The Quod Restaurant & Bar will reopen on 12th February following an ambitious six-week long refurbishment. Since 1st January 2016, Quod and the Old Bank has undergone some exciting changes, including a brand new bar, kitchen and menu.
After 18 successful years, Quod kitchen has been replaced with a brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen. A new-look menu features a mainstay of familiar European Quod classics, along with some exciting new additions, as always with a strong commitment to the finest seasonal British produce.
The new opening will unveil a curved central white onyx bar, the focal point of the 200-cover restaurant space, lined with goatskin topped bar stools and lit with specially designed bronze banker’s lamps, a nod to the rich history of the building.
Guests can enjoy snacks or the full Quod menu at the bar, alongside an updated yet classic cocktail menu, featuring an Early Grey Martini; Aperol Gin Fizz; Basil Daiquiri and a Clementine Bellini. An approachable, international wine and Champagne list will be available by the glass as well as draught and bottled UK beers.
Founder, Jeremy Mogford is known for many of Oxford’s most iconic settings, including the Old Parsonage Hotel, Gee’s Restaurant, the Old Bank Hotel and Quod, which he opened in 1998. “Quod has always been ‘all things to all people’, attracting the widest range of customers, great for a quick bite, an after-work cocktail, a long lunch on the terrace or perfect for a special occasion,” he says.
“I feel that it’s been absolutely imperative to retain everything we love about Quod, yet taking this opportunity to make it even better. We look forward to welcoming back our huge following of regular customers to join us for a drink at our new bar, where they can continue to admire their favourite paintings by young, prominent British artists”.
A redesigned Italian garden terrace, accessed through the new restaurant cloister has been paved with old London York stone flags and extended to allow for outside seating for up to 80 diners.
With interesting planting, heat lamps and blankets to keep guests warm on chilly nights. Housed within the former banking hall of Oxford’s first, original bank, Quod will retain its bustling vibrancy, energetic buzz and inimitable atmosphere for which it is renowned.
The front of house team will continue to take professional pride in their delivery of informed and friendly service. Inside, the original oak-topped tables will be revived for the opening, together with the restaurant’s familiar banquette seating and deep blue leather chairs, framed in aged wood.
The hotel entrance and reception area will also be treated to a brand new look. Rich green-grey walls frame a striking new marble desk, and provide a backdrop to bold Gary Hume prints and a collection of black & white Oxford prints by Paddy Summerfield.
All 42 bedrooms and bathrooms will continue to undergo a refresh throughout the course of 2016, with interior schemes by Sally Conran, incorporating rich fabrics, custom designed furniture, new carpets and decoration, handmade Epoc beds, accompanied by improved lighting and technology.
