Montfort Catering Consultants are very excited to have been instrumental in the placing of the team from Bayte, St Leonards-on-Sea as the new food and drink partner at Hastings Contemporary. We were initially appointed to undertake a full operational and financial review of the catering at the gallery, along with determining changes required to benefit from the recommended opportunities. Key to this was identifying and developing culturally compatible and commercially sustainable food and drink opportunities at the gallery.
Hastings Contemporary champions modern and contemporary art, with a reputation for its focus on paintings and on Modern British art. The gallery sits among Hasting’s famous net huts, overlooking the beach. Designed by HAT projects, the building has won several architectural awards.
Following our recommendations, we were invited to undertake a market engagement exercise, followed by managing and running a full catering tender, to identify and place a suitable food and beverage partner. Our proactive approach utilised our extensive experience, resources and operator network to identify and introduce suitable hospitality operators to the gallery.
coquina at Hastings Contemporary, opening on Saturday 29th March 2025, will be a new Mediterranean inspired restaurant and café with stunning panoramic views.
coquina is brought to you by the team behind Bayte – Ruby Baglione (Petersham Nurseries), Silvy Pilkington, along with chef Wil Hopson (formerly of Tillingham, Moro, Kricket and Carousel).
“Inspired by a shared love of Spanish tapas bars, Italian trattorias and Greek tavernas, coquina will serve vibrant dishes featuring the best produce from across the south coast. At its essence coquina is about simple food and classic drinks, all made with passion and great produce”. Coquina March 2025
Of course, this superb partnership didn’t happen over-night or by accident, but via our tailored catering advice, extensive experience and access to our comprehensive hospitality contacts.
In the words of the coquina team, “Whether it’s a salty snack and cocktail at sundown, a light lunch and glass of wine after a visit to the gallery, or a special celebration in our beautiful space, coquina can cater for all”.
Catering consultancy services provided:
If you’re looking for support to develop your gallery café, restaurant or event catering operations, or would like to discuss how we could support you improve the potential of your existing food and beverage operations, financial return and visitor experience, do get in touch for an informal talk with a qualified catering consultant.
Posted on March 5th, 2025
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