history of Christ Church, Spitalfields is well-documented these are interesting times for the venue and we will watch with interest to see how it roars back to life!
For more information please contact Arlene McCaffrey