Reservoir Cafe

Cafes on campus: Our exclusively vegetarian and vegan cafe in the Nancy Astor Building
Reservoir Cafe
As a certified member of the Vegetarian Society, the Reservoir Cafe is the ideal place to stop for lunch if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet or are looking for a healthy, light meal.
Perched on the edge of campus overlooking the restored Drake's Place Reservoir and Gardens, our Reservoir Cafe offers a haven of tranquillity, in an often sun-drenched position.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast bowl where you can mix and match yoghurt, seeds, fruits and granola. During lunch, enjoy fresh salads, soup of the day, bagels, wraps, and jacket potatoes made using seasonal fruit and vegetables from local Devon and Cornwall farms along with cooked daily specials.
Enjoy a cup of Owens Coffee, using Fairtrade and organic beans roasted a mere 11.6 miles from campus, perfectly complemented by one of our specially selected vegan or gluten-free cakes.
View of exterior of Reservoir Cafe
Tomato brunch at the Reservoir Café
food at the Reservoir Cafe

Our offers

Visit our afternoon coffee spot where you can indulge in coffee and cake for only £3.50*.
You can also treat a colleague or friend as we are offering buy 1 get 1 free on hot drinks**
Did you know that we source Fairtrade and organic coffee beans as standard?
*The offer includes any available cake (excludes doughnuts) and a regular hot drink. **Any regular hot drink, the cheapest drink is free. All offers are valid from 14:00 and exclude syrups, additional coffee shots and alternative milk.

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Just a reminder that the hot drink loyalty points offer utilising your staff and student card is no longer valid, payment via these methods is no longer accepted.

Free table tennis

Rent free rackets and balls for use on the tables in Drake's Place Gardens .
The tables are located under the sheltering arches of the colonnade – so no need to let the weather stop you!
Ask a member of staff at Reservoir Cafe to lend you this equipment.
Drake's Place Gardens - table tennis table

Friend Stop

Meet new people, connect and share experiences at the cafe's Friend Stop.
Starting university may be a daunting experience, that's 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; whether 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?
 

Cafes on campus