Request for Expressions of Interest for the Provision of Catering Services at Camden Fort Meagher

Background and Summary

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Provision of Catering Services.

At Camden Fort Meagher, Camden Road, Crosshaven, Co. Cork P43 WY82

Tender Deadline: 31st January 2025.

The catering services in this case comprises the provision of a café, The 15 Fifty, at Camden Fort Meagher, Camden Road, Crosshaven, Co. Cork P43 WY82.

The café has seating for at approximately 100 people (40 pax inside and external Deck accommodates 60 pax with outstanding views overlooking Cork Harbour).

We project that the visitor numbers for this season, will be 28,000 based on the numbers that visited in 2024 (20,000). The season will start in Spring 2025 and finish on the 3rd Nov 2025. The Fort will be open 5 days a week (Wed – Sun) for the majority of this period, with extended opening of 7 days a week for Easter, July, August and Oct midterm.

The operator will also have first option for catering any events organised by Cork County Council in the Fort.

Interested parties can arrange a visit to see the café, setting and facilities by making an appointment with Phillippa Deane at [email protected].

We will provide café furniture, ware, cutlery, glassware, drinks cabinets and display counter. There is a fully equipped catering kitchen on site which includes oven, bain-marie, hob, fridges, dishwasher.

We are expecting the café to be run efficiently and in a welcoming manner. It needs to be stocked appropriately and staffed accordingly.

Selection Criteria

1. Experience – this will be graded on a sliding scale based on the number of years in the hospitality/tourism industry and the relevance to running a café.
2. Menu – we are looking for value, quality and that the offering matches our visitor profile (primarily active retirement and families). It is not about quantity of items.
3. Operational Plan – how it is going to be staffed, cleaning, sustainability. We are looking to see that you are aware of peak times, how important cleanliness is and what you are doing to be sustainable.
4. Coffee – what kind of machine will be used, what brand are you planning to use. We realise how important a good coffee is to members of the public.
5. Reference – one reference required.

The initial contract will be for the 2025 season, with the option of extending for a further 2 seasons subject to both parties being satisfied to extend.

Please click the below button titled 'Expression of Interest'  to complete the simple form to show your interest in the café.

The preferred tenderer will be required to supply its Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number to facilitate online verification of their tax status. They shall also be required to hold appropriate insurance for the term of the Services Contract related to the café operation.