Great food that’s not just delicious, but also sustainable and affordable is the order of the day here at Somerville. Our wonderful kitchen and buttery staff serve up three meals a day during the week, with a further two servings per day over the weekend (brunch and dinner).

We offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options with every meal, source our food locally and sustainably wherever possible and are providing an increasing number of plant-based options. Students, staff and alumni are also welcome to visit The Terrace for snacks and coffee by day and drinks by night (for thirst is a terrible thing). Please also note that Saturday is beloved by all students for being the day of the famous Somerville brunch, which is your first, best opportunity of loading up on food for the weekend ahead.

The Menu

For lunch and dinner, we offer three hot food options, including at least one vegetarian or vegan option, alongside a selection of vegan, vegetarian and meat-based side dishes such as jacket potatoes, salads, soup and sandwiches. For breakfast there is the option of a full English or continental items with coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and cereals. The average price for a full meal (three courses) is around £4.50

Formal Hall

Formal Hall is served weekly on a Tuesday. It is a sit-down meal, with at least three courses, and the food is amongst the best in Oxford – all for a greatly affordable price. Since we don’t have formals every night like some colleges, everyone at Somerville treats Formal like a really special event, making lots of effort to dress well and congregate in the bar afterwards.

 

Sustainability

Wherever possible, all food from the Somerville kitchens is locally-sourced or sustainably produced. We are also offering an increasing number of plant-based options and were one of the first Oxford colleges to stop serving lamb and drastically cutting our use of beef to reduce our environmental impact.

The Terrace

The Terrace is Somerville’s café by day and bar by night. Below you’ll find details of The Terrace’s opening hours, as well as advice on how alumni can stop by for a drink when they’re back in town.

Opening hours (term-time):

  • Weekdays: 9.30am-11.15pm / alcohol from 5pm-11pm
  • Weekends: 12pm-11.15pm / alcohol from 12-11.

Alumni Visits

The Terrace bar is open to all Somerville students, fellows, staff and alumni. Alumni can access the bar by signing in at The Lodge and walking up the outside steps beside the chapel to the external entrance. Members of College are free to bring guests.

Licensing

Alcoholic drinks are served from 6pm to 10.30 pm on weekdays and from 12 noon to 10.30pm at weekends.