SODEXO SCORES AT ST JAMES’ PARK WITH THE LAUNCH OF A NEW BAR…

ONE of the UK’s leading catering and event providers has strengthened its partnership with an iconic football ground with substantial investment in a new bar. Sodexo Prestige, which manages conferences and banqueting at St James’ Park, has invested £300,000 in the development of Nine – formerly Shearer’s Bar – at the Newcastle United ground. Nine, which will be officially launched in August, is at the Gallowgate end of the stadium and takes its name from the number on the shirt worn by legendary goal scorer and England captain Alan Shearer. As well as consolidating existing jobs at the football club the newly-refurbished bar will give supporters an extra leisure option on match days while providing an alternative venue for parties and other informal social occasions, complementing existing event facilities. The 700-strong catering and events team at Sodexo Prestige currently runs match and non-match day hospitality at the ground, which is also one of Tyneside’s leading conference and wedding venues. Account director Colin Perkins said: “Nine will be a fantastic new venue with a superb, high quality, value for money menu and a comprehensive range of drinks and offers. “We believe that this will not only satisfy fans visiting the stadium on match days but also those visiting this increasingly vibrant part of the city throughout the week.” Newcastle United director John Irving added: “In transforming the site and opening the bar up to a wider range of visitors, it was important that a new name remained in keeping with the club’s history and heritage and Nine is certainly faithful to that.”