Family firm has “revolutionised catering experience” at high school

A WARRINGTON-based company has completely redesigned the dining area of one the oldest schools in Wales in a project the headteacher says has “revolutionised the catering experience.”

School meals uptake has rocketed since the work was carried out at Hawarden High School in Flintshire by Dolce Catering, family-run independent caterers of Lowton.
The full fit-out and design service was complete by the company’s in-house team of experts.
Following the redesign, for the four months September-December 2024, the school has reported a consistent 98 per cent uptake on Free School Meals and 76 per cent uptake on paid school meals – far above average.
Serving over one thousand pupils, aged between 11-18 years old every day, Dolce’s flagship offering at Hawarden’s newly designed food court offers students a diverse culinary experience across four ‘zones’: Street Kitchen, Casa Brasilia, Italian Kitchen and the Toast Office. Each zone features its own custom menu, offering global flavours, on-trend dishes and meals tailored to a wide range of tastes.

Scott Curtis, managing director at Dolce, said: “We started offering our fit-out service in 2019, and Hawarden is the first high school we’ve transformed in Wales, so this represents a milestone for us. Unlike other caterers, who usually always have to outsource their design service as they don’t have the expertise in-house, we have our own dedicated team, meaning we not only offer unrivalled expertise but also a more affordable redesign option for schools.
“In fact, the redesign didn’t cost the school any upfront money – we covered the cost with the view that the increased uptake will deliver more revenue. Removing the financial barriers for schools is key to ensuring pupils have access to the best possible catering.
“Our design and fit-out service isn’t about changing a few signs; it’s a complete overhaul including flooring, cladding, seating and lighting. We have a diversely-skilled team with a wealth of experience behind them, having worked on well-known TV sets, Glastonbury festival stages and Morrisons café fit-outs.
“Secondary school pupils are seeking food experiences similar to what they see on the high street and social media, and how a brand looks plays a big role in the purchasing decision. We make dining areas vivid, exciting, well-designed spaces – with the added benefit that the food offering itself is backed up by our team of chefs, who have created menus based around fresh ingredients, packed full of taste and nutrients. Schools can come to us and get their whole catering offering managed – from the food to the design – under one roof.”
Simon Budgen, Headteacher at Hawarden High School, said: “We’re a busy, thriving school – we see over a thousand students come through our lunch hall every day. Since we started working with Dolce, service speeds have become much more efficient thanks to the innovative till system, there is a wide variety of food on offer and students are more engaged; they often comment on what they’ve tried and suggest dishes to me. It’s wonderful to see so many pupils enjoying their lunchtime and refuelling for an afternoon of learning.”
To find out more visit www.dolce.co.uk