The decision to use Jamesons Events was made by MCC officers and the cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, Liz Hacket Pain, after they examined a report and recommendations from an experienced catering consultant highlighting Jamesons as the highest quality caterers.

Councillor Hacket Pain said:

“We saw in Jamesons Events a partner who shared the same aims that we have for the development of the catering and uses of the castle and grounds for the greater benefit of both the local community and tourist visitors. We are looking forward to working closely with them over the next few years and are sure that people will notice the changes in what is on offer at the castle.”

“We thank the outgoing caterers Caldicot Castle Entertainments for the service they have provided over the last 12 years and helping to establish Caldicot Castle as an excellent venue for everyone.  Although this is the end of an era the partnership with Jamesons Events also marks a new beginning for Caldicot Castle.

Jamesons Events operates from Bristol, and is owned by two Cardiff brothers Conrad and Simon Lynton-Jenkins.  The company has grown to become one of the South West’s leading event organisers and catering companies, repeating the brother’s former success with two award winning Bristol restaurants.

The new organisers have big plans to pick up and continue the improvement of the events and catering services already provided.  The Caldicot Castle Cafe will receive a face lift and benefit from the installation of new preparation and point of sale equipment aimed at increasing its attraction as a destination for morning coffee, lunches and afternoon tea, whilst a wider range of offerings within the Great Hall and grounds will be provided for banquets, weddings and corporate groups.

Speaking about the opportunities at Caldicot Castle, Jamesons Events Managing Director, Conrad Lynton-Jenkins said:

“We see a great deal of scope to widen the range of things on offer and through this increase the attraction of visiting Caldicot Castle to both local people as well as the seasonal tourist trade..”

Last year Jamesons Events secured the catering for Monmouthshire’s David Broome Equestrian Centre and sees the Caldicot Castle contract as an important step in consolidating its operations in South Wales.

 Paul Burrows, Jamesons Business Development Manager said:

“We see South Wales as an important area of growth for our business and will be recruiting locally with a view to further expansion towards Newport and Cardiff. Caldicot Castle gives us an opportunity to create a ‘flag ship’ operation which demonstrates the quality of our catering arm as well as the strengths of our Event Management team. Both brothers have been pushing me for some time to increase the company’s exposure to their ‘homeland’ and this is a major step in the right direction.”

For further information about Jamesons services at Caldicot Castle contact Lisa Carrott at Jamesons Events on 0117 924 4433.

FACT FILE

• In order to achieve the best value for both the Council and those visiting the café or attending events at the Castle, Food Service Associates (Henley) Limited (the consultants), were appointed to guide officers through the renewal process. Initially, the consultants advertised the concession in the local press and specialised catering publications. From the companies who expressed an interest, the consultants short listed those, who, in their opinion, were most suitable. These companies were invited to a pre-tender interview at which they were given the opportunity to explain their background and offer their vision for the future of the concession. As a result, four of these companies were asked to submit tenders. As part of the tender, they were asked to include several compulsory submissions, which included menu choices, capital investment, marketing plans, profit and loss forecasts etc.

• Only three tenders were received, including one from the current caterer. Officers visited the other two tenderers at their unit production facilities. They also attended “an event” organised by each of them. Finally, all three tenderers were invited to attend a final interview to go through their tenders and explain or clarify any queries the consultants had.

• The concession will initially be granted for five years but, provided all parties are happy with the arrangement, it is intended the concession will automatically be renewed for a further two years.

• Jamesons Events was established in 2005 by two brothers Conrad and Simon Lynton-Jenkins and have catered and organised private parties at such diverse locations as Usk Castle and Penarth Marina and had to beat off stiff competition for the contract with Caldicot Castle. In 2008 the Castle will host Sealed Knot Civil War re-enactments, medieval splendour and pageantry, Norman Jousting as well as numerous other events tailored for both children and adults. For a full list of the 2008 diary visit http://www.caldicotcastle.co.uk/events.html.

• Clients include; David Broome Equestrian Centre, Clarke Willmott Solicitors, Clifton College, Bristol Rugby Club, Smith & Williamson (formally Solomon and Hare), Bristol Ferry Company, Canada Life, Baker Tilly, Grant Thornton, TLT Solicitors.

• Venues it operates at include; Bristol Grammar, Clifton College, The Passenger Shed, TA Centre, Spike Island, Royal West of England Academy, Paintworks, St Georges, The Mathew.

• Bar operations include; Clockwork Night Club, University of West of England Fashion Show, Bristol University Ball and a wide range of private events and festivals