Feeding BSU

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Feeding BSU: the power and passion behind the plate

Tuesday, 28 April, 2026

Is there anything better than lunch time? That glorious break in the middle of the day where you can rest your mind and tuck into something tasty. Whilst a salivating sanctuary for many, more goes into preparing those moments than you may think. At BSU, the Catering team plays a vital role in the university’s ecosystem. Yes, providing tasty meals and snacks to enjoy at any time of day, but also going the extra mile to fuel the hundreds of students and staff that flock to their outlets.

The Catering team has six major outlets across multiple sites: The Refectory, Café Commons, Locksbrook Café, The Interval, The General Store and Sion Hill Café. Each of these outlets serve a vital purpose in the university community, providing a range of delicious meals and treats at a variety of price points.

However, the role of catering goes beyond simply placing food on a plate. From pricing considerations to catering VIP events, BSU’s dedicated team is powered by an incredible range of staff and part-time student workers, all of whom are thinking of different ways to make food more exciting.

As Catering Manager Rachel Roberts puts it:

“Catering plays an essential role in bringing the BSU community together. Whether it’s a quick coffee, a shared meal, or a campus event, our team helps create welcoming environments that encourage connection and community.

Behind every café, event, and meal at BSU is a dedicated catering team working to support the university’s daily life. Our role is not only to deliver quality food and service, but to help create a positive, inclusive campus experience for everyone.”

BSU’s Catering attempts to cater for all, as well as provide an education through food. Considering a range of allergies and dietary requirements, the food offered across the six major outlets is highly considered for all. Not only that, but the team make a conscious effort to celebrate food from around the world. Through hosting specialised days celebrating authentic cuisine, staff and students are never far from something new and exciting.

Much of that has changed since BSU first opened its doors, with the value of food being seen as much more than just fuel for the afternoon’s work. Only this week, the Catering team celebrated ‘Make Lunch Count’ day, an initiative which encourages students and staff to step away from their workspaces and enjoy a much-needed break with some brilliant food.

All that considered, the Catering team plays another vital role in the BSU system: providing experience. The Catering team currently employs 70 part-time student workers who occupy the different outlets. Supporting them in their studies and providing practical working experience, students are empowered to learn new skills and contribute to the wider team.

Speaking about their time working in the catering team, third year student Zoe Heppel said:

“I’ve been working for BSU catering for my whole 3 years of university and it’s been a great experience. My confidence has grown since working here and I’ve been able to develop a range of skills. It’s an excellent team of people and the flexibility of shifts work well around my studies.”

Food isn’t just a stopgap in a day of churn; it’s a vital moment to prioritise wellbeing and socialise with fellow students and staff. The Refectory itself is a hub of networking, where people from different courses, services and backgrounds can come together to share anecdotes and laughs, it just so happens they can enjoy a tasty plate of food whilst doing so.

Want to discover more about BSU’s catering services? Check out the full details on the facilities section of the website.