I raise a glass to the most welcome ROH announcement of the year. Starting April 2010, the Royal Opera House's catering operations will pass from current incumbents Searcys to Company of Cooks.
Farewell clammy sandwiches, limp chicory, raspberry drizzle and the choking fug of smoked salmon hanging over the Floral Hall. (When you can get better food even in Germany - hellz, even at the Met - you know you've got a problem).
Hello cheddar & caramelised onion marmalade sandwiches, chocolate & hazelnut brownies, goats cheese, pinenut & spring onion tart, minted yellow split pea soup, black bean minestrone with cavolo nero, salt beef, French bean & shallot salad - and not forgetting mochaccino muffins.
Company of Cooks are rare amongst commercial caterers in making food you might actually want to eat. They provide the yummy soups and sandwiches on sale in the Southbank's foyer, and other locations include the splendid Kenwood House cafe, pictured below.
The other good news is that the jobs of the hardworking and super-efficient ROH catering staff are safe.
