Eating together is an important part of life at Peterhouse and the Kitchens pride themselves on the quality and variety of the food. The Fellowship considers dining together an important part of the rich experience of College membership and a valuable way of creating a close knit community and has structured the catering charges accordingly. Most students eat in the College’s Hall at least once a day: the more you use the Hall, the better value your meals will be.
Self-service
Cafeteria-style breakfast, lunch and dinner are available every weekday. Brunch is available on Saturday mornings (10.30-13.30), and Sundays offer a traditional roast dinner. The Servery typically offers a choice of individually priced hot meals and vegetables, a salad bar, desserts, fruit, sandwiches, snacks and hot and cold drinks. A vegetarian option is always available and wherever possible the Kitchens will try to meet special dietary requirements. We happily cater for vegetarian, gluten/dairy-free, halal, vegan and other dietary requirements. In addition, Peterhouse is 5 minutes walk from the city centre, where a range of halal restaurants can be found.
Formal Hall
In addition, Peterhouse continues to offer the option of a more formal dinner every evening. Formal Hall is a three course, candle-lit dinner with waiter service, for around £6.50. Popular and inexpensive, Formal Hall is an ideal opportunity for students to spend time with their friends and invite guests from other colleges. Occasional Super Halls are also arranged to test the Kitchens' culinary skills!
What does it cost?
We pride ourselves on the quality of the food and on being one of the cheapest Colleges at which to dine regularly.
A self-service lunch or dinner might cost between £3-5, depending on choice, while the price of Formal Hall is roughly £6.50.
The bar
The College bar is situated in the new Whittle building and is open every evening, serving a full range of reasonably-priced alcoholic and soft drinks.
Other facilities
Peterhouse aims to offer all the facilities you need to work, rest and feel at home. In addition to the library, academic facilities, accommodation, the dining hall and the bar, the College also has a common room for undergraduates to use, a fully-equipped tiered theatre, a squash court and there is a gym, music practice rooms and laundry facilities in the new Whittle Building.
Self-catering
Nearly all student accommodation includes shared basic kitchens (called 'gyp-rooms' in Cambridge), equipped with a fridge, kettle, toaster and combination microwave. Whilst you won’t be making any roast dinners, these facilities are suitable for the preparation of meals and snacks and students are able to cook for themselves if they wish. For more detailed information on the policies, procedures and costs of rooms and meals at Peterhouse, have a look at the most recent version of the Student Handbook.