The partnership, which is valued at £130m over the duration of the contract, will see Company of Cooks continue to operate the venue’s bars, restaurants and cafés as well as oversee a collaboration with chef Angela Hartnett called Cicoria and Bar Cicoria.
Located on the building’s fifth-floor, Cicoria opened in September serving Hartnett’s signature Italy-inspired cooking.
“We’re thrilled to continue to work with the Royal Opera House team. We’ve achieved a lot together over the years, including opening the fifth-floor restaurant to the public for the very first time, but we always said there was more to come,” says Rob Fredrickson, Company of Cooks’ managing director.
“We’re really looking forward to realising our ambitions as we consolidate and build on our successes and establish the Royal Opera House as a food and drink destination of choice for both theatre goers and the public.
“There’s immense excitement surrounding the Angela Hartnett partnership and the opportunities the opening of Cicoria brings. This brilliant collaboration will attract more first-time visitors to the Royal Opera House, growing the appeal and audience of the cultural hub, as well as revenue, and cementing its position as a centre of excellence in the performing arts. Our team is also beyond excited to be learning from one of the UK’s most esteemed chefs.”
Sophie Wybrew-Bond, Royal Ballet and Opera’s chief commercial officer, adds: “We’re absolutely delighted to be extending our partnership with Company of Cooks for another five years.
“The launch of Cicoria and Bar Cicoria with Angela Hartnett has set a new benchmark for what’s possible in our spaces, and we’re excited to continue working together to refresh more of our bars and restaurants.
“Our ambition is to position the Royal Opera House as the must-visit destination in the West End – whether you have a ticket or just want to enjoy our beautiful building.”