People’s Park Cafe in Banbury has officially reopened under new management, offering an expanded menu and free treats to celebrate.
The café, located in the heart of Banbury’s People’s Park, reopened at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, marking its return after closing in September 2025. The new operator, Muhammad Ahsan Suddal, has taken over the lease from Banbury Town Council, introducing an updated menu that now includes sandwiches, toasties, cakes, teas, and coffees. To mark the occasion, the first customers were treated to 100 free hot dogs and 50 free cups of coffee.
The reopening was officiated by Banbury Mayor Kieron Mallon and Town Council Leader Shaida Hussain, who highlighted the café’s role in transforming a derelict Victorian building into a community hub. ‘This is a win-win for Banbury,’ said Cllr Mallon. ‘A few years ago, we decided to re-use a derelict Victorian building and brought it back into the public realm. In doing so, we also provided a base for an independent business to offer something different from the big brand cafes.’
The café is based in a converted Victorian brick building at the Warwick Road entrance of People’s Park, a site with a long history dating back to 1897. Originally part of the Neithrop House estate, the building now serves as a year-round spot for locals to enjoy refreshments. The extended menu aims to cater to a wider range of tastes, with the addition of toasties complementing the existing offerings of coffee, tea, sandwiches, and cakes.
The reopening coincides with the start of the park’s busy season, providing an added boost to the local community. Banbury Town Council has emphasised its commitment to maintaining the café as a vibrant hub for the park, which is described as ‘the town’s premier park and is loved by generations of Banbury families.’ The council first opened the café in November 2022 after a survey of park users identified it as their top priority, alongside public toilets.
Previous operator Karen Smith ran the café for two and a half years before announcing its closure last September, citing ‘unforeseen circumstances.’ The new management under Mr Suddal represents a fresh start, with plans to update the menu further. The council has encouraged residents to follow the café’s social media channels for the latest updates on menu changes and upcoming activities.
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