Blow for The Public's catering

The catering company that runs the food and hospitality service at controversial Black Country arts centre The Public is quitting the venue.

Just two years after Couture Catering moved into the £72 million building in West Bromwich to provide bar and restaurant facilities along with events catering, it has decided to "refocus its activities" in Manchester and London.

The company currently provides catering at venues, including Pinewood Studios and Manchester Museum.

The decision comes as the management of the centre awaits the outcome of a review which will consider auditors' suggestions, including a proposal to decommission or mothball the centre.

Bosses at The Public said they will provide catering themselves, and will launch the new "Pink Tank Café Bar" on Wednesday.