Premier Hospitality

Old Bank Hotel

Old Bank Hotel
Written by Roma Publications

A refurb at the Old Bank Hotel

Old Bank Hotel

The all new Quod Restaurant & Bar has re-opened, following an ambitious six week long refurbishment. On the 1st January 2016, Quod and the Old Bank underwent some exciting changes, including a brand new bar, kitchen and menu.

After eighteen 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.

Highlights from the lunch & dinner menu include starters of Avocado vinaigrette with crab; Chicken Terrine, lemon, basil & garlic; and Scallop & prawn gratin while signature mains will list Salmon fishcakes with lemon butter sauce; Chestnut and mushroom ravioli and Duck confit, red cabbage and celeriac puree. The restaurant blackboards announce daily specials, with roast beef, lamb or pork available on Sundays, from the owners Rofford Farm whenever available.

The new opening unveiled 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 is also 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. I feel that it’s been absolutely imperative to retain everything we love about Quod, yet taking this opportunity to make it even better,” said Jeremy.

“We welcome 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.”

Old Bank Hotel

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 retains its bustling vibrancy, energetic buzz and inimitable atmosphere for which it is renowned. The front of house team continues to take professional pride in their delivery of informed and friendly service. Inside, the original oak-topped tables is 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 is 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 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.

Old Bank Hotel

Jarrett Furniture

Jarrett Furniture provide a truly personal custom service, supplying high quality commercial grade furniture and soft furnishings, uniquely sourced and made to order in the UK and Italy, to leisure, commercial and hospitality projects.

Melissa Jarrett from Jarrett Furniture commented: “Our purpose as a company is to support and guide our clients through their important decisions, fulfilling their vision. We genuinely care about the furniture we supply, only offering the best quality with each piece meticulously checked before being safely delivered.”

A variety of the furniture available is shown on the Jarrett Furniture website, with each model meeting ‘JF’ unique regulations for its versatile yet design – led style, high quality construction, as well as custom wood stain and fabric options, ideal for mid to high end projects with an authentic look. Although also priding themselves on their sourcing abilities, Jarrett Furniture often supply options not shown online reflecting clients photos, ideas and drawings suiting budget and other requirements. In 2016 they also began offering lighting, accessories and soft furnishings made to order in their Salisbury workshop. Jarrett Furniture’s service is as custom and personalised as their products, often meeting with clients throughout the process, with constant communication.

With all of the passion and drive expected in a young company, Jarrett Furniture are proud of every project that they have supplied to so far. Recent projects include Masters Builders at Bucklers Hard and Farmer J in Leadenhall Street, London assisting respected interior design studio Afroditi Krassa.

The company began work with Old Bank Hotel in mid-2015. The high expectations were catered to involving luxury fabrics, wood stain and upholstery foam options, as well as custom Oak & Ash frame quoting. Sample chairs were presented evolving on feedback, culminating in the full guest room order. Melissa added: “Old Bank is an esteemed establishment, known throughout England for its prestigious level in its interiors, as well as its services overall. It was a great pleasure to work with Sally Conran, contributing to her accomplished design.”

Old Bank Hotel

Benchmark

Benchmark specialise in furniture, joinery and specialist metalwork for restaurants, hotels, offices, public buildings and private residential. Since the business began 30 years ago, the brand have built up an impressive portfolio in the industry, completing projects for Byron Burger, Busaba, The Rosewood, Great Northern Hotel and Carluccios to name a few.

Working on Old Bank Hotel, Benchmark made the chevron detailed bar and waiter stations for the Quod restaurant and brass framed mirrors, leather inlaid beside tables and desks, and a bespoke brass edged version of their Barnabas Table for the bedrooms.

Fiona Coyne from Benchmark, said:

“Having made furniture for The Old Parsonage, it was good to work with Mogford Hotels again on Old Bank. Both hotels have a stylish contemporary edge that suits our furniture whilst the use of natural quality materials such as solid oak, leather and brass ensures that it harmonises with the traditional buildings that it sits within.”

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Roma Publications