School caterer Cucina to open Oxford standalone restaurant

The owners of school food caterer Cucina Restaurants have revealed plans to open the Oxford Kitchen, a new standalone restaurant in the Summertown area of the university city.

A restaurant site formerly known as Florios is currently undergoing a major revamp to create a two-level space with an emphasis on flexibility and customer service.

Cucina owners and directors Steve Quinn and Sam Davies aim to open the Oxford Kitchen before Christmas.

Quinn described the opening as a natural extension of Cucina's business. He said: "We are essentially going back to our roots, providing food which puts the customer first, but doing it in a high street location."

The restaurant will feature a fine-dining space on the first floor, a "secret garden" area and a kitchen table offering a six-course tasting menu. It will also aim to cater for families and lunch trade.

John Footman has joined as executive chef with Michelin-starred experience gained at the Nut Tree and Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons, while Tom Wood, previously manager of the 13th century Cotswold Manor House Hotel, has come on board as restaurant manager.