Manchester International Festival seeks F&B operators for The Factory

Manchester International Festival (MIF) has today launched an invitation to tender for food and beverage operators for The Factory – the landmark new cultural destination currently being built in the heart of the city.

At 13,300 sq m, The Factory’s unique, ultra-flexible spaces will host an ambitious year-round programme of original creative work, music, and special events. From major exhibitions and epic concerts to intimate performances and groundbreaking digital experiences. Outside, two new public squares will come alive with pop-up music, events and markets, creating a thriving riverside destination for everyone to enjoy.

MIF is looking to partner with ambitious and imaginative companies that will reflect the great diversity within the region’s celebrated food and drink scene, with a flexible and sustainably driven offering that will meet the needs of its diverse range of visitors, as well as artists, performers, and staff across several key areas. Phase one of the food and beverage tender includes the supply of all permanent food and beverage services on site comprising the main 510m²  foyer area of The Factory, including public bar and contemporary café-style space, along with a further two bar areas across multiple levels to support auditorium performances.

From families to local workers and young city dwellers, to cultural aficionados, community groups, and tourists, The Factory will welcome an estimated 850,000 visitors annually throughout the day and into the night.

Funded by HM Government, Manchester City Council and Arts Council England, The Factory has been designed by world-leading architects Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), founded by Rem Koolhaas, led by Ellen van Loon and will be their first major public building in the UK. Due to be completed in 2023, The Factory is situated in Allied London’s new St. John’s neighbourhood, formerly home to Granada TV and next to the Science and Industry Museum.

St. John’s is being designed with a focus on cultural enterprise, creation, and production. The Factory will be at its heart – surrounded by residential and commercial developments in the newest city neighbourhood. With culture a huge driver for tourism and the creative industries being the fastest growing sector in Manchester, The Factory will have an important part to play in the future success of the economy, in the city and beyond.

Subsequent phases of the food and beverage tender will cover event catering and pop-up activations as part of the year-round public realm programme, including Manchester International Festival.

Randel Bryan, Executive Director at Manchester International Festival (MIF), said: “Inspired by our city’s rich history of innovation, The Factory will present bold new work by the world’s most exciting artists. Our programme will be international, but The Factory will also be deeply, proudly local. It will be a place where the people of Manchester will meet, share ideas, and take part in remarkable new projects, and we want our food and beverage offering to be a reflection of this.

“We want to hear from ambitious operators and suppliers that share our values and who feel they could bring inventive and extraordinary culinary experiences to our international stage.”

Interested parties should contact [email protected] to register interest and to receive the Invitation to Tender pack. The deadline for Tender submission is midday, Friday 10^th  December 2021.