Providing hung-over and apathetic students with hearty nourishment since the year 1263*, Pantry is the largest (and almost certainly the best) student-run café in Oxford. Located within the JCR itself, its central location means it plays a key role in the friendly and vibrant community that is Balliol. Pantry is open throughout the day, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the mornings, Full English, cereal and porridge are served; ideal for a hangover cure-all after a big night out, some post early-morning-rowing sustenance or a pre-lecture pick-me-up. Had a rough morning at lectures? Our lunchtime selection of toasties, wraps, panini, sandwiches and pasta with a literally infinite** number of toppings will provide you with the boost you need to get through the day. Just when you feel like you can’t go on, Pantry saves the day with a dinner menu that changes each night of the week.
One of the best things about Pantry is its sense of community. As a student run café, we provide work opportunities for students who want to earn a bit of extra cash, as well as a free meal. We also believe that no student should have to go hungry due to lack of cash. Therefore, Pantry food can be paid for using a tab system on your University (Bod) Card, with the bill sent to you at the end of each term, due only when your student loan comes in again.
Run by the two "Foody siblings" elected each year and frequented by the wonderful students of Balliol College, Pantry is filled with at least 3 different pieces of fruit at any one time, alongside our two trusty toastie machines, dynamic duo of deep-fat fryers and a healthy dose of melted cheese. Standing proudly against the claims of healthy diets being low in sugar, salt and saturated fats, our tradition of deeply satisfying comfort food has gone from strength to strength over the years. Balliol students now have access to all kinds of food-related treats on special occasions, as well as the somewhat legendary bi-annual Formal Pantry event.
Here at Pantry, our meals are tasty, cheap, relaxed and always served with a smile. Drop by and see for yourself why Pantry has such a fantastic reputation.
*perhaps not entirely historically accurate.
**actual number of toppings may be less than advertised.