Stirling University’s “Refresh” will reopen as a social space for students, the university says.
The catering outlet will stop selling food and drink for the foreseeable future, with the building remaining open for students to study and socialise.
Located under the Willow Court student accommodation block, Refresh provides a place for students to relax close to where they live, previously with the option to order food and get drinks from the bar.
The outlet provided students with a range of different food options throughout the time it was open, updating and changing its menu regularly to meet the wants of the students.
Changes in business levels and the unit’s popularity led to the decision to close the bar and kitchen.
The area will remain a space for students to unwind in between classes, focus on university work and chat with friends. The pool table and foosball will be available for students to use, along with the televisions.
Refresh’s full food and drink menu will still be provided at Venue, another university-owned Cafe Bar, with popular lunch options such as wraps, burgers and loaded fries.
Some concerns have been expressed over the changes to Refresh, with some students mentioning their disappointment with the outlet closing for food and drink. One third-year student stated that:
“People won’t be going out of their way to utilise areas only for social reasons when they can just stay at home with their friends instead”.
Others have been sympathetic towards the University’s difficult decision to close the outlet for catering purposes, and are positive about the unit staying open as a social space.
Another third-year student said:
“I’m obviously upset that Refresh has closed for food and drink, but I’m glad to see that it’s still open for use as a social space where I can hang out with my friends or do some work.”
Stirling University was contacted for comment on the closures at Refresh. A spokesperson for the University said:
“Following a review, the kitchen and bar service at Refresh has been withdrawn. However, the space continues to be available to students as a place to meet and relax, play pool, and watch television. A food and bar menu may be offered for special events.
“A wide and diverse range of food and drink outlets are available across campus, covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening refreshments and everything in between. Refresh is open as a social space from 11 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.”
The Student Union commented:
“We understand that the University needs to assess the operation of its outlets to best meet the needs of students and respond to where students are making use of their services.
“In taking the action they have with Refresh, we are pleased to see that the facility will remain as a social space for students to use”.
