Dining & Catering

The Castle's Dining Hall

A Full Meal Plan

Included in your fees, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served in the Dining Room every day in the Castle, including weekends. At each meal you will find: vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options and a range of healthy, nutritious food allergen information for every dish available on request quality local produce used wherever possible. 

We cater for special diets – please have a chat with our Catering Manager who will be happy to provide:

  • a confidential consultation with a Catering representative

  • support if you have severe allergies or dietary restrictions

  • an opportunity to talk with a chef to help you make safe choices

  • on-going support and guidance throughout the school year

Chestnuts Tea RoomFood

Open from March to October, while the grounds are open to the public, our cafe serves tea, coffee, paninis, cakes, as well as a host of other items. It is a space where students can pay for an extra snack, or drink. Opening times vary throughout the year.

The Headless Drummer

The Castle's pub is a social space on campus for use by all students. All are welcome for its Trivia Nights, Karaoke and infamous Lip Sync Battles, or just pop in for a drink with friends. Check the noticeboards at Bader Hall for what's on this week!*

*Opening days and times will be confirmed at the start of Fall Term and are subject to change based on operational requirements.

Fixing Something Yourself

Typical RoomIf you want to prepare your own meals, or slept in and missed breakfast, you have access to a kitchenette on each floor of Bader Hall, with all the essentials of a fridge-freezer, microwave, kettle, sink, and storage units. There is also a mini-fridge in your bedroom to stock up on sodas and quick bites.

The staff at Bader Reception will be able to advise you of local takeaways that deliver to Herstmonceux Castle, so students often club together to get a bumper order of pizzas, Indian food and Chinese food between themselves, which are the three most popular takeaways in the UK, but of course, other options are available.

If you wish to stock up on your own favourite food stuffs, there are regular free trips to grocery stores in Eastbourne and Hailsham. Several grocery stores offer delivery services at varying minimum order values too. Again, reception staff will be able to advise.