Catering for Cheneys Lodge

Expressions of interest are being sought for a catering social enterprise, providing food, social inclusion and community hub at our Cheneys Lodge support housing scheme at 24A Sutton Avenue, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4LG.

The restaurant is a new facility, based within a state of the art housing complex for over 55s, in an affluent residential area. It is proposed that the successful partner pay a nominal rental sum to Sussex Housing and Care until the business expands, with open book accounting between both parties.

The shape of the business can be determined by the provider in partnership with residents, the wider community and Sussex Housing and Care. We have 45 residents in Cheneys Lodge, 14 at Falfield next door and 20 members of staff at our main office, also on the same site. Lunches, coffees, afternoon teas, and possibly Sunday lunches for the residents will be an essential element of the service provided. In addition, outside catering, meals at home, corporate hospital may also form part of your business plan. In envisaged that members of the public and local community will encouraged to use the facility, to build community cohesion in this lovely area.

The accommodation provides 40 internal covers, with the extra capacity of 20 covers in the garden area in good weather. The kitchen is highly specified and so far unused, with programmable combi oven, gas range, efficient fridges and freezers, two walk in store rooms. There is a chef office, changing room and self contained rear access delivery point.

Whilst not part of this tender, Sussex Housing and Care has a similar facility in Brighton, and four additional catering sites across Sussex, which will be subject to review in the next financial year.

Sussex Housing and Care will not pay any management fees or subsidies to the provider. We’re interested particularly to hear from you if:

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Sussex Housing and Care no later than 12 noon on Friday 30 October 2015. On receipt of your expression of interest we shall supply documentation and seek your written proposal for the business. Interviews and site visits will be part of the evaluation of business plan submission.