St John's College, founded in 1511, has a long tradition of dining that reflects the history of English cuisine, as well as academic and collegiate life. The College's dining hall, or the 'Buttery' as it's traditionally known, has served meals to students and fellows for centuries. In the past, these meals would have been rather simple and based on local ingredients, but over time the food served has become more diverse, reflecting not only changes in British cuisine but also the international character of the student body.
Formal Hall – a three-course evening meal served in the grand setting of the dining hall – is a core part of the College's dining tradition. Though originally this would have featured a lot of game and meat, today vegetarians are well catered for. College dinners often feature locally sourced ingredients, and sustainability has become an integral part of food provision at the College.