Cafes on campus

Enjoy your break in one of our award-winning campus cafes
Drake's Cafe

Cafes on campus

Enjoy your break in one of our award-winning campus cafes
We offer sustainable, locally sourced fresh food and drink in ten cafes across the north campus, including John Bull Cafe. 
Students can also find several food and drink outlets in the Students' Union.
We pride ourselves on offering a variety of affordable, delicious food and drink options with themed food options in each cafe.
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Just a reminder that the hot drink loyalty points offer utilising your staff and student card is no longer valid, and payment via these methods is no longer accepted.
We have held a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association for multiple years, which reflects our company's achievements in sustainable sourcing, reducing disposable packaging, lowering meat intake, and more.

We have added the carbon impact of our dishes on many of our menus to enable customers to make choices that are better for the planet. We understand that what we eat can have a big impact on the environment, with food production estimated to account for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Our goal is to reduce the number of disposable cups used, which are then disposed of on campus. Use a reusable cup at our campus cafes and get a 20p discount.
 
To ensure a safe and efficient payment method for everyone, the University operates a cashless campus. This means that cash payments are not accepted for any of our food and drink outlets or shops, including the Students’ Union. We accept payment by credit cards, debit cards, pre-paid cards and mobile devices.
Catering supplied by educational institutions to students (including meals in school/university canteens or refectories) is generally exempt from VAT. This applies when the food is provided directly by the institution or as part of their education provision. However, VAT applies to meals served to staff, visitors, or from commercial campus shops.
 
 

Staff save 20% in August

Throughout August, we're giving University of Plymouth staff and visitors 20% off selected food and drink across our campus cafes and restaurants as a thank you for your continued support.
 

Summer opening and closure information

Babbage Cafe: Closed from 29 May, reopens 21 September
The Container: Open – change of hours from 1 June until 21 September: 08:30–16:00*
Drake's Kitchen: Open – normal hours
InterCity Plates Cafe: Closed from 29 May, reopens 21 September**
John Bull Cafe: Open – change of hours from 22 June to 7 September: 08:00-15:00
Library Cafe: Closed from 29 May, reopens 21 September
Loafers Deli: Open – normal hours
Portland's Pizzeria: Closed from 19 June, reopens 21 September**
RLB Cafe: Closed from 29 May, reopens 14 September**
Reservoir Cafe: Open – normal hours

*Graduation 20–25 July 2026 - The Container will be open between 08:30–17:00.
**The cafe will be open for the Undergraduate Open Day on Saturday 20 June.

RLB Cafe
RLB Cafe
Pizza
Portland's Pizzeria
Reservoir Cafe
Reservoir Cafe

Opening times

Babbage Bytes Cafe

Monday–Thursday: 08:00–16:00, Friday 08:00–15:30
Serving hot food from 08:30–14:30.

John Bull Cafe

Monday–Thursday 08:00–16:00, Friday 08:00–15:30
Breakfast: 08:00–11:30
Lunch: 12:00–14:30
Paninis are subject to availability and snacks are available all day.

RLB Cafe

Monday–Friday 07:30–18:30 
Breakfast: 07:30 – 11:30
Lunch: 12:00 – 14:30
Limited evening meals: 17:00 – 18:30.

The Container

Monday–Friday 08:30–17:00
Choose from our artisan treats, available all day.

Library Cafe

Monday–Friday 09:30–16:30 until 29 May
(usually 09:00–18:00)
Hot food served from 09:00.

Reservoir Cafe

08:00–15:30
Breakfast: 08:00–11:00
Lunch: 12:00–14:00
Our bagels and wraps are available all day until we run out! 

Drake's Kitchen

Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00
Breakfast: 08:00–11:30
Lunch: 12:00–14:30
Sandwiches are available all day, while supplies last.

Loafers Deli

08:00–16:00
Our goal is to have all sandwiches prepared by 10:00. After 14:30, sandwiches are prepared upon request. 

InterCity Plates Cafe

Monday–Thursday 08:00–15:30, Friday 08:00–15:00
Serving hot food from 08:30 – 14:30.

Portland's Pizzeria

Monday–Friday 09:00–17:00 
Please note: Opening times will be between 09:00–16:00 on the following dates: 4, 5, 11, 12, 16 and 17 June.
Filled croissants are available all day, with artisan pizzas.

Babbage Bytes Cafe
Students enjoying each other's company at Babbage Bytes Cafe

Head to the newest café on the University of Plymouth campus and enjoy fresh, delicious food in a spacious, modern café setting designed for studying, socialising and relaxing.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast bap, freshly made sub roll or traditional pasty. For a healthier option, try our jacket potatoes, soup of the day or a variety of nourishing meals to keep you energised throughout your studies.

Treat yourself to our selection of handmade cakes paired perfectly with organic, Fairtrade coffee – locally roasted just 11.8 miles away at Owens Coffee.

Whether you’re a student, staff member or visitor, our University cafés are the perfect place to eat, drink and recharge right in the heart of Plymouth’s vibrant campus.

Sub roll nutritional and allergen information

We have introduced a traffic light system in Babbage Bytes Cafe to provide greater visibility of the salt, saturated fat, and sugar content in our food, while also displaying the full allergen information for each item. Please select the relevant PDF below to view the nutritional information. Should you have any questions about allergens in any of our products, please speak with a member of staff before purchasing.
Our offers
From 14:30, please take advantage of our buy one, get one half-price offer on hot drinks*.
*This offer applies to any regular hot drink, where the cheapest drink is half price. However, syrups, additional coffee shots and alternative milk are excluded.

The Container Cafe
Business student Shaina Salan and PhD Geologist Dylan Beard have coffee at the Container Café, Crosspoint in the Roland Levinsky Building.

Visit the University’s most unique cafe on campus, with a focus on high-quality handmade food, which is created on campus by our Hospitality catering team. 

The Container cafe's food and drink is a continuation of the Hospitality Shop, with The Container being the collection point for food boxes and other food supplies: picnic boxes, sweet treats, bakes, and breakfast croissants, bagels, as well as hot and cold drinks from a barista using Fairtrade, organic coffee locally roasted from Owen's Coffee.

Sourcing food and drink from local and sustainable companies is crucial to the catering team at the University, and we're pleased to be collaborating with a diverse range of Devon and Cornwall businesses. 

Sustainability is at the core of the cafe with innovative environmental initiatives in place, including the use of a milk pergal to minimise plastic bottles, offering minimal single-use plastic, and all packaging and napkins made from sustainable plant-based or recycled materials.

Drake's Kitchen
Students getting some food in Drake's Cafe as part of our prepaid catered halls scheme

Find us in the heart of the University of Plymouth campus, next to the Rolle Marquee and the new Campus Park. Our café is the perfect spot for students, staff and visitors to relax and refuel.
We proudly serve premium Fairtrade and organic Owens Coffee, expertly crafted to pair with our fresh cakes and pastries from the coffee bar.
Our hot sandwiches are the stars of the menu, with daily specials available alongside loaded chips, jacket potatoes, traditional fish and chips, and a fresh salad bar.
Start your day your way:
  • Cooked breakfasts with all the classics.
  • Healthier options such as porridge or yoghurt pots with a variety of nutritious toppings.
  • Mix and match items to suit your appetite – and don’t miss our offer: enjoy a free hot drink when you order four items from the cooked breakfast menu.
  • Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee on campus, a hearty lunch, or a healthy breakfast to kickstart your studies, Drake’s Kitchen Café at the University of Plymouth is here to welcome you.
Our offers
Looking to treat a friend or colleague? Please 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 drink offer applies to regular hot drinks, with the cheaper drink discounted.

InterCity Plates Cafe
InterCity Place cafe and social learning

Visit Intercity Plates, our welcoming University of Plymouth café conveniently located right next to Plymouth Train Station – open to everyone.
Stop by for a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, breakfast baps, handmade sandwiches, wraps and freshly baked cakes. Enjoy our daily soup specials or make your lunch even better with our great-value meal deals.
Start your day with a bonus: when you choose four breakfast items, you’ll receive a free filter coffee!
We proudly serve Owens Coffee – both Fairtrade and organic, roasted locally just 11.6 miles from campus. Whether you’re travelling, studying or meeting friends, Intercity Plates is the perfect place to relax, recharge and stay refreshed all day long.

John Bull Cafe
John Bull Cafe
Located on the University of Plymouth's North Campus, just minutes from Derriford Hospital, John Bull Café is the perfect place for students, staff, NHS workers and visitors looking for great value food and freshly brewed coffee in Plymouth.

Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch or a quick coffee between lectures, our welcoming café offers something for everyone. Blue Light Card holders can also enjoy 10% off selected purchases, making John Bull Café an ideal choice for hospital staff and emergency service workers.

Fuel your morning with our hearty cooked breakfast, featuring crispy hash browns, free-range eggs, and locally sourced bacon and sausages. Purchase any four breakfast items and receive a free hot drink.

Join us every Fish & Chips Friday and enjoy locally landed fish, served with chips and mushy peas for just £6.00 (student price). 

Hot food is served every day until 2:30 pm, with plenty of delicious options including:
  • Freshly made artisan pizzas on 10-inch sourdough bases from just £5
  • Jacket potatoes with a hot daily filling
  • Traditional pasties
  • A fresh salad bar for a lighter lunch
We proudly serve Owens Coffee, made with organic, Fairtrade beans roasted locally for quality and sustainability in every cup.

Library Cafe
Library Cafe

Refuel with a diverse selection of hot and cold drinks at our cafe, featuring a premium coffee made from Organic and Fairtrade-certified beans by Owens Coffee. 
Whether you're looking for a refreshing iced beverage or a warm cup to keep you focused, our drinks are perfect for study sessions and moments of relaxation.
Craving lunch? 
Enjoy one of our handmade paninis or baps, or choose from our range of pasties, sausage rolls, sandwiches, wraps and snacks to keep you energised while you revise, write and dash between classes.
Reward yourself for all your hard work!

Loafers Deli
Loafers Deli 2023

Welcome to our one-stop sandwich shop in the heart of the University of Plymouth campus, conveniently located opposite The Charles Seale-Hayne Library.
Our freshly made sandwiches are the star of the show – crafted daily with sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and served on a range of artisan breads from renowned Plymouth and Cornish bakeries.
Handmade by our friendly team, we cater for meat, vegetarian and vegan diets, offering a variety of fillings and breads to suit every taste and dietary preference.
Upgrade your lunch with our meal deal – for just £2 extra, enjoy your sandwich with a sweet or savoury snack, a refreshing soft drink or a Starbucks coffee. We’re proud to be the only place on campus where you can enjoy Starbucks.
Stop by, refuel and enjoy fresh, local flavours made with care right here at the University of Plymouth.

Portland's Pizzeria
Portland's Pizzeria

Portland's Pizzeria serves up a variety of freshly cooked-to-order 10-inch pizzas, topped with premium ingredients.
We prioritise quality by sourcing locally whenever possible and catering to all dietary needs with vegetarian and vegan options. Starting at just £5.00*, it's a fantastic value option on campus.
Don't miss our popular "Pizzants", featuring pizza toppings wrapped in a buttery croissant.
Pair your pizza with a sustainable cup of Owens Coffee, certified Fairtrade and organic. Plus, indulge in our selection of delicious cakes, perfectly complementing your coffee for a delightful treat.
For a local treat, try the award-winning Yarde Farm ice cream, crafted just eight miles from the University by a Plymouth-based company.
*Student price. Staff and visitors are subject to VAT.

Reservoir Cafe
Reservoir Cafe


Located at the University of Plymouth, Reservoir Café is a peaceful, plant-focused dining spot overlooking the beautiful Drake's Place Gardens and Reservoir. As a certified member of the Vegetarian Society, it’s the perfect choice for vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious meals on campus.
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast bowl, combining yoghurt, granola, seeds, and fresh fruit. At lunchtime, enjoy a variety of freshly prepared salads, bagels, wraps, and jacket potatoes, all made using seasonal produce sourced from local Devon and Cornwall farms, alongside daily hot specials.
Our menu also features freshly made pasta, with pasta made from scratch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and high-quality pasta from Fresh Flour Pasta served on Mondays and Thursdays, with a mix available on Fridays.
Pair your meal with a cup of Owens Coffee, crafted from Fairtrade and organic beans roasted just 11.6 miles from campus, and treat yourself to one of our delicious vegan or gluten-free cakes.

RLB Cafe
RLB Cafe

RLB Café at the University of Plymouth is your go-to campus stop for breakfast, lunch or evening meals.

Start your morning with free-range eggs, Devon and Cornwall sausages, homemade beans and crispy hash browns – plus get a free coffee, tea or water when you buy four breakfast items.

Enjoy our home-cooked dishes, available until 14:30, including lasagne, noodle bowls, katsu curry, nacho burgers and gluten-free Fish Fridays. We cater to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
  • Breakfast: 07:30–11:30
  • Lunch: 12:00–14:30
  • Evenings: 17:00–18:30 (limited menu)
Grab a sandwich meal deal, a freshly baked cake, or a Fairtrade and organic Owens Coffee – roasted locally for a sustainable, quality cup.
Recharge, refuel and enjoy great food on campus at RLB Café.

InterCity Place cafe and social learning
Intercity Plates Cafe
John Bull Cafe
John Bull Cafe
 
We pride ourselves on excellent customer service, quality products and ensuring excellent value for money. As we are a subsidiary of the University, all profits are invested back into the University of Plymouth. If you have any ideas or questions regarding catering on campus, please get in touch by emailing catering@plymouth.ac.uk.
Catering events

Catering contact information

+44 1752 588580

If you have a query or would like to give us any feedback on our services, please get in touch.