Compass scoops University of Oxford contract


The University of Oxford, the world-leading centre of learning, teaching and research, has appointed Compass Group UK & Ireland to provide catering and a range of hospitality services.

As the number one provider of catering and support services in the UK & Ireland, Compass Group will be bringing together its unparalleled family of experts from across the organisation to deliver an exciting and innovative food and beverage offer that complements the high standards reputation of the University of Oxford.

This new contract will see significant investment in the student, staff and visitor environment. Catering destinations will be renovated to create social hubs that provide inviting as well as practical meeting points and deliver a wide range of unique food and drink concepts. There will be a focus on sustainable sourcing and healthy eating, designed to meet the individual requirements of the different departments and locations.

Compass will provide catering and hospitality services at 23 different locations at the University. Three bespoke brands - Beyond Ordinary Food at Oxford, Occasions at Oxford and Only at Oxford - will be introduced as key themes that will run throughout the different cafes, restaurants and hospitality services.

Liz Kitchener, Head of Strategic Facilities Management, University of Oxford, said, “This is an exciting opportunity. The contract will deliver significant service, sustainability, financial, and compliance benefits. It will enable our customers to have a catering offering that has its own identity and character, recognising that one size does not fit all, while at the same time reflecting the first class quality synonymous with the University of Oxford.

Chris Garside, Managing Director, Compass Group UK & Ireland, commented, “We are delighted to be working with Oxford University to deliver world class catering and hospitality services to its students, staff and visitors and are looking forward to bringing our UK and international expertise to the University.”