Heritage Portfolio, part of Sodexo Live! today announces the extension of its long-standing partnership with The Signet Library, owned by the WS Society, for a further 12 years, marking a significant reaffirmation of the trust and shared ambition that has defined the relationship for more than 25 years.
The new contract includes substantial investment from Heritage Portfolio to enhance the historic 1822 building that holds The Signet Library & Colonnades following sustained, year-on-year growth across The Signet Library’s offerings, with the venue surpassing its benchmark for annual weddings bookings for the first time in history.
The renewed partnership brings the prospect of long-awaited accessibility improvements and sustainability upgrades of the venue’s kitchens and service infrastructure. Most notably, through the installation of a new lift, which will provide step-free access to the building's Upper Library event space for the first time. This improvement will realise longstanding ambitions to improve accessibility within the Grade A listed 19th century structure. Funding raised, partially through investment by Heritage Portfolio, now enables work to begin in spring 2027, delivering a long-awaited solution for guests and event attendees. This installation forms the first phase of a broader plan to introduce two lifts throughout the building over time.
Elsewhere in the building, investment into improving the efficiency of the kitchen and service area will see a transition away from gas cooking to modern induction hobs, a meaningful step forward in reducing consumption and improving the building's environmental performance. The improvement marks a major step for Heritage Portfolio, with the Colonnades acting as the first venue within the group’s collection to introduce this new kitchen model.
Heritage Portfolio will also explore a series of upgrades designed to support both operational growth and guest experience. Service equipment, silverware and refrigeration capacity are expected to be expanded to meet increasing footfall demands. In addition, potential cosmetic enhancements such as new carpets, refreshed paintwork and energy efficient LED lighting, are being considered to help maintain the building’s character and ensure a fresh, welcoming environment for future guests.
The Colonnades celebrated afternoon tea offering, widely regarded as one of the best in the city, will continue to evolve through Heritage Portfolio’s programme of culinary development and premium collaborations with long-term suppliers including Alliance Wine, Shibui Tea and Pommery Champagne.