🍺🍽️ Kitchen & Bar Operations (Franchisee)
The Kitchen and Bar at Plas Heli are operated by Sean Devlin Catering Ltd under the Catering and Bar Franchise Agreement 2022. Catering is an important part of our venue, supporting sailing events, training activities, community gatherings, and visitors who simply drop in for refreshments — including those enjoying a walk on the beach.
Plas Heli is The Welsh Sailing Academy, Event Centre and Community Enterprise. Catering is provided as an additional service to support everyone who uses the venue. The bar and catering are open to all customers, whether attending an event, visiting socially, taking part in community activities, or just calling in for a drink or snack.
This page explains how the catering and bar areas are managed. Volunteers are not responsible for operating these areas — that is entirely the role of the Franchisee. Volunteers only need to be aware of who manages the space and who to contact if something needs attention.
Franchisee Responsibilities
The Franchisee is responsible for delivering the catering and bar service to the style and standard set out in the Agreement. This includes:
- food and drink quality
- customer service
- hygiene and cleanliness
- staffing and training
- licensing and statutory compliance
- safe operation of all catering and bar facilities
These responsibilities belong entirely to the Franchisee — volunteers do not need to carry out any tasks in these areas.
Opening, Closing & Securing the Premises
When operating the Kitchen and Bar, the Franchisee is responsible for:
- unlocking and locking the building
- setting and unsetting the alarm system
- switching off lights before leaving
- immobilising the lift at the end of service
- locking all catering‑related areas
Volunteers do not need to assist with these tasks — they are handled by the Franchisee.
Private Parties & Exclusive Use
The Franchisee may offer private parties in the Bar area. When doing so, they continue to provide full service to other customers in the Lounge Bar and, where agreed, in the Main Hall.
Any exclusive use of wider venue spaces must be agreed with Plas Heli management.
Plas Heli Oversight
Plas Heli carries out occasional checks to make sure the catering service continues to meet the standards set out in the Agreement. We may also appoint independent inspectors when needed.
This oversight is part of our responsibility as a community venue and event centre — volunteers do not need to be involved in inspections.
Plas Heli’s Right to Provide Catering for Events
For certain events, Plas Heli may arrange catering through third‑party providers. This happens only when:
- specialist catering is required
- the Franchisee is unavailable
- the event organiser requests a specific provider
- the scale of the event requires additional support
Volunteers do not need to assist with these arrangements.
Volunteers & Duty Managers
Volunteers and Duty Managers do not carry out any operational tasks in the Kitchen or Bar. These areas are fully managed by the Franchisee.
Volunteers simply help by:
- being aware that the Franchisee manages these areas
- passing on any concerns to the Duty Manager
- helping visitors find their way if they seem unsure
There is no expectation for volunteers to check, clean, supervise, or manage anything in the catering or bar areas.