How Shine Catering Systems showcased its kitchen, design, manufacture and install credentials to deliver stunning catering facilities at the prestigious redevelopment of Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel.
Sitting proudly alongside the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital, the Parkgate Hotel is described as Cardiff’s finest new luxury hotel. The refurbishment of the old Post Office and County Court properties offers 170 bedrooms, a signature restaurant and bar, plus a tea lounge and rooftop spa.
The property itself is owned by Welsh property developer Rightacres, leased by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and operated on behalf of the WRU by the Celtic Manor Group under its exclusive Celtic Collection.
It opened in October 2021 after a two-year refurbishment project which included a complex design and build of kitchen facilities by Shine Catering Systems, working closely with Celtic Collections’ Group Culinary Director Peter Fuchs.
Operating since 1974, Shine offers an end-to-end solution including concept and design, project management, manufacturing/fabrication, installation and aftercare. It has built a longstanding relationship with the Celtic Manor team since the early 1980s, working on kitchen projects at the Group’s Celtic Manor Hotel, Tŷ Hotels and International Conference Centre Wales.
Overcoming project challenges
The Parkgate Hotel includes a main Central Production Unit (CPU) located in the basement of the hotel, serving Cardiff’s largest function room with capacity for 320 diners. An a-la-carte kitchen serves the main restaurant and a regeneration facility has been provided for function rooms. An executive kitchen also serves the third-floor private dining facility.
Recognising the individuality of each project, Shine worked collaboratively with Peter Fuchs to design an innovative solution that would overcome the challenges and restraints of the historic building. Due to size restraints in the a-la-carte kitchen, for example, Shine designed a double-sided single cook suite of 110cm wide, delivering a double galley-style function leading to the pass.
Key to this design success is the close relationship built between Shine and its manufacturer partners. From ovens and refrigeration, to ice making equipment and wine cabinets, Shine works with suppliers throughout the design and build process, even collaborating on project training and warranty provision to deliver an enhanced end product. It is a proven approach, delivering benefits for all parties and opening routes to market for manufacturers.
Peter Fuchs, Group Culinary Director for the Celtic Collection, said: “I have worked with Shine for many years and I knew the quality I could expect, both in terms of the design service and the installation itself.
“Thy worked tirelessly to develop unique designs that suited the individual characteristics of the historic building. The team on site can deliver dishes for the function room, main restaurant and private dining facilities, using kitchen spaces that improve efficiency and productivity.”
Julian Shine, MD of Shine Catering Systems, said: “From a design point of view, the Parkgate Hotel is more like a food production facility than a commercial kitchen. Working closely with manufacturers, we designed a single flow through the facility from goods received, through to the double-sided holding facility, which reduces the risk of cross contamination and ensures a smooth kitchen flow. It’s an innovative design which overcomes the constraints of the building.”
Located in the heart of a busy capital city, access was also inevitably an issue throughout the project. All equipment was lifted down to the basement CPU via a hatch, while external access was restricted because the deliveries were not allowed to block access to the adjacent Law Courts.
A solution for kitchen design, manufacture and installation
The kitchens include a number of market-leading brands supplied by Shine, including refrigeration equipment from Weald and Foster, coldrooms from Foster Coldstores and warewashing equipment from Maidaid Halcyon and Hobart. Cooking equipment is supplied by Unox (combi ovens) and Rational (multifunctional cooking system).
Complementing these brands with its own manufacturing expertise, Shine provided bespoke fabrication, servery counters, ventilation systems and ventilated ceilings.
As with all of Shine’s projects, sustainability has also been considered within the kitchen designs. Every point that could have been achieved from the kitchen under BREEAM classification has been achieved, through measures including demand-controlled ventilation via the Building Management System and correct sizing of equipment and systems.
In addition, all internal walls within the kitchen facilities were provided by Fosters Coldstores to food-safe coldroom specification. This ensured a more efficient build process (with no need for wet trades) and enables temperature control in prep and hot kitchen areas.
Front of house expertise
Seamless design co-ordination between Shine and its partners was required in developing the hotels front of house bars and buffet areas. The pre-event bar, main and restaurant bars all consisted of Shine’s own stainless steel bar systems, complemented by the equipment of specialist manufacturers including Weald Refrigeration units and Hoshizaki ice making equipment.
In the restaurant area, Shine was responsible for designing a buffet system that included Cooktek induction ranges and chafing dishes. The lounge champagne bar was specified with Liebherr wine cabinets, now used to store a wide range of high-end wines.
Added-value services
Julian Shine adds: “Of course, the collaboration does not stop once the product is installed. I’m a big believer that we need to work in partnership with our manufacturer partners to deliver an enhanced, added-value service to the client, encompassing product training and warranties.
“At Parkgate Hotel we offered a full training programme for all catering staff, including attendance from specialist manufacturers because they know the features and benefits of their equipment better than anyone. Health and Safety procedures and cleaning instructions were also high on the agenda.
“All equipment was also provided with a full 12-month parts and labour warranty, managed by Shine’s in-house warranty control department.”
Visit www.shine.co.uk.
