DPS commenced roll-out of its new in-house catering service—APH Catering and Events—in December 2016. The new team is focussed on delivering delicious, fresh food that showcases produce of the Canberra region. APH Catering and Events provides a range of services for parliamentarians, Parliament House staff and visitors to the building, including:

• catering and events management for functions hosted in APH
• dining venues including the Queen’s Terrace Café, Staff Dining Room and Members and Guests Dining Room, and
• in-room catering for parliamentarians.

Like most workplaces, caffeine is a fundamental part of the working day at APH. On one parliamentary sitting day in 2017, in one outlet, the team served 390 coffees over a two-hour period—more than three coffees per minute. DPS has partnered with ‘Lonsdale Street Roasters’ to give visitors to the Queen’s Terrace Café the opportunity to sample one of Canberra’s favourite coffee roasters. Scones have also proven a popular seller in the Queen’s Terrace Café and going by customer feedback the pastry chefs have perfected their recipe.

‘We went on the free tour…followed by Devonshire tea in the Queen’s Terrace Café. I have to say the scones served were among the best I’ve had anywhere.’

TripAdvisor April 2017

The new team played a central role in DPS’ contribution to the Enlighten 2017 program. The sold-out ‘Sunset on the Roof’ event ran over two Saturdays and despite a last-minute location change to guard against ominous weather signs, the event was a huge success with nearly 500 people enjoying fine food, beverages and entertainment. ‘We had a wonderful time. The venue was breathtaking and the catering and staff was just plain excellent.’ Sunset on the Roof patron—March 2017