Curing the midday munchies: The best spots around campus to grab some lunch

Getting a little bit bored of eating leftover pasta for lunch every day, or wandering up and down Queen’s Road only to end up at Taco Bell again? Here are some of the best lunch options on and around campus, with recommendations on what food to get specifically. With exam season being underway, it can be easy to get stuck into work and forget what time of day it is, but hopefully these budget-friendly lunch choices will give you a new motivation to stretch your legs away from the library.

Chaya Canteen 

What to get: Ramen (£5)

A fairly new addition to St. Michael’s Hill, this part veggie shop, part cafe, part deli serves up a fully plant-based lunch menu, where every dish is £5 and there’s plenty to choose from. It also does £1.50 coffee if you want something to accompany your yummy vegan lunch. The cafe is a spin-off of the locally loved Chaya Veggies, a greengrocer and florist in St. Werburgh’s.

Saints Deli 

What to get: Slice of cheese pizza (and maybe a drizzle of hot honey) (£3/£3.25) 

A classic choice. It might sound boring, but sometimes basic is better. A slice of New York style cheese pizza is only £3 and is perfectly crispy and cheesy and definitely big enough to keep you sustained whilst you study. Saints Deli also has other pizza options as well as an impressive doughnut selection for when the pizza alone isn’t satisfying the sweet treat cravings. It’s located next to Chaya Canteen, on St. Michael’s Hill.

Hawthorns, Balloon Bar, Priory Road Complex, Beacon House 

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What to get: Soup! (£1) 

Wherever you are on campus, your soup and roll fix is never too far. Other options in these locations include cheap curries and baked treats. Just make sure to beat the dreaded soup shortages by picking some up as near to 12pm as possible. This is the perfect lunch if you’re on a really tight budget or it’s particularly chilly outside. 

Badger and Squirrel 

What to get: Kimchi and cheese toastie (£5.95) 

If you’re willing to stretch your legs and possibly your lunch budget, Badger and Squirrel has the most inventive and delicious sandwiches, toasties, pastries and salads. Sitting at the top of Cotham Road, this lovely cafe is only a short walk from campus, but is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the university. If you want to grab lunch from somewhere that is authentic and local, you should definitely try this out. 

Parsons Bakery

What to get: Two sausage rolls (£2.20)

Another more obvious choice, Parsons on St. Michael’s Hill has a lot to offer and isn’t too expensive. There’s a lot of things to choose from, but I’ve gone for the two sausage roll deal as it is good value and convenient on-the-go. However, Parsons also do a very popular £4.50 meal deal, which includes a sandwich/baguette, cake, and drink. Its pasties are also always such a treat, as is enjoying your lunch outside in the bakery’s sunny seating area.

Senate House 

What to get: Chips (£2.20) 

Senate House chips might not be the most nutritious lunch option on campus, but they’re cheap, tasty, somewhat filling, and extremely convenient. What is nicer than sitting in Royal Fort Gardens on a sunny day with some chunky chips and an iced coffee? Plus, if you want something healthier you can opt for a slightly pricier hummus bowl instead. 

Sainsbury’s 

What to get: Hot meal deal (£3.50) 

Just hear me out on this one– sometimes you have to go for the easiest option. Whilst it’s the exact opposite of shopping locally and supporting small businesses, sometimes a need for convenience and saving money calls for a Sainsbury’s meal deal. But here is some valuable advice: Ditch the hellish landscape of Queen’s Road Sainsbury’s and head to big Sainsbury’s at Clifton Down, where you can swap out the same boring sandwich for a more filling and enjoyable hot main, for the same price. Some of the best options include the hot chicken tenders and sausage bean cheese melt. Desperate times do occasionally call for desperate measures.