Arts Venue – Café Feasibility & Scoping Exercise – The Customs House

Montfort Catering Consultants are pleased to be part of the project team working on the re-development of the award-winning arts venue, The Customs House, South Shields.

The Customs House is located in the conservation area of Mill Dam, on the south bank of the River Tyne, South Shields. Built in 1863 to facilitate the import and export of goods at Shields Harbour, in 1992 this Grade II listed building was extended to house the main auditorium, transforming the building into an arts centre.

This multi-purpose arts and entertainment venue hosts theatre productions, cinema and community events. The current offering includes a 442-seat theatre and 132 seat cinema/ studio. These spaces are connected to rehearsal rooms in the Dalton Lane workshops via a glass bridge. The building also includes gallery spaces, a restaurant/ bar,  a private dining room and events suite.

Part of £20 million levelling up government funding awarded to South Tyneside Council, will see the award-winning Customs House re-developed along with the development of a cultural quarter. Reflecting the aims of The Customs House Trust, the project will create an inclusive venue for all of the local community as well as for visitors from further afield.

Final design details are still being developed, however, the redeveloped venue is likely to include:

• New glazed atrium to increase space for pre event drinks and day activity.
• Refurbished and remodelled food offer.
• Improved and expanded multifunctional event space.
• Improvement works to building to create consistent high quality and welcoming aesthetic.
• Improved accessibility and circulation.
• Refurbished changing areas.

Our specialist catering advice includes environmental research; demand, business planning and modelling; concept options and recommendations; future operating management recommendation and initial food and beverage design advice.

If you are looking at support and advice to set up a new visitor café or bar for your arts centre or need support developing an existing catering operation do get in touch to see how Montfort Catering Consultants can support you.

Posted on November 5th, 2024