Premier Hospitality

KuPP Oxford Westgate

KuPP Oxford
Written by Roma Publications

KuPP Oxford Westgate

KuPP, the Nordic inspired casual dining concept, opened the doors to its fourth venue on 24 October in Oxford’s new Westgate development. The first of its kind for the brand, KuPP has partnered with John Lewis for their Oxford venue which is located on the rooftop above the newly opened Oxford store.

KuPP Oxford

Partnering with JLP, KuPP signed on to a standalone lease rather than taking a concession and provides a café, bar and dining space to John Lewis customers and the general public alike with trading hours that extend beyond those of the store and its own entrance accessible even when the store is closed.

The partnership with John Lewis is very much in line with a drive from the retailer to focus on the store ‘experience’ and increase dwell times in their stores. The opening of KuPP improves the food and beverage options for customers, with the rooftop location offering Oxford customers the best possible experience. Bookings for KuPP Oxford can be made via the first ever John Lewis Experience Desk, providing shoppers a welcome respite in the rooftop café, bar and restaurant.

KuPP provides a rooftop escape in Oxford with views of the Oxfordshire countryside from an expansive roof terrace as well as almost wall-to-wall windows for those dining in the stunning indoor space which pairs the simplicity of Scandinavian design with just enough soft furnishings to add that hygge feeling.

Speaking at the time of opening, Managing Director Steve Cox said:

“For us, partnering with John Lewis for our first venue North of London was a no-brainer. John Lewis has championed Scandinavian design for many years and made it accessible to their UK audience and this is something that we have set out to do with food and drink. KuPP is about sharing a little of what we love about these amazing parts of the world, celebrating our favourite Scandi flavours and cooking techniques in our own unique British way.

“We have really enjoyed working with John Lewis on KuPP Oxford and we are looking forward to opening another venue with them very soon.”

KuPP’s award winning menu spans from breakfast to lunchtime smørrebrød, Fika (a Swedish tradition of enjoying a coffee and a pastry), signature smörgåsbords, snacks to be grazed on and shared over drinks, straight through to dinner and dessert. Diners can enjoy Nordic inspired dishes including Beetroot Stained Gravadlax or KuPP’s Signature House Smoked Meatballs as well as some more familiar favourites like the Mighty KuPP Klub and Proper Pork Swede Dog.

KuPP’s food offering is paired with a large fully stocked cocktail bar featuring signature Nordic inspired cocktails, a well-considered wine list and an extensive range of premium spirits including the Scandinavian favourite, Aquavit. KuPP has a strong focus on coffee, serving its own blend which can also be purchased from their Store along with a variety of Nordic food products and a range of hand sourced homeware and décor pieces that embrace the KuPP style and culture.

Reaction to KuPP Oxford Westgate has been hugely positive, with praise for the food, drink and interior. In November the site received Casual Dining Restaurant and Pub Awards 2018 nomination in the Best New Restaurant Site category. KuPP’s Southampton venue, which opened in Westquay in July 2017, has also been shortlisted in the Best Designed Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year category while the KuPP brand as a whole has been shortlisted for Independent Restaurant of the Year. Steve Cox commented:

“None of this would ever be possible without the amazing people involved and I am immensely proud of the entire KuPP Team. They have done a fantastic job over the last year and the fact that KuPP has been shortlisted for these awards is a real testament to that.

“I feel confident looking forward to our expansion plans for 2018 knowing that I have the support of such a great team who are as passionate about the KuPP brand as I am. As we like to say, KuPP is all that we love. Shared.”

KuPP Oxford

Oxford Westgate

Situated on Queen Street in Oxford City Centre, Oxford Westgate offers the ultimate retail and lifestyle experience all in one location. Westgate Oxford was the largest retail and leisure destination to open in the UK in 2017 and is the ideal pit stop for visitors exploring the city’s cobbled streets.

Located just an hour from London, this new arrival from the Westgate Oxford Alliance – a joint venture between Landsec and The Crown Estate – forms part of the historic city centre and boasts excellent transport links and a revamped Park and Ride.

Nearly three years in the making and spanning over 800,000 sq. ft., Westgate Oxford’s pioneering design sensitively blends old and new with rooftop restaurants offering never-before-seen views of the famous city skyline.

 

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Roma Publications