BOOKINGS have soared 20 per cent for Southampton-based Wise Catering at the Six Nations Rugby Tournament, which kicks off this weekend.

Corporate hospitality at Twickenham, the home of English rugby where Wise runs is enjoying a significant uplift on last year’s recession-hit performance.

In preparation for the clash with Wales tomorrow, Wise’s fleet of articulated vehicles will transport an estimated 30 tonnes of equipment and food from Southampton to Twickenham, including commercial catering apparatus, crockery, glassware, cutlery, tableware and selection of beverages. Corporate packages for the sold out matches range from £380 to £600 per head and include match tickets, five-course lunch and pre and post-match refreshments.

Chris Treacher, managing director of Wise Catering, said: “We will be catering for over 1,000 guests at each of the Twickenham games. It is encouraging to see corporate bookings increasing and it certainly bodes well for our other sporting contracts like the Wimbledon Championships.

“While the economy is not out of the woods yet, I am forecasting uplift in businesses returning to corporate hospitality this year.”

Wise Catering and its subsidiary Events Bar Management operate from purpose built premises in Woolston.