Heritage Portfolio, the Edinburgh-based bespoke event caterers, have won the race to a prestigious ten-year contract at popular Scottish destination Perth Racecourse.
Effective from February 2019, the announcement follows an extremely competitive tender process after which Perth committed to introduce a more niche and tailored catering provision for its race days and busy events programme.
The UK’s northernmost racecourse, situated on the stunning Scone Palace grounds, Perth selected Heritage Portfolio after a lengthy review of customer catering experience, driven by the arrival of Hazel Peplinski as new Chief Executive three years ago. The new arrangement launches ahead of Perth’s 2019 season, which includes 15 race meetings running from April to September as well as a wider and burgeoning events, conference and wedding business, all supported by the adjoining Lodge at Perth Racecourse hotel.
Heritage Portfolio recently became part of the Sodexo group following Sodexo’s acquisition last year. Sodexo has been the catering provider at Perth since 2005 and shall now make way for their own recently acquired subsidiary ensuring an easy transition to Heritage Portfolio prior to Perth’s upcoming racing season.
Operated by co-founder Mark Miller, Heritage Portfolio has built an enviable reputation for laser-like customer focus, creating bespoke experiences specific to each venue. The company has established a reputation for catering excellence at Musselburgh Racecourse, nearby Scone Palace and the new V&A Museum in Dundee. While there will be some synergies and learnings from the catering provided at Musselburgh, Perth will benefit from an individual formula tailored for its own needs.
The Racecourse’s conference and events business has seen a welcome boost in trade since the opening of The Lodge at Perth Racecourse hotel and Heritage Portfolio is looking to boost this diversification still further. In partnership with Perth, Heritage Portfolio has committed to invest in the quality of service, create a more niche and bespoke experience and to improve bar waiting times on racedays. Racegoers are in for a treat this season as they will notice the enhancements to the food offering. Alongside the hospitality offering and trackside bars will be a gastro restaurant, a speciality lighter bite restaurant, Champagne Bar and café serving fresh, seasonal and delicious food to fuel a fantastic day at the races.
