A Long Overdue Kitchen Refurbishment
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The Hall at Keble College is among the most magnificent in Oxford, but it would be nothing without its engine: the unseen but vital kitchen. Full refurbishment of the current Hall Kitchen, which dates from 1979, is long overdue. After years of delay, the planned works will take place across Michaelmas and Hilary Terms next academic year, 2026/27 (we are pleased to confirm that meal service will continue uninterrupted during the works, in a purpose-built, heated marquee structure installed in Newman Quad).
All students, past and present, recognise that Hall, and the kitchen that supports it, are central to College life. Our Head of Catering Services, award-winning chef Sarfraz (Freddy) Hussain, and his team provide up to 800 high-quality and nutritious meals in Hall each day during term time, sustaining our community while encouraging interactions and friendships across disciplines and activities. We are committed to ensuring that current and future generations of students enjoy the same experience, opportunities and facilities that so many before them have valued. Furthermore, the ability to host large numbers of guests for meals in Hall plays a key role in attracting conference business during vacations, and facilitates our important alumni and development programme of events.
The refurbishment will address a number of long-standing issues, while preparing the kitchen for the future. It will resolve essential health and safety and regulatory compliance requirements, while introducing a more sustainable and energy-efficient design through improved extraction and ventilation, heat recovery technology and more efficient water use. The project will also create a safer, more efficient working environment for staff, install a second lift to improve accessibility and logistics, and provide upgraded equipment capable of meeting growing needs.
As Head of Catering Services Freddy Hussain explains: "This project will transform Keble’s kitchen into a modern, sustainable and energy-efficient facility that is fit for the future. By replacing ageing equipment, improving accessibility and creating a safer and more efficient working environment, the refurbishment will better support staff and the College’s growing community. The investment will reduce energy consumption and operating costs while helping the College meet its sustainability ambitions. Most importantly, it will ensure that this vital piece of infrastructure can continue to serve Keble effectively for decades to come."
We are delighted to confirm that to date we have raised £1.925 million towards the total cost of £2.74 million. With Gift Aid at 25%, the actual collective cost could be just £652,000 to raise the outstanding £815,000 to complete this important project. You can read more about it here. If you are interested in supporting this appeal, please contact Camilla Matterson at amilla.matterson@keble.ox.ac.uk.
