Arts Centre’s new baguette bar provides food for thought

The Theatre Bar in Warwick Arts Centre is now offering hand-made baguettes as part of a number of new developments in Warwick Retail.

The cafe, situated on the first floor, was set up in response to a survey in which 250 people said they wanted to see “more hand-made baguettes”.

The new sandwiches have been available since Monday 9 May and “a range of tasty fillings” are available to make the customised baguettes.

Yet a number of people have criticised the move as they believe it now comes in direct competition with the Bread Oven in the Students’ Union (SU), which is already under considerable financial pressure.

SU Democracy and Communications Officer Chris Luck said: “We are aware of the Art Centre’s move towards baguettes and we understand that it is simply a trial for this term. Having had a quick look at their offering it’s vastly smaller than the Bread Oven’s with only a few fillings available.

“The Bread Oven is a hugely popular offering for students and we expect that to remain the same.”

However, Warwick’s Head of Communications Peter Dunn has blasted the criticism, believing it is not in competition with the Bread Oven. He said, “Do not forget baguettes have been sold in Costcutter for years as well long before the Bread Oven.

“Also note that the SU thrives on healthy competition between food outlets or it wouldn’t have opened Curiousitea beside a Costa.”

More Warwick Retail changes include the EAT restaurant, also situated in the Arts Centre, which has been closed for “a full refurbishment” since the beginning of Term Three.

According to Marie Buckley of Warwick Retail, the refurbishment will improve the atmosphere, menu and facilities offered in the restaurant to students, staff and visitors.”

She added, “The menu will be very different from the current offer with an extended range and many dishes will be cooked in a stone fired oven.”

The new restaurant will be open early September.