Merseytravel : Catering Provision On Mersey Ferries, Café & Events
A Addendum Notice
by MERSEYTRAVEL
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Type
- Contract (Services)
- Duration
- 5 year
- Value
- £7M
- Sector
- FACILITY
- Published
- 03 Dec 2025
- Delivery
- 01 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2031
- Deadline
- n/a
Related Terms
Location
Liverpool:
1 buyer
- Merseytravel Liverpool
Description
Mersey Ferries is one of the most recognisable symbols of the Liverpool City Region - a cultural icon with over 800 years of history on the River Mersey and an internationally known brand. Today the ferries serve more than 480,000 passengers a year, connecting tourists, commuters, local families, and school groups with one of the region's most memorable visitor experiences. Operating daily sightseeing cruises, essential commuter services, and seasonal themed journeys, the ferries offer unrivalled views of Liverpool's waterfront and play a major role in the city's cultural and tourism landscape. With the introduction of a new vessel, the Royal Daffodil, in 2026 operating alongside the much-loved Snowdrop (Dazzle), Mersey Ferries is entering a period of renewal - and is seeking food and beverage partners who can match this ambition with creativity, professionalism, and a passion for hospitality. The tender is structured across three lots, covering onboard catering, shoreside operations, and special event catering. Bidders may apply for one, two, or all three of these LOTS detailed.
Lot Division
| 1 | On Board Café & Bar (Main Ferry Services)
An onboard café and bar operation on our ferries - serving hot drinks, snacks, light meals, and alcoholic beverages, for daytime cruises and our evening scheduled cruises covering both the Snowdrop (capacity for 350) passengers and the new vessel (with capacity for up to 480 passengers). Mersey Ferries currently operate 14 commuter services on weekday mornings, starting at 7:20 am from Seacombe and 11 commuter services on weekday evenings finishing at 6:40pm at Gerry Marsden. We do not operate the commuter service at weekends, bank holidays or during the Christmas holidays. There are 7 River Explorer Cruises scheduled daily and we operate 9 River Explorer Cruises on Bank Holidays (except Christmas) Mersey Ferries also currently operate a number of scheduled cruises that fall within this lot; the programme runs from April to October and is currently 8 Manchester Ship Canal (Premium) 34 Summer Evening Cruises, and 10 Liverpool Bay Cruises. Live entertainment as part of these cruise offers is provided by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. A comprehensive list of kitchen equipment is included in the appendices along with the vessel layout. Should, suppliers find that the provided equipment does not meet their requirements, negotiations regarding supplementation or exchange may be considered. Utilities are not applicable for this lot. |
| 2 | On Board Events Management & Catering
A flexible, creative catering offer for our special pop-up cruises and events, private charter hires, and themed events - where food, drink and atmosphere help turn journeys into unforgettable experiences. Mersey Ferries are looking for a partner to help design event packages for private boat and VIP area reservations, with options tailored to client needs or tiered packages. This applies to both the heritage and new vessels. The Provider must hold all necessary licenses and permits to operate, including (where applicable): Food business registration, Alcohol license (Premises and Personal Licence Holder) Public Performance or Entertainment Licence (for music or events) Health & Safety certification. Utilities are not applicable for this lot. |
| 3 | Seacombe Terminal Café (Shore-Based Operation)
A shore side café in the busy and newly refurbished Seacombe, Wirral terminal - with potential to serve both ferry passengers and local residents, commuters, and visitors. The café also serves as the main food and beverage offer for visitors of Eureka Science and Discovery Museum, attracting a footfall of £100k per annum. Seacombe Terminal current operating times are Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm , weekend and bank holiday times vary on seasonality, but broadly 9:30am to 4:30pm during low season October to April and 9:30am to 6:30pm during the summer cruise season. Provision to extend these opening times can be discussed to support summer evening cruises. 24/7 access can be arranged if required for food preparation via separate access. Kitchen equipment provision for the Seacombe Café can be negotiated. Utilities for the Seacombe Café for 24/25; Electricity £11k, Water £1k and Gas £3.5k for Kitchen use only. Please note that the occupier of the premises is liable for associated business rates, we recommend that suppliers male independent enquiry with Valuation Office Agency (VOA) and Wirral Council. How your Business Rates bill is calculated | wirral.gov.uk |
Renewal Options
A 2 year optional extension is available.
Award Criteria
| Quality | _ |
| Price | _ |
CPV Codes
- 24322500 - Alcohol
- 55300000 - Restaurant and food-serving services
- 55400000 - Beverage-serving services
- 55500000 - Canteen and catering services
- 79952000 - Event services
Indicators
- Renewals are available.
Other Information
** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** Change to number of LOTS a bidder can respond to. As they will be able to bid for all. Updated total contract value of the contract to reflect the full lifetime of contract
Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-05d204
- FTS 079237-2025