Studley Castle

TAG Catering Equipment UK Ltd

Studley Castle is a Grade II* listed building set in 28 acres of countryside in Warwickshire and is part of Warner Leisure Hotels. In 2016, they embarked on an ambitious £50m refurbishment project including a new link building between the stables and original house with catering facilities required to all areas. It would be Warner’s new and first, purpose-built hotel in almost 20 years.

As the flagship hotel for Warner, Studley was a substantial investment. Client expectations were understandably high as success depended on project delivery. Consequently, Warner had already terminated the appointment of three previous contractors for the kitchen project. TAG were appointed in the autumn 2018, only six months prior to completion, to provide eight new bespoke catering facilities including four bars, three kitchens and 1 servery to accommodate 500 covers in the main Market Kitchen Cabaret Restaurant. Furthermore, TAG inherited an array of historical complications that needed to be immediately resolved if the project was to be completed on time. Rapidly understanding the history, politics, and management hierarchy and project detail was vital!

Main Considerations:

  • Understand and operate under tight management and restrictions of BAM Construction the principal contractor, M&E consultants, installers and three interior designers;
  • Representing Warner’s interests with BAM and their subcontractors whilst navigating the complex relationship between both parties; mediating and facilitating project meetings;
  • Satisfying the needs of multiple stakeholder groups including F+B team, front-of-house team, management team, client appointed quantity surveyors and directors;
  • Immediately fulfilling and complying with BAM extensive CDM Regulations/procedures on a tightly controlled construction site;
  • Identifying/ considering logistical challenges/restrictions including lack of highway infrastructure, requiring complex delivery and consolidation phasing programs;
  • Review existing proposed drawings and specification providing/suggesting alternate improvements; providing efficient facilities and improving customer experience;
  • Review and revise existing mechanical and electrical (M&E) plans;

Client Satisfaction

“The refurbishment and new build extension of Warner Leisure Hotels – Studley Castle signalled a significant investment in the start of an exciting new era for Warner. As a result, it was an opportunity to re-invent our food and beverage offering, acting as a blueprint for existing and future hotels.

“As a result, the brief to TAG remained extremely fluid, even up until the weeks of installation, with multiple stakeholders requiring input into the final design. What’s more, TAG were directly employed by Warner Leisure Hotels but under the constraints of dealing with the main contractor.

“TAG remained extremely agile throughout the whole process, right through from initial discussions regarding specification to the on-site installation and project management of all catering equipment.

“Regardless of the challenge, whether flooded-site or part-occupied areas, TAG was able to adapt and manage the installation resulting in no further disruption or impact to the project programme.

“Thank you to Mike, Mark and the team at TAG for the exceptional delivery during what was a challenging and exciting time, with the exemplary follow-up service to ensure Studley Castle was able to open with fully operational food and beverage facilities to delight our guests.”

– Stuart Billington, Head of Property & Capital Investment at Warner Leisure Hotel

“My first full introduction to the quality of work that TAG can deliver was the planning, design & installation of the kitchens at Studley Castle. TAG worked closely with our Head Office specialists to create a fantastic suite of equipment that allows Chef and his team to continually delight our guests.

“Once installed and the hotel was up & running then the after sales service has been excellent.

“A key factor in any relationship is communication. Team TAG do this very well providing feedback and pro-active ideas to maintain the working environment they have created.

“In my experience TAG have provided high levels of service at every step in the process from planning to after sales. I would advise any business looking for top quality project management to contact TAG to discuss their requirements.”

– Greg Starks, Group Operations Chef

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