Intertain, the Walkabout operator, has introduced a new food and drink menu to increase food and drink sales during the day.
The menus have been introduced at the newly refurbished Walkabout in Carlisle and are to be rolled out across the estate.
The food menu includes a selection of “posh burgers”, including Syndey Classic (£8.95) featuring a fried egg inside a sweet brioche. Hot Dogs, steaks and salads & pastas are on offer, along with sharing platters that include mezze platter (£12.95), chargrilled vegemite flat bread (£4.95) and chargrilled garlic flat bread (£4.95).
Intertain has clarified that, in contrast to an earlier statement, a takeaway menu will not be introduced.
The new menus are the latest significant development for the brand since it underwent a change in ownership in May that the company said would see it actively pursue expansion opportunities.
John Leslie, chief executive, said: “Since 2010 we have carried out the complete refurbishment of 13 venues, with plans for more over the next 18 months. In due course, we will also be looking to acquire new sites, so this really is an exciting time for the brand.”
Walkabout Carlisle re-opened on 25 July after a £500,000 investment. The refurbishment includes the addition of a wave-bar in the main ground-floor bar, along with a larger dance floor, updated sound and light system, and new stage for live music events. Bookable booths have been added and the outside area has also received investment to become a fully enclosed garden with a barbecue and pop-up bar.
The top floor has been converted into a Reef nightclub with its own entrance. The refurbishment has created 15 full-time jobs.
Leslie said: “This refurbishment will reinforce Walkabout’s position as the best night time venue in Carlisle but with our new menu, will also put us on the map during the day.”
Under the change in ownership, Intertain’s equity and debt is held equally by Barclays Ventures, and a consortium owned by investment group TPG Opportunities Partners and Goldman Sachs. They replaced the previous owners, the banks West LB, RBS, Lloyds and Barclays.
In June Intertain placed two Walkabouts, in Blackpool and Derby, on the market with Colliers International as part of a sale and leaseback opportunity for £3.3m and £1.7m respectively. M&C Report revealed in May that Intertain has also placed its site in Shepherds Bush, west London, on the market with Davis Coffer Lyons.
