We had an excellent response to our consultation before Christmas 2023 on food and drink in the library. We asked whether we should relax the rules, or maintain the “no food or drink” policy. A few messages came through strongly.

Firstly, most respondents wanted us to relax the restrictions on food and drink in the library. This was especially true while access to the Study Zone was limited. Space in the atrium is often at a premium too. Many respondents cited the need to eat as part of their study routines, and leaving the library for food is seen as a hindrance.

That said, there was also a strong case made to protect space in the library that is free of the potential distractions brought about by eating and drinking. In general, students should be aware of other library users and avoid disturbing their fellow library users.

We plan to allow food and drink in the library under the following conditions:

Where you can eat / drink in the Library?

Drinks

You are welcome to drink in all areas of the Library except the Archives and Special Collections reading room on Level 2.

Please use a bottle or cup with a lid for all drinks. If you have to leave the building in an emergency, please leave any hot drinks behind.

Sweets & small snacks

You are welcome to eat sweets and small snacks in all areas of the Library except the Archives and Special Collections reading room on Level 2 and on the silent Level 4.

Please respect your fellow students and the Library and dispose of any rubbish / recycling in the bins found on each floor.

Cold food

You are welcome to eat cold food and snacks, such as sandwiches, on Level 2 and Level 3 of the library. Level 4 remains a silent floor – with food not permitted.

Please respect your fellow students and the Library and dispose of any rubbish / recycling in the bins found on each floor.

Hot food

You must not bring hot food in to the Library. Hot food should be consumed in the Atrium or Study Zones outside of the library space.

Nearby outlets.

You can find full details of the cafes and food outlets on campus – including opening times and menus – on the where to eat on campus page.