A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT THE SCHWARZMAN CENTRE FOR HUMANITIES
In April, our team of talented tastemakers helped shape an unforgettable gala dinner at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, University of Oxford – offering guests an early glimpse of the atmosphere and ambition that will soon define this remarkable new cultural space, opening later this month.
With 160 guests in attendance, including Blackstone CEO and donor Stephen A. Schwarzman, after whom the building is named, it was an exciting moment for our teams to showcase a truly memorable hospitality experience.
The evening brought a full gala dinner service, opening with 800 canapés. Bold flavours led the way, with seasonal ingredients from our regional food heroes and sustainable nutrition running through the menu, from a beetroot pinwheel with whipped goat’s cheese, South Coast crab and crispy Hereford beef.
For mains, guests chose between chicken and tarragon ballotine or a lion’s mane mushroom dish with smoked allium, corn polenta and salsa verde, putting a strong plant-forward option firmly on the table.
To finish, vanilla set cream with rhubarb, alongside a spiced apple terrine with miso parfait.
Guests enjoyed a mix of classical, jazz and contemporary music, with a pop performance, while behind the scenes, our kitchen brigade and front-of-house teams kept service running smoothly throughout every course.
Head of Food for the South, James Baker said: “It’s always special seeing everything come together on this scale, from the first canapé to the final plate. Nights like this show the strength and talent of our team, and what happens when everyone pulls together to deliver great food and hospitality!”
The Schwarzman Centre for Humanities officially opened its doors on 25th April, welcoming the public for the first time with a programme of performances, exhibitions, talks, tours and more.
If you’re visiting, you can refuel with us at the Café and Coffee Bar.