14 August 2008

Zilli adds zest to Center Parcs

In what must be a partnership made in middle-class heaven, Center Parcs has signed up top chef Aldo Zilli to set up a series of signature cafes within its Aqua Sana spas.

Zilli CafÃƒ~© at Aqua Sana spa will offer super healthy fish and pasta dishes prepared theatre style in front of spa guests as they recover from their pampering.

Existing Conservatory CafÃƒ~© outlets within the Center Parcs spas will be phased out. Guests will also be able to buy ingredients from ZilliÃ¢â¬â¢s deli section, to cook back in their accommodation.

Chief executive Martin Dalby said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe are thrilled to be working with such a highly respected chef as Aldo, and we know that Zilli CafÃƒ~© will be a huge hit with our guests.

"Over the last 18 months we have invested in excess of Ã&#pound;14 million in our restaurants and bars at Center Parcs and the introduction of Zilli CafÃƒ~© confirms our commitment to providing our guests a high quality range of dining experiences.Ã¢â¬~

Center Parcs has signed a three-year franchise agreement with Zilli with the first Zilli CafÃƒ~© opening at Center Parcs Longleat Forest in November with the other three cafes to follow by summer 2009.

By Dinah Hatch