The National Theatre has selected independent street food pioneers KERB as its official catering and hospitality partner.
KERB has partnered with Levy UK + I, Compass Group’s sports and hospitality arm to bring this exciting partnership and brand-new offer to the South Bank, with the vision to put the world-class theatre onto the “mainstage of London’s food and drink scene”.
KERB will work together with the National Theatre to deliver “outstanding catering and hospitality” throughout its spaces and restaurants, complementing the Theatre’s wider ambitions to deliver memorable experiences both inside and outside its auditoriums, as the venue welcomes back guests once again post-pandemic.
Creativity, collaboration and vibrancy will be the key focus. The partnership will produce a whole new level of catering and hospitality throughout the theatre including the restaurants, cafes, and theatre bars, drawing on KERB’s renowned network of independent food businesses.
The partnership between the iconic London theatre and KERB will enable the NT to further grow into a creative and influential food and drink destination within the capital, offering a range of outlets from early-stage food businesses to more established London restaurateurs providing a variety of options for all visitors to the NT.
The transformation of the National Theatre’s food and drink spaces will take place over the next two years, beginning with the riverside cafes and The Understudy bar.
Operational expertise will come from Levy UK + I, who KERB joined forces with on the events arm of its business, KERB Events Ltd, earlier this year as part of the company’s wider goals to bring independent food into larger and more varied spaces around the UK.
Lisa Burger, Executive Director and Joint Chief Executive at the National Theatre, commented: “The National Theatre’s mission is to make world-class theatre for everyone, striving to be accessible, inclusive and sustainable. As we welcome back audiences to the South Bank, we’re delighted to be able to announce this long-term partnership with KERB. With unparalleled experience in delivering outstanding food and drink, a focus on independent brands, a shared commitment to staff development and creating welcoming spaces, KERB is a natural fit for the NT.”
Petra Barran, Founder of KERB, said: “This partnership feels so right. Since Day One KERB has served to liven up the spaces between the buildings with brilliant food served by talented entrepreneurs to curious Londoners. Now, as the National Theatre looks to open up more of itself to a wider audience, for us to be invited inside to do what we do is a major step forward for independent food in the capital.”
