Many of you will have seen the work going on around the Minster over recent weeks and wondered what has been happening. We know it has been a long wait for news, and we’re grateful for your patience. We’ve been unable to share the full details until the contracts were signed, but we’re now very pleased to tell you about our new catering partnership with Etto.
Etto, part of the family-owned Mass & Co group, will open at the Minster on Thursday 29 October. The new café brings together the former Refectory and Cathedral Shop spaces on Church Street, creating a large and welcoming place to stop for coffee, enjoy something to eat and meet with friends.
There will be speciality coffee, an all-day brunch menu and a range of bakery products, with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. The café will also be able to accommodate more groups, tours and special events, and will stay open later on evenings when events take place at the Minster.
We know how important the Minster is as a place to meet as well as a place to worship, explore and enjoy music and other events. We hope Etto at the Minster will become a much-loved part of that life, offering another reason to spend time here.
A shared commitment to sustainability
As an Eco Cathedral, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously, and we’re pleased that sustainability is also an important part of our partnership with Etto. The café will prioritise locally sourced and seasonal ingredients wherever possible, work with responsible suppliers, use eco-friendly takeaway packaging and focus on reducing food and operational waste. These practical steps reflect our shared commitment to making thoughtful choices about the resources we use and the impact we have on the world around us.
Supporting the Minster’s future
The partnership is also an important step in supporting the Minster’s future. Income from the lease and a profit-sharing agreement will help us care for our historic buildings and sustain our worship, music, education, heritage and community activities.
The Cathedral Shop has also recently moved into its new home inside the Minster, where Amy, Nicola and the team of volunteers look forward to welcoming visitors. Find out more about the Cathedral Shop’s new home.
We look forward to seeing you
There will be more to come as the café develops, and we look forward to sharing that journey with you. Thank you for your patience, your interest and your continued support for Southwell Minster. We look forward to welcoming you in soon.
Etto at the Minster
Opening Thursday 29 October.
Monday–Sunday, 9.00am–5.00pm, with extended opening until 7.30pm on evenings when events take place.