Fancy Running the Dining Train?

The DoI has announced that the Dining Train and Ticket Hall are going out for tender.

Expressions are invited from ‘qualified and experienced organisations’, shame really, even though Gef has no experience running a dining train, we’re very keen.

The winning bidder would be awarded a five year contract, starting March 1 2023.

In its expressions of interest statement, the DoI said: ‘The catering provider must deliver a wide range of high-quality meals, beverages and associated catering services on the Dining Train during the rail-operating season, which typically runs from early March through to the end of October, with additional seasonal Easter and Christmas operations. The Dining Train may also be booked for private hire events throughout the year, such as Weddings and Cruise Ship visits, for which there will be bespoke menus.

‘These services will include a range of themed menus developed in conjunction with our events team, catering for commuter train services, lunches, dinners and afternoon teas and the supply of beverages including the sale of licensed products. The Dining Train will need to be set up prior to, and cleared after, each service at the Douglas Railway station platform.’

The Ticket Hall has about 20 covers downstairs, with 60 upstairs.

To bid for the tender, your company needs to be registered with the gov’s procurement portal.