Arena Catering shrugs off summer rain

The £15-million turnover company, which was set up in February and took over the catering from specialist Compass operator Letheby & Christopher, operates at six race-courses. Managing director Kevan Hodges says: "Thankfully, the early summer flooding at Southwell had only a very minor effect on catering turnover, as many of the summer meetings are held elsewhere. "Our sales and marketing teams are continuing to improve non-race day business, and Christmas is already looking very healthy across our sites." Arena's catering teams have plenty of opportunity to show off their new in-house approach, with a range of eating options at each of its race-courses – from fine dining restaurants to cafes and snack bars. Hodges adds: "And there are lots of functions outside of race days, particularly at Doncaster, which has just undergone a £35 million refurbishment including a new conference and exhibition hall." The company also looks after the catering for Arena Leisure's hotels – at Wolverhampton and coming soon at Lingfield and Doncaster – plus two golf courses. Hodges says: "We expect our turnover to grow, especially with the new hotels coming on board, plus the exhibition centre at Doncaster and a casino at Wolverhampton." Arena operates the following race-courses: Doncaster, Folkestone, Lingfield, Windsor, Southwell and Doncaster. For the full story on the Arena Leisure Catering see the November issue of Cost Sector Catering. To access the company's website click on the following www.arenaleisureplc.com.