This has definitely been culture week for the MYA team!
MYA were honoured to be appointed to a number of arts venues across the country. One of these appointments is to support on a food and beverage project at Gloucester Guildhall – located conveniently close to the MYA office in Stroud. This venue joins the already impressive MYA portfolio of Arts clients.
Julia has been out and about. First, visiting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest masterpiece, Cinderella, complete with revolving audience; then, HMS Pinafore at the English National Opera (ENO): and finally Chekhov’s ‘The Cherry Orchard’ at Theatre Royal Windsor. Across the three, the stand-out dining experience was provided by the ENO. Delicious small plates, professional staff who understood and communicated the menu perfectly – and – joy of all joys – the table held for you for the interval(s) (by which time you have space for pudding – upspend!). A huge improvement on the crush/lack of seats in the bar. It’s noticeable that the restaurant is always fully booked well in advance – optimising its contribution to the commercial success of the ENO.
At the weekend, our Head of Design, Catherine, was immersed in ‘La Traviata’ at the Royal Opera House. Her detailed creative eye treasured the on-stage colour and drama, as well as the inspiring architecture in the Atrium Bar. Catherine’s experience provides much needed hope – not only full seats in the theatre, but full tables in the theatre restaurants, and queues for the surrounding restaurants in Covent Garden. Against the trend, on that day, reservations still very much needed!
The Arts have faced huge challenges emerging from the pandemic; audience confidence levels have yet to return, and attendance at live events is lower as digital engagement grows.
Against this backdrop it is critical that hospitality looks to increase its collaboration with the Arts and to create experiences which delight, excite and encourage a rapid, but safe, return.
In pursuit of a ‘best in class’ example of a food and culture collaboration I visited the Bella Vista restaurant in Hastings for a night of exceptional Italian food with ingredients sourced locally including fresh fish from the famous beach fleet in Hastings. Service was excellent. The world class jazz of Lianne Carroll completed an outstanding experience.
Lianne’s captivating, effortless style had diners and staff in raptures. Her rendition of ‘Fever’ and ‘Cry me a River’ will live long in my memory. She’s a fabulous pianist with an extraordinary voice.
Bravo to the vision of the Bella Vista team, who proved unequivocally that the combination of food and culture can provide an exceptional experiences and deliver a packed house.
MYA are an internationally renowned hotel and catering consultancy practice. For further information visit www.mya-consulting.co.uk or call us on 01453 765643.
Written by Carla McKenzie
Managing Director
