Chester Zoo to launch new mouth-watering menu

Change is on the menu for Chester Zoo’s catering outlets, with its Ark Restaurant and Café Tsavo being given a culinary overhaul.

The zoo has joined forces with Heathcoates Outside which was set up in 1997 by Michelin-starred chef Paul Heathcoate MBE and Gary Bates.

A fresh, modern food court will take its place with outlets including fresh pasta and pizzas, noodle and deli bars, a burger outlet and ice cream kiosk.

Café Tsavo will also be given a make-over, creating a coffee house that will also be able to be accessed by people who are not just visiting the zoo.

Heathcoates Outside already works with a number of household names across the region including ACC Liverpool, Tatton Park and Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens.

Alasdair McNee, Chester Zoo’s Corporate Director, said: “Working with Heathcotes Outside will bring a vibrant new offering for all our visitors, whether they are here for a day, a specific function or just to enjoy a coffee with friends.

“This is an exciting time for the development of the zoo’s catering and we look forward to unveiling an exciting new food offer in the near future.

"We have been inspired by Heathcotes Outside’s creativity and vision and believe this will be reflected in our new menus.”

The Ark restaurant will close its door from March to enable the transformation to take place.

The zoo’s main entrance will also be revamped, bringing the visitor entrance point further into the main plaza area and transforming part of Café Tsavo into a stand-alone coffee shop.

Gary Bates of Heathcoates Outside, said: “Our aim and vision is to work in partnership with Chester Zoo to create a strong, ethical brand and provide all visitors, delegates and clients with a high quality, value for money food and beverage offering using the freshest local ingredients.

“We know the zoo remains a market leader in national visitor attractions; we want to make the catering a world class attraction over the coming years as well.

“This will all be delivered by a highly motivated and trained team to ensure the zoo remains to be a top national visitor attraction.”

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