While it’s been closed, our popular cafe has undergone a sustainable refurbishment, inspired by the Museum architecture and surroundings.
Inside, muted green and stone colours refresh the walls, chosen to reflect the ‘Humanity in the House of Circumstance’ mosaic looking out to London Road. The paints, chosen from Graphenstone Paints, are the most eco-friendly in the world and have saved 92kg of CO2 emissions.
A bespoke metalwork screen, which loops around booth seats upholstered in recycled wool, took inspiration from architect Charles Harrison Townsend’s Tree of Life motif carved above the Clocktower on the original Museum building.
A keen eye will find echoes of the ornate Conservatory in the timber shingle wall finish decorated with the same scalloped geometry. Each shingle has been hand-finished in Cumbria using local chestnut wood.
To contain noise levels, a carbon-negative cork finish has been laid underfoot with acoustic properties. Timber terrazzo tables, made using waste wood, were selected for their natural and textured finish.
Cafe operator Colicci, who won a contract with the Horniman in March 2024, opted for a contemporary, timeless approach during the six-week refurbishment. The full menu (PDF) can be found on our website.
