I have whiled away many a happy hour absorbing the wonders of the Ashmolean museum and one of my go-to places - in the rooftop restaurant and terrace and the downstairs coffee shop, so it is great to hear they have unveiled a newly-redesigned café. And it’s been done absolutely in the spirit of these eco-times. Working with Benugo and Path Design, the Ashmolean has taken a sustainable approach to this refresh by renovating and recycling existing assets where possible.
Seating and furniture has been refurbished as opposed to being replaced and Graphenstone paint, one of the world’s most certified eco-paint companies and part of the Ashmolean’s Brand Licensing line-up, has been used throughout to rejuvenate the space in calming colours that have roots in the Ashmolean’s collections. Within the alcoves hang beautiful prints from the Ashmolean collection surrounded by wood panelling. The images not only enhance the space, but the introduction of lightboxes and panelling and their sound absorption properties have reduced the amount of noise making the Café a more user-friendly environment for all.
The Ashmolean Café menu has also been given a makeover with sustainability a key driver of the food and drink offering. Created in conjunction with the Ashmolean’s catering partners Benugo, the new deli menu includes weekly rotating seasonal salads, enticing open sandwiches and a hot food offering that uses local ingredients whenever possible, such as the Oxford Blue and broccoli frittata. In addition, 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 produced by their sister company, Dark Horse Roastery, organic teas, cold drinks and fresh bakes.
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