Catering Scotland

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) has announced the appointment of a market gardener for their edible garden. Funded by hospitality and catering partner, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, the newly created position sees Ben Dell (pictured left) supervise the development of its vegetable patches to help create a sustainable supply of home-grown produce. The plan is then for Sodexo’s chefs to use this in the John Hope Gateway Restaurant, the Terrace Café and staff canteen.

Supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery, the Edible Gardening project is an educational initiative which holds regular grow-your-own workshops to teach people the skills and knowledge they need to cultivate their own produce. Assisted by three volunteers, Ben will work closely with Sodexo head chef Ben Harrison (pictured middle) to ensure a steady stream of fresh ingredients is available for use on seasonal menus across the Garden’s food offering.

At almost an acre in size, the south-facing plot is home to a range of herbs and vegetables.

Catering Services Director Paul Mitchell, said: ‘This project allows us to integrate more closely with the garden and ensure that dishes developed by our head chef will complement the Edible Garden

Jenny Foulkes, Edible Garden Project Manager at RBGE (pictured right), added: ‘Sodexo’s commitment and belief in the project has allowed us to deliver the next stage of the initiative.

‘Ben brings with him a wealth of horticultural knowledge and experience to this role, and with his help we will be able to offer visitors enjoy fresh, organic seasonal food grown from just a few hundred yards away.’

www.rbge.org.uk

www.sodexo-uk.com