The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford has revealed its environmentally friendly, redesigned cafe as it welcomes a coffee company to its forecourt.
The new-look Ashmolean Cafe has seen existing assets renovated and recycled where possible.
Instead of replacing the furniture and seating, these items were refurbished, while Graphenstone paint, a product from an eco-friendly company, was used to revitalise the space in calming colours mirroring the Ashmolean’s collections.
Head of events and catering at the Ashmolean Museum, Anna Munday, said: “It has been a very exciting process working with Benugo and Path to breathe new life into our much loved cafe.
"The space feels so much fresher and brighter and the light boxes wonderfully highlight, and bring to life in the cafe, beautiful and intriguing items from our collection.
"It has been exciting to work on the updated food and drink offer and to be able to do this, and the refurbishment, with such a focus on sustainability has made it even more of a pleasure.
"I really hope locals and visitors alike enjoy spending time in the cafe - meeting friends for lunch or taking a break from exploring our museum’s world-renowned collection.”
Within the alcoves of the cafe hang prints from the Ashmolean collection surrounded by wood panelling.
These images, along with lightboxes and panelling, not only aim to enhance the aesthetics of the cafe but also reduce noise levels, making it a much more user-friendly environment.
Furthermore, the Ashmolean Cafe menu has been updated with an emphasis on sustainability.
The new deli menu, created in partnership with catering partner, Benugo, includes weekly rotating seasonal salads, open sandwiches, and hot food options using local ingredients.
The cafe has been awarded the 'Kids in Museums' Family Cafe Standard, for its family-friendly environment, food choices, affordability and well-trained staff.
Located on the lower ground floor of the museum, the cafe is open from 10am - 5pm daily.
Every purchase from the cafe contributes to the upkeep of the Ashmolean Museum. Visit www.ashmolean.org/café-and-restaurant for more information.
Whilst renovations to the cafe have been taking place, the Ashmolean Museum happily welcomed to their beautiful forecourt/courtyard, sustainable local coffee company, the Horsebox Coffee Co, serving small batch, ethically sourced coffee produced by their sister company, Dark Horse Roastery.
Open 10am - 5pm everyday, from now and throughout the summer, Horsebox Coffee Co. will be parking their rescued and restored 2CV van on the Ashmolean forecourt and serving up small batch, ethically sourced specialty coffee, organic teas, cold drinks and fresh bakes.
Based in south Oxfordshire, the company is an Oxford living wage employer and produces sustainable coffee sourced directly from smallholder farmers and co-operatives committed to sustainable farming practices around the globe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here