Ep 1: Executive Summary - Our CORE Offer

Fiona

Hello and welcome to Science on Your Plate — our little space to talk about food, storytelling, and how we’re reimagining the experience at Dynamic Earth. I’m Fiona…

Paul

…and I’m Paul. And Fiona, you always say this, but it’s true — Dynamic Earth really is one of those rare places that sparks curiosity the moment you walk in.

Fiona

It does! It brings people together in such a natural way. And for me, it’s never been just a science centre — it’s an experience. So we thought… why shouldn’t food and drink be part of that experience too? Not an add-on, but an extension of the journey.

Paul

Exactly. Discovery doesn’t end when you leave an exhibit — it continues onto the plate. You explore the wonders of our planet, then taste that story through the food.

Fiona

Which brings us to the café concept. We’ve been calling it Afterglow — and I’ll be honest, I’ve always loved that name because it captures the warmth and that gentle sense of wonder people feel after exploring Dynamic Earth. A welcoming space with light, colour, flavour… a place to pause and reflect.

Fiona

But — and here’s the fun part — we also heard your feedback. The name is something you want to help shape. And I love that. One suggestion that really stuck with us was Core — tying into geology, energy, and the heart of the experience. It’s brilliant. And truly, we’re open. Afterglow, Core, or something completely new — this is a partnership, and the name should reflect that.

Paul

Totally. Whatever it ends up being called, the principle stays the same. The café becomes an extension of the Dynamic Earth story — from the design to the food sourcing. Everything celebrates the natural world and the landscape that inspires the whole site.

Fiona

And nothing about it is one-size-fits-all. The approach is completely bespoke, drawing on years of work with some of the UK’s most iconic cultural destinations. Menu design, team training, service style — everything is shaped around your identity and your visitors.

Paul

Because food is storytelling. Imagine a menu that’s seasonal, low-carbon, colourful and inclusive. Nourishing dishes that support sustainability goals, while still driving engagement and sales through creativity and pure flavour.

Fiona

And the vision is supported by serious investment — transforming the catering spaces with innovation, infrastructure, and long-term value. It shows a real commitment to building a strong, resilient partnership.

Paul

The guest experience will feel like an extension of exploration. Families, school groups, corporate visitors — the offer flexes to each audience. The aim is simple: help people stay longer, enjoy more, and want to come back.

Fiona

And we’re grounding everything in that uniquely Scottish sense of hospitality — warm, generous, rooted in place. Championing Scottish producers, reducing food miles, and supporting the regional economy.

Paul

Technology will play its part too. Smart systems to streamline service and reduce waste. Mobile ordering. Data-led decisions. But always with that personal, human touch to make it accessible for everyone.

Fiona

And at the centre of it all? People. Tailored training, career pathways, community outreach. Hospitality used as a force for good — building a team that grows together and feels connected to the mission.

Paul

Ultimately, this whole vision is about collaboration. Working hand in hand with Dynamic Earth, aligned with your strategic pillars and the Beginning to Mend strategy. Creating food and drink with a real sense of place, purpose, and progress.

Fiona

Together we’ll deliver food that inspires curiosity and care. Help you reach more people in more ways. Make food a true part of your story. Build resilience, deepen community connections, and create something genuinely unforgettable.

Fiona

And whether it ends up being called Afterglow, Core, or something we dream up together — this café will always be a continuation of discovery.