skip to content

University Catering Services

 

Hospitality arrangements: 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024

The University Catering Service is equipped to provide hospitality services to buildings on the West Cambridge and Sidgwick sites. Departments not based within these buildings or that require a specialist service need to use the hospitality suppliers which have been approved by the University. 

Any Hospitality supplier can become an approved supplier if they meet the following criteria:

  • minimum Standards Application on Sustainable Food, Food Safety, Cambridge Living Wage and Modern Slavery
  • pass the external food safety audit under the minimum standards application
  • acceptance of the University of Cambridge Terms and Conditions

For the hospitality supplier to be approved for food safety, part of the process is the university commissioning an external auditor to undertake an inspection of the premises from which the food is produced, plus checking all of their necessary paperwork including staff training. The inspection costs £600 and is payable by the hospitality supplier, and is valid for 3 years. 

 
If you find none of the existing approved suppliers meet your requirements than please contact Helen.S.Stuckey@admin.cam.ac.uk or nick.white@admin.cam.ac.uk, who will contact the supplier to request the relevant information. Please note that it could take 4-8 weeks to on-board the supplier, so to avoid disappointment leave plenty of time before you need to use them as we will not allow an event to take place unless the supplier has been approved. 
 
The following suppliers have been approved so far: 
 
Aristocaters specialise in supplying delicious sandwiches, wraps and sushi platters to the University, Colleges and local retailers. Aristocaters source sustainable ingredients and serve their food in eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging.
 
Artisanal delicacies and gelato for events of all kinds are available from Aromi, with delicious freshly cooked sweet and savoury creations. You can choose from a variety of bites and nibbles from the catering menu, which will take your taste buds on a tour of Sicily. 
Boxed Events is a creative catering company based in Cambridge which aims to exceed expectations with its food, with a range of cuisine reflecting both traditional and global influences. Boxed Events works closely with clients and venues to offer seamless catering events, working with you to create fresh, bespoke and memorable experiences that stand out from the the rest. 
 
From conferences to gala dinners to BBQs, Cambridge Dining Company's ethos is the same – to create inspiring menus from fresh, local ingredients that wow guests. Their food is freshly prepared, sustainably sourced and presented with panache.
 
Fine dining services for a variety of events including receptions, lunches and dinners, with much experience of dealing with bespoke requests for VIP events.
 
Crucial Cuisine provides exceptional catering for every occasion. For corporate business lunches they deliver to the heart of Cambridge on a daily basis, and can provide both a drop-off and staffed service lunch, depending on your needs.
 

PLEASE NOTE: 'Approved' status has been withdrawn with immediate effect, and departments should use an alternative supplier for hospitality requirements. 

Gather & Gather believe great food in the workplace isn't simply about fuel - it's about happy, motivated people and inspiring environments. Gather & Gather provides catering with balanced menus and sustainably-sourced ingredients. Whether you require a working lunch, hot and cold canapes or charcuterie boards and a salad bar, Gather & Gather will deliver great food for any occasion. Their delivery service is available at the Clifford Allbutt Building and the Clinical School of Medicine.
 
Lemon Zest uses quality ingredients prepared for well thought out and balanced menus, with a focus on seasonal and sustainable produce. Lemon Zest provides catering for the Cafés within The Zoology Museum, Centre for Mathematical Science and Greenwich House. Hospitality Catering is available to the surrounding buildings, while bespoke catering can be offered as required. 
 
Lemonthyme sources the finest ingredients from local suppliers, prepared by committed chefs in their Cambridge kitchen. The team at Lemonthyme loves the food they prepare and this is reflected in the quality of their menu and service. Operating in an environmentally sustainable manner is a top priority, with the use of fair trade products, sustainably sourced fish and biodegradable packaging. 
 
Origin8 provides catering using food that showcases the very best of seasonal ingredients, and all dishes are freshly prepared in their kitchens in central Cambridge. Whether it’s for a working lunch, corporate hospitality, drinks party or a picnic, Origin8 can cater for you.
 

Out to Lunch is a friendly family-run catering company with a focus of impeccably presented delicious food and a friendly, professional service. They offer a range of menus to choose from, whether you want a working lunch or a more substantial finger and fork buffet. 

With over a decade of experience, the Puddini team take huge pride in creating unique, delicious, seasonal & sustainable food for a truly memorable event.

Signorelli's Deli isn't just a local independent Italian bakery. They offer services that expand from their in-house catering services, all hand baked in the city centre, to food and ingredients supplied directly from Mediterranean producers to canteens and caterers. 
Signorelli's have created a dedicated catering E-commerce website that allows customers to manage their account remotely at any time. Delivery time slots can be specified with each order as required. 

Switch Now is a vocational training centre for young adults with learning difficulties and disabilites. The training they provide offers a crucial route for young people into employment. Contact Switch Now for afternoon teas, finger buffets and cakes made to order. 
 
 
How to use the service:
 
  • Click on the links for each supplier, which will take you to their website where you can check their suitability and contact them for quotes. 
  • Once you have selected the right supplier, please contact them directly to make the arrangements for your event. 
  • If your event is valued at less than £5,000 you only need to approach one supplier, however if your event is valued at more than £5,000 you should follow the Schedule 1 - Competition Procedures on this link and contact 3 different suppliers to arrange a quote from each to demonstrate that you are obtaining value for money for the University. 

If you have any issues with the hospitality suppliers relating to the offer or their performance, please contact nick.white@admin.cam.ac.uk who will be available to assist. 

We are developing a new Hospitality Supplier Framework from 1 August 2024. Work is underway with this and all approved suppliers on this page, in addition to other suppliers who will be approached to become part of this Framework from 1 August 2024.