BaxterStorey has secured a five-year catering contract for the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at the University of Oxford — the university’s largest-ever construction project and one of the most significant cultural developments in Oxford’s history.
The landmark partnership will see BaxterStorey deliver a full range of hospitality and dining services at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. The Centre unites seven of the University’s humanities faculties and research institutes under one roof, creating a vibrant new home for academic collaboration and cultural engagement.
On a typical peak day—when lectures and seminars are held across all faculties—the Centre welcomes around 1,000 students per hour and up to 500 staff, establishing it as a dynamic hub for learning, connection, and creativity.
BaxterStorey will oversee a diverse portfolio of food and beverage offerings at the Centre, including a café serving breakfast, lunch, a salad bar, and a grab-and-go deli; a coffee shop featuring an extensive range of barista-crafted drinks alongside savoury and sweet treats; and a selection of hospitality and fine dining experiences such as conference catering, pre-performance dinners, afternoon teas, drinks receptions, and festival events.
The Centre will also include a dedicated bar, designed as a relaxed and welcoming social space for students, academics, and guests.
Menus will celebrate fresh, seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers, reflecting BaxterStorey’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, provenance, and community engagement.
As part of its local outreach, BaxterStorey will participate in the Adopt a School programme, partnering with St Frideswide C of E Primary School to inspire young people about careers in hospitality and the importance of healthy eating.
Designed by Hopkins Architects, the Schwarzman Centre is set to become the largest Passivhaus-certified building in England, setting new standards for environmental performance in higher education. BaxterStorey’s operations will complement this ethos through waste reduction initiatives, energy-efficient kitchen technology, and responsible sourcing practices.
The new Centre unites Oxford’s faculties of English Language and Literature, History, Linguistics, Medieval and Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, and Theology and Religion, alongside the Institute for Ethics in AI, the Oxford Internet Institute, and the new Bodleian Humanities Library.
The building includes a 500-seat concert hall, a 250-seat theatre, a recital hall, and exhibition spaces, positioning it as a vibrant cultural hub accessible to the public.
“It’s been a real pleasure working with BaxterStorey as we’ve mobilised catering operations for the Schwarzman Centre,” says Gillian Smith, commercial director, Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. “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.”
“We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with the University of Oxford on this exceptional project,” added Louise Denton, managing director South-West, BaxterStorey. “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.”