Hall & Catering

Our bright & elegant Georgian Hall is laid out in a traditional medieval format. It is used by our College community of students, Fellows & staff to eat, catch up and socialise together.

Buttery & Hall

Breakfast, lunch and informal dinner are served Monday–Saturday, via a self–service Cafeteria system. Brunch & dinner are available on Sundays. All Hall food is automatically charged to your College Bill, via your University card.

Daily Service Times

Breakfast 0815–0915 Monday–Saturday; self–service
Lunch 1215–1330 Monday–Friday; self–service
1215–1315 Saturday; self–service
Sunday (outside term); self–service
Brunch 1030–1230 Sunday (only in term); self–service
Dinner 1745–19001 Daily2; self–service

1Usual service for dinner continues until 1900. Students must leave the Hall by 1910, so the Catering staff can complete preparations for Formal at 1930.

2 Please note that on 17 March 2024, the servery will open for dinner between 1700–1800. Last service will be at 1800.

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian & vegan dishes are available daily, and all food provided on Wednesday is Halal. Dietary requirements detailed on Formal Hall bookings are catered for. Students with specific dietary requirements or allergies should contact the Head of Catering. Food allergens are displayed with each dish, and on the screens outside the Buttery. As the kitchen produces a wide range of dishes, we cannot guarantee all potential allergens can be eliminated.

Buttery Shop

The Buttery Shop sells essential food items & College wine. It is open Monday–Friday between 1100 & 1330, and 1730 & 1900. Items can be purchased with cash, or using your University card.

Hall & Kitchen Closures 2023/24

Michaelmas Term

Tuesday 19 December–Wednesday 3 January
Lent Term Thursday 28 March–Monday 8 April
Easter Term Saturday 10 August–Wednesday 28 August

Formal Hall

An exciting and unique part of the Cambridge experience is our Formal Halls. People often book these to celebrate and enjoy a three–course, served & candlelit dinner in their gowns. These are offered on most evenings. Formal Hall is provided each evening except Wednesday.

Arrangements for Formals

  • More traditional Formals are held on Monday, Friday & Sunday evenings. These have a limit of 4 guests per person.
  • Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday evenings are open to clubs & societies and larger numbers of guests (although you can book without guests).
  • Formals are smart occasions, and students must wear their academic gowns.
  • Students should specify any allergies or food restrictions in advance. Staff will only serve the dish prepared, and will not provide an alternative dish.

Formal Service Times

Dinner 1930

Daily (except Wednesday)
Set three–course served meal, followed by coffee.
Gowns must be worn.

Students & guests should be at the entrance to the Lower Hall by 1915 to be seated. Members of college staff will refuse admission to Formal Hall if you are late, and to anyone who, in their opinion, is not in a fit state to participate.

How to Book

  • You must book at least 3 days (72hrs) before the Formal itself via the internal booking system.
  • Dietary requirements, food allergies and food restrictions must be given when you book. When you are served during Formal Hall you must not ask for an alternative dish. Staff have been instructed to serve only the dish which has been prepared for you on the basis of the food restrictions you have previously specified.

Behaviour at Formal Hall

  • Gowns must always be worn by members of the College in Formal Hall.
  • You must remain seated during Formal Hall, and are not allowed to move round the Hall during dinner.
  • Table setting objects must not be removed from Hall.
  • You can take photographs after the Fellows have left the Hall or after coffee has been served. If you choose to do so, you are expected to respect the privacy of the other diners and the reputation of the College.
  • There must be no toasting, singing, or drinking games. The Hall is licensed premises, and rowdiness & drinking games breach the terms of the College’s alcohol licence.

Private Dinners

  • Clubs, societies & individual members of the College can book events & functions other than Formals on Thursdays & Saturdays.
  • Bookings can be made via the online booking system.
  • Dinners must be finalised with the Head of Catering at least 10 working days beforehand.
  • In Easter term, charges to students who are graduating must be paid in advance.

Full & definitive details regarding the above information are set out in Domestic Matters.