B4 R&R
BACK WITH A BANG Sausage and mash emporium The Big Bang has been an Oxford institution over these past eight years. After a forced sabbatical since last September, when the walls of Jericho were demolished for redevelopment, their doors are to reopen within Oxford Castle Quarter. It’s charismatic founder, Max Mason, tells Lara Kjinsky what is set to change and how he aims to bring a new spark of life to the area.
What happened to the last one? Our Walton Street restaurant was earmarked for demolition in 2005 and each year since, so we were constantly trying to run a business beneath a Sword of Damocles. The new one has none of those limitations, so we can have more freedom to make it an exciting and attractive place. How do you feel the new address at Oxford Castle Quarter will add to The Big Bang experience? The new site offers us the opportunity to do something genuinely impressive with the brand. We’re taking all the things that people loved about the old restaurant and adding a touch more variety to the menu. The site gives us more room, more suitability throughout the day and moreover a handsome and atmospheric courtyard of our own where clement weather will allow live music and barbecues. And conversely, what will The Big Bang bring to Oxford Castle Quarter? The Castle lies at the historical epicenter of the city, and it should be busy, with local businesses flourishing. There are several good restaurants already there, but The Big Bang will bring diversity and personality as a real destination restaurant. We will be perfectly positioned to cater to local businesses, to Oxford locals and tourists as well as University and Brookes students.
www.b4-business.com
Do you have plans to expand the business outside of Oxford? Ultimately, yes, expansion is surely the aim for most independent businesses. But first we’ll concentrate on getting the Oxford model right. How do think The Big Bang will fare in the current market? As well as the patriotic resurgence of interest in Great British cuisine, there’s also a real trend at the moment for limited offer, high quality food. Bangers and mash is surely the magical combination of both. Also, being able to cater for large parties, allowing us to host tourists and business events will tailor us nicely to Oxford’s requirements. What gives The Big Bang an ethical edge over its competitors? We’ve always sourced as much of our product as possible from within a 20 mile radius of the restaurant. Seeking out artisanal providers, whether it is for our live jazz, sausages, vegetables, beers, or even our art. Is it really just sausages? Not entirely! Bangers & mash is a perennial favourite but we are also going to offer a comprehensive menu of Great British food and booze throughout the week. The quality of a sausage can make or break the traditional Full English; we aim to serve the best breakfasts in Oxfordshire. Other new additions to the menu are a great Sunday roast and Friday Fizz and Chips evenings. And yes, vegetarians are catered for splendidly; our vegetarian sausages are fantastic!
“There are several good
restaurants already there, but The Big Bang will bring diversity and personality as a real destination restaurant
”
Any finally… To prick or not to prick? If they are of good enough quality, you should never need to prick!
Photography: Stephen Conway
Tell us about the latest incarnation of The Big Bang… It’s almost been a year since Jericho’s Big Bang closed. In 8 years, I’m staggered that we gained such notoriety for serving ethical, local food with a bit of flair. We hope Oxford Castle Quarter will serve to reincarnate all of the spirit of The Big Bang, with a bit of added polish and fun.
www.thebigbangrestaurants.co.uk
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