Ashmolean museum unveils a new summer menu and look

The oldest museum in Oxford, and the oldest public museum in the UK, has introduced a new range of summertime ‘sharing boards’ alongside local craft beers, wines and cocktails.

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From Sunday, July 2, the museum’s rooftop restaurant will extend its opening hours until 6pm to allow guests more time to enjoy the newly planted, open-air roof terrace throughout the summer.

Head Chef Steven Tuchscherer has collaborated with the Oxford University Parks team to curate a herb garden that is part of the new plant display on the terrace. The herbs will be incorporated into seasonal dishes.

The new rooftop terrace, which is now open until 6pm (Image: Elle Pickering)

He said: “Over the past few months we have been working closely with Oxford University Parks to create a sustainable garden that is beautiful to look at, with some edible elements that we can use in the kitchen for our seasonal dishes.

“We are so delighted with the result and can’t wait to welcome people throughout the summer.”

The menu of sharing boards will be offered with both vegan and meat options available, alongside afternoon tea which features Oxford blue cheese and caramelised onion tart, English cucumber, cream cheese and chive on beetroot and dill bread, and Ashmolean tea infused raisin scones, English clotted cream, and Tiptree jam.

A “well-stocked bar” will sell local craft beers and cider, including the popular Hawkstone and Ashmolean IPA, created in collaboration with Hook Norton.

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1