Taking its inspiration from the best of contemporary cuisine, and at the same time celebrating the value of tradition, St Catherine's dining follows what is St Catherine's motto, Nova et Vetera (the new and the old).

We use fresh local food of the highest quality for delegates to enjoy in our magnificent dining hall. Like the rest of our College, our 380-seat dining hall is a stunning example of Arne Jacobsen's modernist architecture, and provides a perfect environment in which to enjoy our cuisine. Our hall has the largest seating capacity of any Oxford college.

We believe that great food must be complemented by great service - so we make sure that all of your meals are served on time and in time by our friendly and courteous staff, allowing you to enjoy our hospitality at its best.

It is likely that you will share the hall with other guests at St Catherine's, but your conference will always have its own designated table(s). If you decide to have a banquet during your stay with us, you will have exclusive use of the dining hall for this.

Except for banquets, where the menu is decided on in advance with you, the chef will use his expertise to create a variety of menus for all the meals during your stay. We can cater for most special dietary needs - please discuss these with the Conference Office before you arrive.

We are happy to supply wine, juice and mineral water with your lunches and dinners - please see the Pricing page for details of prices.

Breakfast

Served between 8.00am and 9.00am.
Self-service continental or served full English.

Tea and coffee

Your tea and coffee breaks can be arranged to fit in with your conference/meeting sessions, and will be served close to your meeting rooms.

Lunch

Served at 1.00 pm
Three courses served at your table.

Dinner

Served at 7.00pm.
Three courses served at your table.

Banquets

Banquets begin at 7.30pm with a half hour drinks reception in the Junior Common Room Lounge, and the banquet itself is served in the hall at 8.00pm.

Organisers may choose to have four or five courses from the menus below - although please note that only one main course may be included. All main courses are served with potatoes or rice, vegetables and salad.

Please see the Pricing page for current prices.

Included in the banquet price are:

  •  - A half-hour drinks reception. Reception drinks can be sherry or red and white wine. Mineral water, fruit juices, nuts and crisps are included. Alternative reception drinks are Sparkling Wine, Bucks Fizz or Lemonade Pimms - please see the Pricing page for the supplement for these.

  •  - Wines and bottled spring water with the meal, port, coffee and mints after the meal. The domestic manager will choose wines for you that will complement your menu choices.

  •  - Floral table posies, printed menu cards and a 10% service charge.
  •  - A microphone system in the dining hall and 20 minutes for speeches/entertainment. A charge will be made if more than 20 minutes is required.

Bars and Social

The Junior Common Room lounge is available for delegates to use for social activities throughout conference time - please note that as with the dining hall, it is available for all guests and it is therefore likely that you will share it with other conferences.

The Junior Common Room bar is open daily from 6.00pm.