Cheney's Lodge Catering Service

Expressions of interest are being sought by Sussex Housing & Care for a catering social enterprise, providing food, social inclusion and a community hub at our Cheneys Lodge supported 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 of Seaford, East Sussex.

It is proposed that the successful partner pay a nominal rental sum to Sussex Housing & 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 & Care. We have 45 residents living at Cheneys Lodge, 13 at Falfield next door and 20 members of staff at our main office, also on the same site.

This partnership is particularly well suited to a provider who also offers an external catering service, such as meals at home or corporate hospitality; as the highly specified kitchen and excellent vehicle accessibility enable the facility to be used for more than one market.

The accommodation can provide 40 internal covers, with the extra capacity of 20 covers in the south west facing garden area. Lunches, coffees and afternoon teas will be an essential element of the service provided.

The kitchen is highly specified and so far unused, with programmable combi oven, gas range, efficient fridges and freezers plus 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 & 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. Any tenderer who is interested in additional sites may submit their proposal for undertaking a review of all catering services.

Sussex Housing & Care will not pay any management fees or subsidies to the provider.

Expressions of interest should be submitted to Sussex Housing & Care no later than 12 noon on Friday 29 January 2016.

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.