Unveiling our new 100-seater café serving local treats – with profits supporting vital conservation work at home and around the globe

May 14, 2025

The Keeper's Kitchen logo and an illustration of a giraffe on a hessian background

On Monday 19 May, we’ll be opening the doors to The Keeper’s Kitchen, a new 100-seater café serving delicious produce from Hampshire and surrounding regions – with all profits supporting our vital conservation work.

The café is part of the biggest investment we’ve made to our guest services for more than 20 years.

Carnivore Team Leader Carrie Arnold, and Hoofstock Keeper Jamie Hannah will be attending the opening day between 10am-12pm to answer any questions.

We have worked closely with Hampshire Fare, with a number of members supplying produce including Hoxton Bakehouse, Owtons butchers, New Forest Tea, Hambledon Vineyard, Judes Ice Cream and Honey Bee Happy.

Shakshuka at The Keeper's Kitchen at Marwell Zoo
A boy smiles as he looks at a croissant and pastries at Marwell Zoo
Eggs Florentine at The Keeper's Kitchen at Marwell Zoo
A stack of American pancakes with berries at The Keeper's Kitchen at Marwell Zoo
A sausage roll, salad and orange juice at Marwell Zoo

Laura Read, CEO at Marwell, said: “We believe in offering honest, straightforward dishes using locally sourced ingredients, prepared well and fresh to your table. As part of the Marwell Wildlife family, all the profits from The Keeper’s Kitchen go to our charity, supporting the animals you love and our hands-on conservation projects in the UK and around the world.

“This project is the biggest investment that Marwell has made into our guest facilities since 2011 when Café Graze was opened. Not only that, but by opening up this beautiful setting to the public we will be able to engage more people with Marwell, connect more people to our landscape and also give friends new and old an exciting new venue to explore.

“We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy some of the fabulous local produce that makes Hampshire proud.”

Visitors will also be able to soak up the stunning surroundings from the new outdoor terrace, whether enjoying a morning pastry and coffee to the sounds of gibbons calling or sipping a glass of Hampshire wine overlooking Black Swan Pond in the early evening. The surrounding plaza area will become a vibrant hub of activity, hosting a variety of events and experiences throughout the year.

Dishes such as shakshuka, eggs Florentine, jackets and toasties, pancakes, and cheesecakes are all on the menu. There’s even a fully-licensed bar for those who a fancy something a little stronger to drink.

A dog eating Jude's ice cream for dogs at The Keeper's Kitchen at Marwell Zoo, while another dog sticks out its tongue

And it’s not just human guests who will be well catered for – The Keeper’s Kitchen is fully dog-friendly, offering treats such as puppuccinos and dog ice cream!

The Keeper’s Kitchen is open daily from 8am to 6pm. To find out more about The Keeper’s Kitchen and to take a look at the menu visit The Keeper’s Kitchen webpage.