Compass moves in to Liberty

Compass Group UK & Ireland's Sport, Leisure and Hospitality business has signed an exciting new contract with Regent Street's iconic department store, Liberty, to operate its second floor restaurant 'Café Liberty'.

News : Compass Group
Compass Group news team
Friday 04 March 2011

Over the coming weeks, the 60-seat restaurant's menu will begin to change, taking on a distinctive British flavour with a modern European influence. Alex Craciun, who has previously worked for Gordon Ramsay's Michelin starred restaurants under the direction of Jason Atherton at Maze, will split the menu into distinct day parts, each with its own identity, including a new light small plate dining evening menu to accommodate late night shoppers, West End theatre-goers and destination diners. In addition, Alex will introduce a new breakfast and weekend brunch offer so Liberty shoppers can enjoy a relaxing start to the day. Alex will be supported by Ramon Puente who has managed many high profile restaurants.

Roy Westwood, Creative Manager for Sport, Leisure and Hospitality at Compass Group UK and Ireland, said, "The concept will develop and evolve gradually over time. We want the menu to reflect the quality and character of the store and so while regular visitors to Liberty will continue to see items such as afternoon tea on the menu, we will be making changes to refresh the offer throughout the day. Provenance of ingredient will be key and for this reason, the menu will change throughout the year to reflect not only the seasons but the changing months. It's all about making the restaurant a true reflection of the changes in the seasons in store."

"Compass impressed us with their creative approach to Café Liberty. They came up with a concept and menu ideas that will make our customers want to spend even longer at Liberty. Constantly changing and refreshing the menu at Café Liberty reflects the dynamic nature of our store and fulfils the needs of our customers," said Ed Burstell, Managing Director of Liberty Ltd.

-Ends-

Notes to editor

For more information:
Katya Heath, Compass Group UK & Ireland
Tel: 01895 554114 / Mob:  07795 452522
Email: katya.heath@compass-group.co.uk

About Compass Sport, Leisure and Hospitality
Compass Group's experience in catering in the leisure sector can be traced back over 100 years and we have built an enviable reputation. Our specialist teams operate at many of the leading venues in the UK from sports stadia and conference centres, and buildings of cultural and historical importance.

We provide our expertise to venue and event owners through specialised operating companies in six key sectors:

• Horse racing
• Motorsport
• Stadia and arena
• Exhibition and conference centres
• Arts, performance, unusual and historic venues
• Events and outside catering

About Compass Group UK & Ireland
Compass Group UK and Ireland is part of Compass Group plc, the world's leading foodservice company. We specialise in providing food, vending and related services on our clients' premises and we generated annual revenues of £14.5 billion in the year to 30 September 2010. The company operates across the following core sectors of Business & Industry, Defence, Offshore & Remote Site, Healthcare, Education, Sports & Leisure and Vending with an established brand portfolio.