Westgate is the largest surviving medieval gate in England and visitors can still enter the city of Canterbury through its arch as they have done since the mid 1380s.
In 2011, the client attended my coffee shop course, and invited me to participate on the refurbishment of this historically important building.

The Brief
The project involved a comprehensive spatial design of a Grade 1 listed site, creating a kitchen in an area that had previously been used as a prison officer staff room. The space had no practical storage or preparation areas, and the type of thick stone walls you would expect to find in a medieval prison.  The client wanted to prepare and display salads, sandwiches and hot food. Coffee was also needed.

Key Design Considerations
I began by producing proposed layouts, enabling us to plan for equipment. The kitchen would be small, increasing the need for efficiency of design. It required a full gas cook line with extraction, separate dish wash & food wash areas, refrigeration and food preparation areas, and a coffee service counter.

Due to the age and significance of the building, all design plans needed to be submitted to the local planning authorities, via Listed Buildings Consent. As a consequence of this, the freestanding and wall mounted stainless steel units were all custom made, catering specifically for the space. Particular attention was paid to the location of the kitchen venting, allowing the extraction to be installed after the design had gained approved.  The chef had produced an extensive food menu, and required additional refrigeration.  I solved the problem by designing & installing a walk-in fridge in a nearby prison cell. (Without the external lock!)

The coffee area served seated & takeaway customers, and the layout provided baristas with ample workspace for coffee grinders and drink preparation.

The Result
In 2009 the museum was under threat of closure by the council. Funding was provided for two years in order to seek solutions with other organisations. As a result the cafe was opened in the former 1830s gaol in Westgate Towers Museum in June 2011.