Elite Foodservice Design recently had the privilege of working on a significant project at the newly renovated Gainsborough’s House Museum in Sudbury, Suffolk, which reopened in late 2022 following a transformational refurbishment. Our team was tasked with designing and installing a café and support kitchen within this iconic heritage site, now home to "The Watering Place Café."
The Watering Place Café, nestled within the beautiful setting of Gainsborough’s House, offers a delightful selection of locally sourced, freshly prepared, and seasonal foods. Visitors can enjoy a variety of options, including light lunches, pastries, and cakes, all crafted to perfection. The café serves a range of quality teas and coffees, selected for their exceptional taste, making it the perfect spot for museum-goers and locals alike to relax and refuel.
At the heart of the project was the creation of a stunning café servery counter, which we meticulously designed to harmonize with the museum’s aesthetic. We incorporated terrazzo worktops that seamlessly blend with the surrounding gallery areas, supported by a robust, shopfitted underframe. Every aspect of the design was carefully considered to align with the museum’s vision, ensuring that the space not only serves its functional purpose but also enhances the overall visitor experience.
In addition, EFD designed and installed a state-of-the-art kitchen extraction system, paying particular attention to the sensitive nature of the historic building. The support kitchen is outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment, including a Rational Combination Oven, a heavy-duty induction system, and a high-speed dishwashing unit. High-grade stainless steel benching was used throughout, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.
This project at Gainsborough’s House is a testament to EFD’s commitment to delivering exceptional design and functionality, even in the most sensitive and historically significant environments. The Watering Place Café now stands as a vibrant addition to the museum, enhancing the visitor experience with its welcoming atmosphere and delicious offerings. We are proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life.
