Drake's Kitchen

Cafes on campus: serving all of your favourite dishes, freshly prepared and cooked by our dedicated campus chefs, in the Rolle Plaza
Drake's Kitchen 
Updated Opening Hours at Drake's Kitchen
Starting 18 August 2025, Drake's Kitchen will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Week commencing 25 August 2025, Drake's Kitchen will have a limited menu, serving coffees, cakes, sandwiches, and soft drinks only.
Discover the vibrant campus cafes at the University of Plymouth, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients take centre stage in every dish. Enjoy homemade meals, delicious breakfast favourites, and premium Fairtrade and organic coffee from Owens Coffee, perfectly paired with fresh cakes or pastries from our bar.
Indulge in classic dishes, including our customisable English breakfasts, where you can mix and match items for the perfect bap, wrap, or full English. Plus, enjoy a free hot drink when you order four items from the breakfast menu!
Our daily lunch specials, served from 12:00–14:30, offer hearty comfort food like Italian-inspired pasta, the popular Wednesday roast, and our daily locally landed fish and chips. For those looking for afternoon bites, our Drake's Classics menu and salad bar are available until 16:30.
Whether you're after a quick bite or a leisurely meal, our cafes have something to satisfy every craving. Visit today and enjoy delicious, sustainable food in a vibrant campus setting!
Fish and chips meal on a plate.
Cakes at Drake's Kitchen
Cooked breakfast at Drake's Kitchen

Our offers

Enjoy an afternoon coffee and cake for just £3.75*, available from 15:00–17:00.
Looking to treat a friend or colleague? Take advantage of our buy 1 get 1 half price on hot drinks** after 14:30.
We proudly source Fairtrade and organic coffee beans, ensuring every cup supports sustainability.
*The coffee and cake offer includes a regular iced or hot coffee and any cake priced at £2.50 or below (including muffins). Please note, hot chocolates, mochas, syrups, extra coffee shots and alternative milk are not included. **The drink offer applies to regular hot drinks, with the cheaper drink discounted.

Loyalty points information

We have installed a new till system in all our units across campus.
We are working hard in the background to bring you a brand-new app-based loyalty programme with new offers and deals!
Just a reminder that the hot drink loyalty points offer utilising your staff and student card is no longer valid, payment via these methods is no longer accepted.

Friend Stop

Meet new people, connect and share experiences at the cafe's Friend Stop.
Starting university may be a daunting experience which is why the cafes on campus have created designated pop-up tables to encourage students and staff to sit, have a natter and make friends on our open and inviting tables.
Everyone is invited to sit at the Friend Stop. If you're on your own or with a friend or colleague, take a seat, share the table and have a chat with new people.
Whether you stay for ten minutes or spend your time eating breakfast or taking an afternoon tea break, the cafes aim to bring everyone together.
Cafes on campus

Campus cafes events

Visit our campus cafes to celebrate calendar days and other events, and enjoy our sustainable, locally sourced fresh food and drink. We look forward to seeing you.
Business student Shaina Salan and PhD Geologist Dylan Beard have coffee at the Container Café, Crosspoint in the Roland Levinsky Building.
 

Global Fairtrade Recipe Book – University of Plymouth

Calling all food lovers!

The University of Plymouth, a proud 2-star Fairtrade University, is creating the 2nd edition of our Global Recipe Book – and we need YOUR recipes!
Do you have a dish that represents your culture, a family favourite, or a go-to meal or cake? Submit your recipe for a chance to be featured online and even served as a special in our campus cafes!
Fairtrade ingredients are encouraged but not required – we're simply raising awareness of the options available.

How to take part

Submissions open: 1–30 April
What we need from you:
  • Dish name
  • Ingredients list (Fairtrade where possible)
  • Method
  • Photo (optional but encouraged)
  • Any other relevant details
Submit your recipe to catering@plymouth.ac.uk.

Why Fairtrade?

Using Fairtrade ingredients supports ethical and sustainable farming, ensuring fair wages for farmers worldwide. Consider using Fairtrade chocolate, coffee, tea, sugar, bananas, spices, and more in your recipe where possible!

Be featured on campus!

One lucky recipe will be chosen to be prepared and served in one of our cafes, based on ingredient availability and cost – giving you the chance to see your dish enjoyed by students and staff!
Let’s celebrate the diversity of our University community through food while promoting Fairtrade and sustainability. Will your recipe be the next campus favourite?

Pay it forward

Purchase a meal or drink for someone in Drake's Kitchen or John Bull Cafe and leave a message on the 'Pay it Forward' board.
Anyone can redeem these items by collecting a voucher from the board and handing it to a member of our friendly team.
Pay it forward notice board in Drake's Kitchen

Cafes on campus