A new chemistry-themed café, The Lab, has opened in the university’s Centre for Innovation. The café replaces the Fix café, which closed last July.
Kate Cooper, the manager of the Staff Club, said the Centre for Innovation approached her about the potential for a new café. She said the centre wanted to create a space where staff and students could meet on campus.
“With the space being empty for quite some time, the tenants were quite keen to create a hub for those working in different areas of the building,” Cooper said.
Cooper said after much discussion, a chemistry theme seemed an “obvious” choice because of the labs around the café.
Cooper said the budget for the café was tight, but the Chemistry department was able to help with the project, which was “challenging” but fun.
The Lab’s day manager, Olly Smith, said the Chemistry department gave them recyclable chemistry equipment, including glass beakers and funnels, which are now used as flower vases and sugar dispensers.
“We contacted the chemistry department to get them on board with the project and they were more than happy to be involved,” Smith said.
Smith said the Marketing department also helped create signage for the café.
Since its opening, Cooper says the café has been extremely popular. She said the café’s goal was “always to be unique and have a point of difference … we’re trying to be a bit innovative”.