BaxerStorey secures major contract win at the University of Oxford

BaxterStorey has secured a five-year catering contract at the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford.

 

The Stephen A Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities was the university’s largest-ever building project in recent years and is believed to be the biggest Passivhaus-certified building in England.

 

The partnership will see the contract caterer providing hospitality and dining services at the centre, which brings together seven humanities faculties and research institutes under one roof.

 

The site welcomes around 1,000 students an hour as well as 400-500 staff during busy periods.

 

BaxterStorey will operate a café, coffee shop and bar on a day-to-day basis, as well as conference catering, pre-performance dinners, afternoon teas, drinks reception, and festival events.

 

The building also features a 500-seat concert hall, 250-seat theatre, recital hall and exhibition spaces.

 

As part of its local partnerships, the BaxterStorey team will also participate in the Adopt a School programme, working with St Frideswide C of E Primary School to inspire young people into hospitality.

 

Gillian Smith, commercial director at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, said: “It’s been a real pleasure working with BaxterStorey as we’ve mobilised catering operations for the Schwarzman Centre. Their professionalism, energy and experience have been invaluable in getting the service up and running so swiftly. We’re confident their enthusiasm and commitment will make them an excellent long-term partner for this exciting new building.”

 

Louise Denton, managing director South-West at BaxterStorey, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with the University of Oxford on this exceptional project. The Schwarzman Centre represents a new chapter for the humanities and for Oxford’s cultural life, and we’re thrilled to play a part in creating inclusive, sustainable, and inspiring food experiences for students, staff, and visitors alike.”

 

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 

BaxterStorey is owned by parent company WSH.