Encore back for more as Tall Ship catering contract renewed

ENCORE, the hospitality company spun out of Glasgow’s local council, has retained the catering contract at the city’s Tall Ship tourist attraction in a deal worth £1.5 million over five years.

The company will manage hospitality and food services at the 350-capacity Glenlee vessel, which now forms part of the Riverside complex established for the enlarged Museum of Transport at Pointhouse Place.

Encore, which originally won the Tall Ship contract in 2009, also provides catering at the Riverside museum.

Previously located at Glasgow Harbour, the Tall Ship has drawn record numbers since its relocation last June.

In addition to tourists, the Glenlee also hosts events such as weddings and conferences, and was a featured venue at the recent Glasgow Comedy Festival.

“The unique nature of the dining area within the Tall Ship is something we are immensely proud of, and naturally it has become one of our most popular venues,” said David Melvin, managing director of Encore parent company Cordia.

“The renewal of this contract reflects the high standards which we have adhered to since 2009, reinforcing our position as Scotland’s premier catering provider.

“Not only this, but it’s been a real boost to the vibrant Riverside area, which is now Glasgow’s number one tourist destination.”

Encore is the external catering division of Cordia, the arm’s-length company set up by Glasgow City Council to runs its frontline services.

The division oversees catering at some of the city’s top tourist attractions, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Burrell Collection, the Gallery of Modern Art and the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens.

Employing some 500 staff, Encore generates nearly half of its £10m in annual turnover from Glasgow’s visitor attractions.

The remainder comes from private contracts such as the £21m deal secured in November to provide catering for staff and students at Glasgow Caledonian University for the next four years.