“Formal” Formal Hall: Week 6

Thursday 19 November 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall 

In a Formal Hall more “formal” that usual, we encourage you to come dressed in your academic gowns to dine with friends and colleagues in our Grade II listed hall. Relax and enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by our award-winning kitchen, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Members can invite up to a max of five paying guests.

(Academic gowns encourgaed but not mandatory).

Menu

Starter

Jerusalem Artichoke Velouté, Hazelnut Crumb, Chive Oil, Sourdough Crisp

Main Course (Please select one)

Vegetarian

Charred Hispi Cabbage Wedge, Braised Leeks, Butter Bean Puree, Sea Herbs, Parsley Oil

Meat

Pan-Roasted Coley, Braised Leeks, Butter Bean Puree, Sea Herbs and Parsley Sauce

Dessert

Poached Pear, Walnut Granola & Honey Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £25

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Members of Common Room: £30

Student Guest: £28

Non-Student Guest: £30

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Cultural Dinner: Black History Month

Thursday 22 October 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall

This October, Black History Month invites us to honour the histories, cultures, and achievements of Black communities in Britain and across the diaspora, from well-known figures to the everyday people who hold communities together.

Join us for an evening of food, music, and stories as we celebrate that heritage together. Traditional and celebratory dress warmly welcomed.

Guests will enjoy a family-style evening meal.

Please select either a meat or vegetarian option and note any dietary requirements.

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £15

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Cultural Dinner: Diwali

Thursday 12 November 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall

Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and the joy of new beginnings.

Come along for an evening of shared food, the glow of diyas, and warm company as we welcome the season of light together. Bright colours and traditional attire will be much appreciated.

Guests will enjoy a traditional family-style evening meal.

Please select either a meat or vegetarian option and note any dietary requirements.

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £15

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Formal Hall: Week 1

Thursday 15 October 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall 

An Oxford staple, Formal Hall offers the opportunity to dress up and dine with friends and colleagues in our Grade II listed hall. Relax and enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by our award-winning kitchen, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Members can invite up to a max of five paying guests.

Menu

Starter
Mushroom Consommé, Woodland Mushrooms, Reuben Herb Dumpling, Tarragon

Main Course (Please select one)

Vegetarian

Beetroot Pithivier, Braised Red Cabbage, Dauphinoise Potatoes, Blackberry Jus

Meat

Confit Leg of Duck, Braised Red Cabbage, Dauphinoise Potatoes, Blackberry Jus

Dessert
Dark Chocolate and Cherry Delice

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £25

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Members of Common Room: £30

Student Guest: £28

Non-Student Guest: £30

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Formal Hall: Guy Fawkes - Week 4

Thursday 5 November 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall

Remember, remember, the 5th of November. Gunpowder, treason and plot. Join us for a treacherously good Formal Hall.

Feast in celebration of foiled treason with a three-course dinner prepared by our award-winning kitchen, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Members can invite up to a max of five paying guests.

Menu

Starter

Roasted Beetroot Carpaccio, Whipped Almond Cream, Pickled Beet Stems, Walnut Vinaigrette

Main Course (Please select one)

Vegetarian

Slow-Roasted Glazed Celeriac, Horseradish & Smoked Cheddar Mash, Tender stem, Red Wine Reduction

Meat

Slow-Roasted Beef, Horseradish & Smoked Cheddar Mash, Roasted Roots, Red Wine Reduction

Dessert

Sticky Parsnip Cake, Salted Caramel Sauce, Organic Naked Barley Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £25

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Members of Common Room: £30

Student Guest: £28

Non-Student Guest: £30

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Formal Hall: Halloween - Week 3

Thursday 29 October 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Dine with the ghosts of ‘chemistry gone wrong’ in our chemistry-lab-turned-Dining-Hall for our first ever Halloween formal. The Dining Hall will be dressed up, and we invite you to be, too!

Halloween costumes very welcome. Members can invite up to a max of five paying guests.

Menu

Starter

Pickled Pumpkin, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil, Smoked Oat Crème

Main Course (Please select one)

Vegetarian

Wild Mushroom and Pearl Barley Wellington, Celeriac Puree, Kale, Mushroom Jus

Meat

Herb-Crusted British Chicken Supreme, Celeriac Puree, Kale, Roasted Shallot, Cider Jus

Dessert

Baked Apple Tart, Blackberry Compote, Oat Crumble, Crème Fraîche Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £25

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Members of Common Room: £30

Student Guest: £28

Non-Student Guest: £30

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk

Formal Hall: Oxmas - Week 8

Thursday 3 December 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Menu

Starter

Chestnut & Root Vegetable Soup

Main Course (Please select one)

Vegetarian

Nut Roast with Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts, Roast Potatoes, Parsnips & Carrots and Cranberry Sauce

Meat

Roast Turkey with Stuffing, Brussels Sprouts, Roast Potatoes, Parsnips & Carrots and Cranberry Sauce

Dessert

Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £25

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Members of Common Room: £30

Student Guest: £28

Non-Student Guest: £30

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Formal Hall: Thanksgiving - Week 7

Thursday 26 November 2026

18:45 - 21:00, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Formal Hall offers the opportunity to dress up and dine with friends and colleagues in our Grade II listed hall.

Join us for this special edition, where we celebrate Thanksgiving; a holiday celebrating gratitude, togetherness, and sharing.

Members can invite up to a max of five paying guests.

Menu

Starter

Charred Leeks, Cashew Crème, Pickled Onions, Herb Oil

Main Course (Please select one)

Vegetarian

Chestnut and Mushroom Parcel, Roasted Sweet Potato & Squash, Collard Greens, Stuffing, Green Beans

Meat

Roast Turkey, Roasted Sweet Potato & Squash, Collard Greens, Stuffing, Green Beans

Dessert

Pumpkin Pie with Biscuit Crumb and Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: £25

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Members of Common Room: £30

Student Guest: £28

Non-Student Guest: £30

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members and guests must attend the event with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event. 

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 1

13 October 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

An Introduction to Reuben’s Themes

This evening's talk will be of particular interest to new students. We will introduce Reuben's ‘themes' and 'strategic areas', and discuss how students can get involved in any and all of their activities.

Please note that this event is for Reuben members only.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar. 

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Bean & Lentil Chili, Rice, Tortillas, Green Leaf Salad 

Meat Option

Chili Beef, Rice, Tortillas, Green Leaf Salad

Dessert

Gingerbread Pudding

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 2

20 October 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

From Science to Policy and Decision-Making with Satellites and AI

How can satellites and AI help us better address environmental risks? Civil society, investors, and are seeking greater transparency from emissions-intensive sectors such as mining, gas, and steel. Satellite sensing offers an independent and scalable source of information.

Drawing on her experience in industry, academia, government and international organisations, Dr Maral Bayaraa (Dept of Engineering Science) will explore the research landscape, emerging opportunities and the role remote sensing technologies can play in translating scientific innovation into policy and decision making.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar. 

Menu

Main

Roast Butternut Squash Wedge with Sage, Burnt Butter Orzo & Roquette

Dessert

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Please note, this event will be serving a vegetarian-only menu.

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 3

27 October 2026

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Where Law and Politics Collide

Hear from Baroness Prentis as she reflects on a career where law and politics have had to work together to find solutions to the problems of government and international conflict.

She will demonstrate how legal challenge can help to refine policy, as well as a focus on how we are training Ukrainian lawyers to manage the war crimes prosecutions and other legal issues arising from the Russian invasion.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar. 

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Roasted Aubergine Steak with Tapenade, Herbed Baby Potatoes, Seasonal Greens

Meat Option

Meat Option: White British Fish with Tapenade, Herbed Baby Potatoes, Seasonal Greens

Dessert

Cherry Bakewell Tiramisu

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 4

3 November 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

What Will You Invent Next?

Andrew Thompson (Visiting Fellow) is a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur, investor, and inventor with 30 years’ experience at the forefront of technology-based innovation.

Drawing on his experience building, leading, and investing in companies innovating at the leading edge of technology, Andrew offers a thought-provoking contemplation of where we may go in the 21st century. He invites us to consider: what will you invent next?

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar. 

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Roasted Pepper & Aubergine Tagine with Spiced Couscous

Meat Option

Chicken Tagine with Spiced Couscous

Dessert

Lemon & Thyme Sponge Pudding

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 5

10 November 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Territorial Deals and Wars of Conquest - The Future of International Law?

Is the post-1945 international legal order giving way to spheres of influence, bilateral deals and wars of conquest?

Taking Ukraine, Venezuela, Greenland and Taiwan as its starting point, Prof Paulina Starski's (University of Freiburg) talk revisits an order built on the prohibition of the use of force and the protection of territorial integrity, and asks what survives when great powers contest or disregard international legal rules entirely.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar. 

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Vegetable Stew, Dumpling, Buttered Cabbage, Mashed Potato

Meat Option

Beef Stew & Dumplings, Buttered Cabbage, Mashed Potato

Dessert

Spiced Apple Crumble & Cinnamon Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 6

17 November 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Student Takeover

Join us for presentations from our Reuben students on their varied research projects, including presentations from recipients of Reuben College’s Public Engagement with Research Innovation Fund for 2025/26.

Details on the topics and presenters will come during term.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar.

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Veggie Bratwurst with Mustard & Onions, Fries & Pickled Cabbage

Meat Option

Pork Bratwurst with Mustard & Onions, Fries & Pickled Cabbage

Dessert

Brownie & Ice Cream

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 7

24 November 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

The Role of Heritage in Belonging

MultakaOxford is a multi-award winning project based at the History of Science and Pitt Rivers Museum. Meaning meeting point in Arabic, Multaka uses objects and museums to decentre our understanding of belonging. Instead, it spotlights how different ways to 'be' help us create communities where we all belong.

Nicola Bird (GLAM) will give you the chance to experience how our diversity of heritage can be unifying and bring clarity in a world of messy division. She will be joined by Kibrom Kayhsay and Marwa Ahmed.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar. 

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Chickpea & Butter Bean Korma, Coconut Rice, Mini Garlic Naan

Meat Option

Chicken Korma, Coconut Rice, Mini Garlic Naan

Dessert

Chia Spiced Sponge

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.

Tuesday Talks/DwD: Week 8

1 December 2026 

18:20 - 20:40, Reuben College Dining Hall 

Digital’s Environmental Impact: What Matters, What Doesn’t, and What to Do About It

Every search, stream, and AI prompt runs on physical infrastructure, and carries real environmental impacts. But how big, and should we worry? Some say that AI is what we need to tackle the climate crisis, while others say it’s only making things worse.

George Kamiya (Visiting Fellow) and an expert on the environmental impacts of digital technologies, will explain what we know, what we don’t, and where attention and action should be focused.

To attend the dinner, you must attend the prior seminar.

Menu

Vegetarian Option

Maple Mustard Tempeh, Roasted Carrots & Parsnips, Puy Lentils

Meat Option

Maple Mustard Chicken Thighs, Roasted Carrots & Parsnips, Puy Lentils

Dessert

Autumn Fruit Pudding

2026-27 Prices

Reuben Student: Free of charge

Reuben Fellow: Free of charge

Reuben Alumni/Associate Member of Common Room: £20

Student Guest: £18

Non-Student Guest: £20

College Hospitality: Free of charge

Tickets and guest tickets can only be booked by Reuben members, guests must attend the talk with a Reuben member. Full terms and conditions can be found here. Please read before booking place at event.

Photography notice: General photography will take place at this event, consisting of wide crowd shots. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk.