Royal & Derngate have recently announced the opening in the autumn of Lola’s Bar, adjacent to the theatre on Guildhall Road. Royal & Derngate will be working in partnership with a local company, behind other successful hospitality outlets in the area. Lola’s will be situated at the corner of Guildhall Road and Swan Street, taking over the location of John Franklin’s.
Royal & Derngate is the main venue for arts and entertainment in Northamptonshire and one of the major regional producing theatres in the country, with its acclaimed ‘Made in Northampton’ work touring nationally and internationally. The theatre was nominated for Theatre of the Year in The Stage Awards 2022. Eight of its productions transferred to London and the West End in 2019. The Theatre and Filmhouse attracts over 300,000 visitors per year.
The Northampton Filmhouse was developed by the team at Royal & Derngate. Screenings across the two screens include the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream films, along with screenings of theatre, ballet and opera events from around the world. Between the two screens is a raised outdoor terrace and seating area, where customers can enjoy some carefully selected refreshments.
The multi-award-winning Royal & Derngate comprises three main spaces in one complex: the Royal Auditorium; the Derngate Auditorium and Underground; and the adjacent Northampton Filmhouse. The site combines an original building from the 1880s with a more modern extension constructed 100 years later.
Montfort Catering Consultancy have supported Royal & Derngate with the selection and appointment of the café-bar operator as well as developing wider partnerships for other food and beverage opportunities across the theatre & Filmhouse.
Our work initially included undertaking an informal market engagement exercise, followed by the development of all documentation and management of the full catering tender exercise.
Lola’s will initially be offering cocktails and small plates in the evening, and coffee and brunch during the day, opening Tuesday to Saturday every week, with additional opening hours on Sundays and Mondays dependent on theatre shows.
Rob Parkes, Royal & Derngate’s Operations & Commercial Director, said: “We’re on a mission to provide the best experiences for our theatre and Filmhouse customers and all visitors to Northampton town centre. Lola’s Bar will be a friendly and welcoming space for all the communities in Northampton – with a focus on local produce and sustainability, combined with social impact”.
With an opening planned for early September, watch this space for further details soon.
Montfort Catering Consultancy have advised and supported over 50 performing arts venues with specialist catering consultancy advice, including catering feasibility studies, business plan development, management options appraisals, operational reviews and development plans, catering tender and food & beverage operator selection exercises and support with in-house operations. If you are looking at optimising the return from your theatre cafés, restaurants and bars, do get in touch.
Posted on August 6th, 2024
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