Freud, Oxford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Freud, Oxford |
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View of Freud café in Oxford from the northwest, across Walton Street
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| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 1988 |
| City | London |
| Country | England |
Freud (also known as Freud's) is a popular café and bar located in Oxford, England. It's special because it's inside an old church building from the Victorian era. You can find it at 119 Walton Street in an area called Jericho.
Contents
Where is Freud Cafe Located?
The Freud café is in a busy part of Oxford. It is right across the street from Great Clarendon Street. The Oxford University Press, a famous publishing house, is also nearby to the south. The café is surrounded by the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter. This area belongs to the University of Oxford and used to be the site of the Radcliffe Infirmary hospital.
History of the Building
The Freud café is located inside a building that was once a church called St Paul's Church. This church was designed in 1836 by an architect named Henry Jones Underwood. It was built in a style called Greek Revival, which means it looks like ancient Greek temples.
Why Was St Paul's Church Built?
The idea for the church came about after a serious sickness called cholera spread through the area in 1831. The community wanted a church to help people during this difficult time.
Special Features of the Church
The building has a grand entrance called a portico. This portico has tall, decorative columns known as Ionic columns. Later, in 1853, another architect named Edward George Bruton added a rounded part to the church called an apse. In 1908, Frederick Charles Eden changed the inside of the church.
From Church to Cafe
In the 20th century, the church was no longer used for services. It became a redundant building and closed in the late 1960s.
New Life for the Building
After the church was officially "deconsecrated" (meaning it was no longer considered a holy place), the Oxford Area Arts Council bought it. They used the building as a theatre and a place for art events.
Freud Cafe Opens
In 1988, a company called Secession Ltd bought the building. They wanted to save it from being torn down. That same year, Freud opened its doors as a café and bar. David Freud, who started the cafe, studied art and loves old buildings. He wanted to create a place where people could enjoy the historic space.
Music and Name Style
Sometimes, you can enjoy live music at Freud, like jazz, punk, post-punk, or blues. The name of the cafe is often written in big Roman-style letters as "FREVD." You can see this above the main entrance door.
Nearby Developments
In 2015, a new building for the Blavatnik School of Government opened very close to Freud. This school is part of Oxford University. The owner of Freud, David Freud, was concerned about the new building. He felt it was too big and tall compared to the old church building.
Other Locations
There is also another Freud café and bar located in London.
See also
