Students having lunch in the Hall - Photo: © John Cairns - www.johncairns.co.uk

Life at Merton: Food & Drink

Eating together is an important part of Merton’s communal life. The Hall provides a stunning setting, graduates eat alongside undergraduates, the staff are friendly, and the food is excellent as well as good value. You can even keep up with what's cooking via the Merton Kitchen Facebook page.

  • The swipe card system means you only pay for the meals which you actually eat
  • Vegetarian options are always available; halal and kosher food is available for members of College and their guests; and, wherever possible, we will try to meet other special dietary requirements
  • Optional Formal Hall occurs more frequently than in many Colleges and is very popular
  • Meals are available throughout the year, with closures confined to short periods at Christmas and Easter
  • Over a substantial part of the Long Vacation, the Fellows, Lecturers and graduates take meals together
  • There are places for graduates at every High Table Guest Night in term

Dining Hall meals

Breakfast - a continental breakfast with cereal, toast, boiled eggs, fruit, homemade Greek-style yoghurt, and English muffins, served with tea or coffee.

Brunch - a hearty meal served on Sundays in place of breakfast and lunch.

Lunch - includes soup, a main course, salad bar, sweet treat and fruit.

Early Supper - comprises a main course and dessert.

Formal Hall - this includes three courses. All students are required to wear gowns.

Mealtimes

 

Term Time – week 0

Meal

Days

Times

Breakfast (no need to book)

Monday to Saturday

8.30 a.m. - 9.00 a.m.

Lunch

Monday to Saturday

12.15 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.

 

Sunday Brunch

11.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Dinner

Monday and Saturday

 

Sunday

Supper 6.00 p.m. – 7.00p.m.

 

Supper 6.00 p.m. – 6.30p.m.

 

Sunday

Formal Hall 7.30 p.m.

Important:

13 & 14th January - Lunch between 12.45 and 1.45pm due to Collections in Hall

 

Term Time – week 1 -8

Breakfast (no need to book)

Monday to Saturday

8.15 a.m. - 9.15 a.m.

Lunch

Monday to Saturday

12.15 p.m. - 1.30 p.m.

 

Sunday Brunch

11.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

Dinner

Monday/Wednesday/ Saturday

 

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday Sunday

Supper 6.00 p.m. – 7.00p.m.

 

Supper 6.00 p.m. – 6.30p.m.

 

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday

Formal Hall 7.15 p.m.

 

Sunday

Formal Hall 7.30 p.m.

Important:

Sunday 25th Jan - Burns Night

Sat 10th February  2024 - Chinese New Year

Tue 19th Feb - Shrove Tuesday

Wed 14th February - Valentine's Day (also Ash Wednesday)

Wed 21st Feb - Supervisors Dinner

Fri 1st March – St David’s Day (Welsh themed lunch

Thur 7th March - International Women’s Day

Daily meal charges for 2023-24

  • Breakfast: £2.45
  • Lunch: £4.46
  • Dinner (supper & formal Hall): £5.50

Kitchen Facilities

There are three large kitchens on the main site for student use, as well as kitchen facilities available in the Holywell Street accommodation.

Bar

The College Bar provides a relaxed and informal environment for all members of the College to socialise. It offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and its toasted sandwiches have a devoted following.

Our halal and kosher food

Microwaved halal and kosher meals are available on request at breakfast, lunch and early supper. Halal and kosher meals at Formal Hall need to be pre-booked.

Members of College can choose from the following options (subject to availability; meals on offer may vary):

  • Halal
    • Chicken with Jollof Rice
    • Chicken Masala with Chana Dal
    • Chicken with Calaloo & Jerk Vegetables
  • Kosher
    • Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
    • Roast Chicken & Gravy
    • Cod with Tomato Rice