Theatre Catering Consultancy – Strategic Insight, Audience Realignment & Commercial Growth – Chichester Festival Theatre

Montfort Catering Consultants are currently working with Chichester Festival Theatre informing the future of its catering and bar operation, aligning it to the Theatre’s audience development goals, artistic vision and sustainability ambitions. We are providing strategic insight and actionable recommendations to shape a catering model that meets the needs of their diverse audiences, enhances their experiences, and drives financial growth and sustainability.

Chichester Festival Theatre is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, celebrated for its bold, innovative productions and wide ranging community and outreach work. The theatre site comprises the Festival Theatre, an iconic 1300 seat Grade II* listed building known for its distinctive thrust stage and large-scale productions, and the Minerva Theatre, an intimate 310 seat, flexible venue renowned for hosting high-quality productions, including world premieres and experimental works. Together, these spaces form a dynamic cultural hub that attracts audiences from across the region and beyond.

Looking to the near future Chichester Festival Theatre is embarking on an exciting new development – The Nest. This versatile third space will support Chichester Festival Theatre’s mission through three key pillars: audience development, artist development, and community engagement. By creating opportunities for new and diverse audiences, nurturing emerging talent, and fostering deeper connections with the local community,. The Nest will further strengthen Chichester Festival Theatre’s role as a cultural leader and ensure it remains a vibrant and inclusive hub for generations to come.

Catering at Chichester Festival Theatre is intrinsically linked to the theatre experience. Hospitality also plays a crucial role as part of the commercial operation, directly contributing to the theatre’s financial success.

Chichester Festival Theatre’s Food and Beverage offer includes:

The Brasserie – a formal restaurant located in the Minerva building, with 180 covers, featuring local, seasonal ingredients.

Minerva Bar – a more informal setting, with pizza, salads and desserts before the show. Up to 60 covers for dining with more space for standing/ perching for drinks.

Café on the Park – located in the  Festival Theatre, serving Barista coffee, home-made-cakes, sandwiches, paninis and pizzas.

Foyer Café – located on the Festival Theatre foyer, the Foyer Café offers a full range of drinks pre performance and during intervals.

Festival Theatre Bar – located in the centre of the Festival Theatre foyer, The Festival Theatre Bar offers a full range of drinks.

More exciting details to follow in due course.

If you’re looking for a catering consultancy to support you in providing strategic insight and actionable recommendations to shape a catering model that meets the needs of your theatre’s audience, enhances their experiences, and drives financial growth and sustainability, do get in touch.

Posted on March 28th, 2025