Sodexo has announced the extension of its long-standing partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh which will see the introduction of its specialist catering and events brand Heritage Portfolio and the transformation of the Garden’s dining spaces. 

The new three-year term will see Heritage Portfolio manage the catering outlets and events at the Garden, one of Scotland’s leading five star visitor attractions, bringing closer alignment with other cultural destinations managed by the brand, including V&A Dundee, The Gallery of Modern Art and The Signet Library.

As part of the transition, extensive refurbishment of the Garden’s dining spaces is currently underway. The renovation programme will transform the offering, enhance the customer experience and introduce a new food and drink proposition based on Heritage Portfolio’s ‘made from scratch’ principles, where all dishes are prepared each day using the highest quality, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

The Gateway has been revitalised and is ready to welcome back guests with a range of seasonal dishes, prepared on-site with ingredients handpicked from its own Kitchen Garden. Savoury favourites such as open sandwiches, vibrant salads, hasselback baked potatoes and gourmet sausage rolls will all make an appearance on the new menu, which guests can enjoy while relaxing in the surroundings of Edinburgh’s world-famous Garden.

In the centre of the attraction, the Terrace has a new look inspired by the natural and lush colour palette of its surroundings. For those looking for a light bite, its in-house bakery will tempt with cakes, sweet treats and individual desserts, as well as its signature Botanical Afternoon Tea. All perfectly complemented with a range of artisan coffees and teas served from its new espresso bar. With its unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle and lofty outlook over Inverleith House Lawn, the Terrace is an exceptional space to unwind and relax.

Director of Enterprise and Communication at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Kari Coghill said: “Enjoying a coffee or a meal in one of our cafes is an integral part of a trip to the Botanics for many of our visitors, whether they are local, from other parts of the UK or from overseas. I’m delighted to have Heritage Portfolio on board as our exclusive caterers and look forward to working with them to deliver a fresh new food offer. The transformation of our two main cafes will allow us to highlight the Garden’s sustainability, seasonality and local suppliers – including produce grown on site in our own Kitchen Garden.”

Mark Miller, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio, said: “Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the most popular and well-loved visitor attractions in Scotland and we’re so excited to be working with the team to enhance its unique, one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.”

“At Heritage Portfolio, we are passionate about good food and bringing people together to create long lasting memories. Fresh food, seasonal ingredients and delicious treats are at the heart of our new menus for both the Terrace and the Gateway. We’re so excited to welcome visitors back to enjoying delightful dishes, surrounded by the beautiful, lush scenery that the Gardens has to offer.”