Amid rumours that parliamentary bosses are mulling the closure of MPs’ favourite bar, Mr S is pleased to report that some traditions remain intact. An advert appeared last week on the government contracts website for the ‘provision of frozen desserts and afternoon tea sweet selection.’ The body demanding this service? None other than the mother of all parliaments, the Palace of Westminster.
According to the advert, the corporate officers of the House of Lords and the House of Commons are seeking to contract a sole supplier for the ‘provision of a selection of frozen desserts and afternoon tea products’ which are to be used in ‘its restaurants, banqueting and catering outlets.’ In recent years parliamentary bosses have tried to tackle their reputation as being too ‘clotted cream’ – rich, white and thick – with concerted efforts to improve their image so Mr S is surprised to see this new initiative emerge at the current time.
Presumably such an appeal is part of an attempt to make up a Covid-inspired shortfall in the Palace of Westminster’s income. ‘Tours plus afternoon tea’ retail on the parliamentary website for £30 for adults and £15 for children with a plug for the offer heralding ‘Parliament’s award winning chefs’ for creating a ‘tempting menu of savouries and sweets made freshly onsite’ which combine ‘tradition with a modern twist’ – something that will come as a surprise to those who have suffered the delights of the Portcullis House cafeteria.
The value of this contact ranges between 0 to £120,000 and will presumably see the lucky winner tout their goods to all the favoured haunts of Britain’s most famous parliamentarians including the Members’ Dining Room and the infamous Strangers’ bar by the river Thames.
With the parliamentary roadmap set to see the reopening of establishments next month as normal, it looks like the Commons is following Boris Johnson in being pro-having cake and pro-eating it.
Comments