Food Policy
While we try to be as accommodating as possible please remember that the library is a professional study environment and we have restrictions in place to maintain this.
You are politely requested to comply with any staff instruction whilst using the library as failure to do so may result in a report of non-compliance being escalated to your school.
What food can I bring in and where can I eat in the library?
- Archibald Hay Mess Café Here you can eat hot or cold food, either purchased from the café or brought from home and heated in the microwaves provided.
- Main Library Zones (including mezzanines) Here you can eat cold food, such as sandwiches, and snacks only, either prepacked or homemade.
What food is not allowed in the library?
Takeaways and fast-food deliveries, as well as food purchased in takeaway containers from other campus outlets cannot be brought into the library.
This is to ensure we keep the library an odour free, pleasant and clean place to study for all our users and prevent contamination of our recyclable waste and to minimise waste on campus in line with our sustainability policy.
Where am I not allowed to eat in the library?
- The Pod
- Teaching Rooms
- Corridors
Can I drink in the library?
Yes, any lidded hot or cold drinks can be consumed anywhere in the library, however alcohol is strictly prohibited.
FAQs
Why can’t I eat hot food that has gone cold? It’s still cold food
Even though it’s cold, it is still greasy. We don’t allow greasy food to prevent mess at touchpoints in the library and the waste also contaminates our recycling
Why can’t I eat hot or greasy food at my desk while I work?
We restrict this to keep food smells and spillages out of the main library, which can be distracting or offensive to others, as well as grease and crumbs away from desks and keyboards.
Please remember that this is a shared workspace, so this helps to ensure the space stays pleasant for the next person
What happens if I’m eating where I shouldn’t?
A member of staff will politely explain the policy related to your situation and ask you to relocate to somewhere appropriate which may be within or outside the library depending on the situation.
Where can I get food and drink?
The library offers:
- Confectionery and hot and cold drinks vending machines
- Microwaves for you to reheat food brought from home
- Water fountains
The Archibald Hay Mess café is situated within the library building and serves a wide range of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, snacks, confectionery and hot and cold beverages during its opening hours.
