Caterers expand into prominent city building

A successful Hereford catering firm has expanded into a building in the heart of the city.

ART Hospitality, formerly A Rule of Tum, has catered for festivals, pop-up and private events in Herefordshire and beyond for over a decade.

Its new event catering company Dish by ART is based at the rear of the previously disused 26 Commercial Street, where planning permission has been given for conversion to a custom-designed kitchen.

Catering for larger events was proving to be “unviable” at the company’s premises in the city’s Aubrey Street, owner Dorian Kirk said.

“Now we can cater for any sort of event with a dedicated prepping kitchen – which we’ve already begun doing, with a wedding this weekend.”

Dish is also converting a vintage Mercedes minibus into a “food truck” capable of travelling to, and serving customers at, a range of events, which is likely to come into use in April or May, Mr Kirk added.

Council officials voiced some concerns over adapting the Commercial Street building.

Historic buildings officer Debra Lewis said a “sizeable” stainless steel flue, facing the A438 Blue School Street, “would not be considered to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area, or the setting of listed buildings”.

And its environmental health officer P Long said noise from the extraction system should not exceed the existing background level as perceived at nearby homes.

Planning officer Eleanor Barry accepted this condition, and also made a requirement that the flue be given a dark matt finish.

But overall the changes were “acceptable and in keeping, given the context of the area of predominately commercial business use with residential flats above shop fronts”, she said.

Meanwhile the part of the premises which fronts onto 28 Commercial Street is to become a Middle Eastern restaurant. Details are being kept under wraps until its opening, not expected until next month.