Local catering equipment supplier, Commercial Kitchen Service (CKS) Blackpool, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in November and is delighted to have just finished a major contract for one of its original customers, Blackpool Winter Gardens. CKS has been involved in installing and upgrading the catering equipment for the Winter Gardens’ main banqueting kitchen (along with most of the other kitchens on site) for all of its 40 years’ trading.
When approached to competitively tender for this prestigious, exciting and fast moving project, CKS had a secret advantage – they could consult their archive plans, which showed the refurbishment CKS completed in the early 1980s. This information was invaluable in creating and winning an innovative, yet complementary new design and installation.
Commented Diane Moden, Director, CKS: “In our 40th year, we were delighted to win this major catering equipment contract, since our ongoing relationship with them, has been a thread throughout the whole of our trading history. They are one of our oldest and most valued customers.
“As a grade II listed building, Blackpool Winter Gardens presents an interesting challenge since the winning contractor is presented with a raft of additional considerations when planning and delivering projects within this iconic building. For example, the kitchen is located on the first floor, with the only access via a small passenger lift or stairs, and the ducting and fans located on a delicate glass roof four floors up.
“The kitchen underwent a full transformation over four weeks – as well as new catering equipment, the project included new flooring, white wall cladding, false ceiling, plumbing and a full electrical re-wire.
“The work was completed to schedule, in association with our key supplier, St Anne’s’ based IM Fabrications. The new bespoke kitchen, with state of the art equipment, has delighted the customer.”
“As usual, the work of CKS was exemplary and they delivered a fully completed and working kitchen to cost and schedule” added Kathy Smith, General Manager, Winter Gardens. “As a major leisure facility, with pre-bookings, this was crucial for us and was one of the main reasons why we wanted to appoint a contactor we trusted to deliver. Thanks to everyone at CKS for this great work and we wish them continued success in their anniversary year.”
