Our Approach

As a venue we don’t just focus on our stunning historic back-drops, state-of-the-art conference facilities and outstanding cuisine. We pride ourselves on our expert and helpful service. If the pandemic has taught us anything it has taught us that we like to try new ideas to deliver fantastic and unique events. If you're thinking of trying something a bit different with your event - pivoting your in person event to hybrid, or if you just want to mix up our menus to your taste we're on hand to support you in making that happen.
 

Having worked with Pembroke College Oxford for several months, I can without hesitation say that their ability to cater to the varying needs of my guests has been outstanding. They have risen to the challenge of various dietary needs, allergies, and ad hoc requests without hesitation or disruption to the program. We have an unconventional relationship in that we have created a program that was not previously implemented and they have been superb in their delivery and execution of the overall needs. The food quality has been top shelf and the personalities of those interacting with our guests, be in as hosts, servers or otherwise has shown a light upon Pembroke for each guest leaving a lasting impression that will soon not be forgotten.

Art Cox, Product Manager

Tauck Tours

At Pembroke we put responsible innovation at the heart of everything we do and recognise the importance of committing to sustainable practices to reduce the damaging effect events can have on the environment, implementing initiatives to provide a better and greener experience for you.

We work closely with our students, colleagues, Oxford University and our suppliers to find innovative ways to continuously improve specifically focusing on sustainable procurement, recyclable materials, and the efficient management of energy and waste. 

Our proudest achievement has been our success in reducing single-use plastics. We have completely replaced plastic bottles with cans and have used over 1000 less plastic bottles than the previous year. We have placed water coolers around the site and have installed a plumbed-in water fountain. We encourage people to use their own refillable bottles and sell keep cups for hot drinks - we introduced plastic-free compostable cups, plastic-free straws and wooden teaspoons and use plastic free tea bags and are a proud member of the #20PercentLess campaign since 2019.

Our fantastic catering team enjoy sourcing local suppliers for our food and drink; the water for our water coolers comes from Blenheim (12 miles away). The trout on our fine dining menu comes from ChalkStream on the Test River of Hampshire. We are part of the Food Buy Group which reduces the number of suppliers we use, therefore reducing the carbon footprint of our deliveries. The bar, back by popular demand, stocks Pembroke Ale from Chadlington Brewery 22 miles away, who use Oxfordshire spring water to produce the ale!

In the past year we have committed to reducing food waste using methods such as introducing a staff sign-in for meals to give accuracy on numbers and implementing increased accuracy in portioning, both of which help to prevent over ordering and under eating. The food waste we do produce is taken to an anaerobic digestion plant near Cassington, Oxfordshire, where it is used to generate electricity (to power over 4,000 homes) and fertiliser (spread on local farmland and used to grow crops).

View our detailed information for guests here.

We know that your first priority before organising or attending an event is your health and well-being and that of your guests. At Pembroke College this is our priority too.

Our commitment to you is in our COVID-19 Visitor Guidance. As the situation continues to evolve and improve, and the UK government – driven by the latest science and medical advice – continues to offer direct guidance, we continue to review and adjust these standards accordingly.

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