Tender

RBGKEW1530 - Catering Services Wakehurst

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

06 Mar 2026 at 10:09

Summary of the contracting process

The Royal Botanic Gardens, acting as the contracting authority, is inviting tenders for catering services at Wakehurst, located in Sussex, UK. The procurement process, under an open competitive flexible procedure, entails managing three fixed catering outlets and mobile catering within Wakehurst grounds. This concession-based contract requires the appointed caterer to pay a commission based on the sales turnover. This tender, active since 6th March 2026, falls under the services category and holds a significant value of £17 million. The deadline for tender submissions is 5th May 2026, with an award decision expected by 3rd August 2026. The contract is scheduled to commence on 1st November 2026 and may extend up to 31st October 2036.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in catering services, especially those capable of operating efficiently within a concession framework. It is ideal for SMEs and VCSEs seeking to expand their market presence in the public sector. The process emphasises quality, social value, and commercial return, allowing companies with innovative visitor offer designs and strong environmental sustainability practices to excel. Organisations with proficiency in managing peak demand, business continuity, and relevant experience in similar settings are well-suited to compete and potentially secure long-term growth through this contract. Successful bids will demonstrate robust financial deliverability and the ability to contribute positively to the local community through social value initiatives.

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Notice Title

RBGKEW1530 - Catering Services Wakehurst

Notice Description

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is seeking Tenders for the provision of our Day Visitor Catering at Wakehurst which comprises the operation of three fixed catering outlets, namely Seeds Cafe, Stables Kitchen and Stables Pantry, together with provision of mobile catering within the grounds of Wakehurst. The contract will operate on a fully commercial concession basis wherein the appointed Caterer shall pay a percentage of sales turnover to the Client by way of a turnover-based commission supported by a fixed annual minimum guaranteed sum For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Sussex%2C:-Catering-services./235877HBC5 To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/235877HBC5

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Contract term 7 years with potential extensions up to 3 years

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0663c8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020231-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

55 - Hotel, restaurant and retail trade services


CPV Codes

55520000 - Catering services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£17,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£17,000,000 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
5 May 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SUSSEX,
Postcode
RH17 6TN
Post Town
Redhill
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ28 West Sussex (North East)
Delivery Location
TLJ27 West Sussex (South West), TLJ28 West Sussex (North East)

Local Authority
Mid Sussex
Electoral Ward
Ardingly, Balcombe & Turners Hill
Westminster Constituency
East Grinstead and Uckfield

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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