The campus here is like a town centre. There are lots of places to choose from when you’re meeting friends or getting food. Every taste and meal is catered for right here.
We have more than 12 different places to pick up a coffee or meal, depending on where you are and what you fancy. We’re particularly into ZEST in the square – a street food concept curated by Head Chef, Mattie Crooks that provides a seasonal menu from around the world (and maybe the best burgers on campus). Hang out in the square to meet friends, people-watch and soak up the scenes as uni life moves around you. Whether you’re after a beautiful view with a homemade chocolate brownie, a quick cup of (seriously good) coffee on your way to a lecture, or a hot home-prepared dinner in the Sportscafe to warm you up, you can find it on campus. Whatever you feel like, there’s a spot for you. We also welcome food stalls and vendors to the hive throughout term. They bring the world to us through incredible authentic foods from around the globe.
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Leave feedbackSustainability SchemesTo get the full experience, come visit us on an Open Day or a Virtual Open Day.
Refuel all day long with a cake and coffee.
For coffee connoisseurs, a cup of Amico Viva espresso-based coffee is a must-try, while tea lovers can indulge in the selection of fruit or herbal teas. Start your day on a sweet note with a freshly baked croissant, cinnamon whirl, or pain au chocolat. If lunch is on the go, grab a homemade sourdough baguette, salad pot, or hot savoury pastry, or opt for a comforting jacket potato topped with cheddar, tuna, or beans. For a refreshing treat, their fruit and vegetable smoothies, along with blended milkshakes, are made to order and sure to satisfy. Drop in at the weekend for a fully loaded hashbrown, eggs on sourdough toast or eggs benedict from their Weekend Brunch Menu.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: you'll find it all at Zest.
Craving a hearty fry-up to start your day? Zest has you covered. For lunch, indulge in their vibrant Street Food-style offerings, with a rotating menu featuring up to three different counters each week, all brimming with delicious vegan options. If the thought of cooking is too much during term time, stop by for an affordable early dinner that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s a filling breakfast, tasty lunch, or satisfying dinner, Zest delivers tasty, diverse meals that cater to all tastes and schedules.
Service for all, served by students.
Kickstart your day at The Hive with a soothing chai latte or a barista-made cappuccino, complemented by a freshly baked croissant—choose from plain, pistachio, biscoff, almond, or raspberry. From lunchtime onwards, warm, filled flatbreads are on display, perfect for a scrummy, satisfying bite. For a sweet treat, indulge in a bubble tea or a customizable hot chocolate, complete with flavoured syrups, marshmallows, and whipped cream. The selection of refreshing flavoured still or sparkling sodas is ideal for a light, fizzy pick-me-up. Don’t forget to pair your drink with delicious patisserie and home-baked delights, all served with a smile by the friendly Unio team.
Finish your day with light bites and big eats.
BOX serves up fresh, hand-stretched pizzas made to order, perfect for satisfying your cravings. Whether you prefer a classic margherita, a meat feast, or something with a kick like the spicy piccante, there’s something for everyone. Feeling adventurous? Customize your pizza with three different bases and a variety of toppings to suit your taste. For a side, enjoy garlic bread or choose from vegan or chicken nuggets. Available during lunchtime and evenings from 4 pm, BarSU makes staying late on campus a deliciously worthwhile experience!
Hot foodie treats for when you’re on the go or dining in.
Blend is the perfect stop to keep you fueled throughout the term. From filled rolls and comforting homemade soup to indulgent mac 'n' cheese and crispy popcorn chicken, there’s something for every craving. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a cheeky chocolate bar, or a freshly brewed bean-to-cup coffee, Blend has you covered. Enjoy your meal indoors or take it to go, making it easy to enjoy wherever you are on campus. Convenient, tasty, and satisfying, it’s the ideal spot for students and staff on the move.
Blend
Located in the main Campus Kitchen restaurant building on level 0
between the Arts building and the Library.
Caffeine stop between lectures and meetings.
In need of a quick pick-me-up between lectures? Stop by the Atrium Cafe for a handcrafted coffee and a homemade flapjack if you're in a hurry. For lunch, choose from a variety of fresh sandwiches, salads, sushi, wraps, or indulge in a savoury pastry for a cozy snack. If you're after something refreshing, their blended milkshakes and fruit or vegetable smoothies are the perfect thirst-quenchers. Whether it's a speedy bite or a satisfying lunch, they have something delicious to fuel you through your day.
Fine dining amongst masterpieces.
The Modern Life Cafe at the Sainsbury Centre is a flavourful delight housed within the UEA's stunning glass-fronted art gallery. Mornings begin with delightful pastries, setting the stage for a premium menu featuring sourdough toasties, fresh salad bowls, and hearty hot lunches. Home-baked cakes and scones bring a comforting touch, while options like children’s picnic boxes and pizza twists cater to younger visitors. Pair your meal with expertly crafted espresso-based coffee, luxury hot chocolates, or fragrant loose-leaf teas. Visit on a Sunday and you'll be treated to a traditional roast lunch! A selection of Adnams wines, beers, and cider completes this refined and accessible dining experience.
Customisable subs and salads, made to your specification.
This spot takes customisation to the next level, offering a great selection of subs and salads, including gluten-free options. Don’t see something you like? Create your own! Every sub and salad is prepared fresh and tailored to your taste. Pair your lunch with a cup of aromatic Roots Blossom coffee or a refreshing self-serve fizzy drink. For those with a sweet tooth, the traybakes on display are sure to satisfy. Whether you’re after a quick bite or something indulgent, this café delivers fresh, flavourful options, all with a personal touch.
Lunchtime treats and snacks in a relaxed spot
Looking for a refreshing change of scene or a cozy spot to meet friends? Grain offers a delightful mix of comfort and flavour. Sip on expertly brewed Amico Viva espresso or Birchall Tea while indulging in their tempting selection of homemade traybakes. For something heartier, the menu shines with options like hot croques, flavourful khobez wraps, and handmade baguettes. The inviting atmosphere and delicious offerings make Grain a versatile go-to for work breaks or relaxed hangouts, ensuring there’s something to please every palate.
Grain
Located in The Enterprise Centre on University Drive,
opposite the Sportspark.
Refresh and refuel, from snacks to suppers.
The Sportscafé is the perfect pit stop, whether you need a quick snack before your workout or a satisfying meal after exercise. Hot and cold food options are available all day, with all dishes available for takeaway if you’re in a hurry. Start your day with the hearty Sportspark Breakfast or a filled breakfast roll. For lunch, choose from a variety of delicious options like burgers, pasta, jacket potatoes, panini, salads, or a comforting vegan tikka masala. The café also features a tempting display of confectionery, snacks, and scrumptious home-baked treats.
Comfy coffee spot exclusively for Staff, Post-Graduates and Visitors.
Vista offers the perfect setting for an informal business meeting or a casual catch-up with colleagues. Enjoy a well-deserved break with a barista-made coffee and a decadent square of their famous chocolate brownie. For a lighter lunch, try the daily vegan soup paired with one of their handmade toasties. Don't miss the mouthwatering patisserie on display, all lovingly crafted on-campus by talented pastry chefs. Vista is also available for reservation, offering an ideal setting for private dining, business meetings, retirement celebration, informal recruitment events or awards ceremonies!
A space for postgraduate and mature students to make their own.
Mature and postgraduate students can take advantage of their own dedicated space at Scholar’s Bar. Although the bar is only open Monday to Friday, it’s available as a study space seven days a week. Want to test your grey cells? Join in with the weekly quiz, every Tuesday night in term time.
Quality food and service at prices you can afford.
Come here for food made with as many fresh and locally sourced ingredients as possible. The menu covers a wide range of ethnic tastes and has something for all budgets. Pop by for lunch or an early dinner after you’ve finished in the lecture theatre.
Grab a bite and a seat between lectures and learning.
Nestled in the BCRE atrium, this café is a haven for UEA and NHS staff seeking quality sustenance. Kickstart your day with a hot bacon roll and a robust Espresso Traditionale coffee to jolt you awake. Lunchtime offers a tempting selection of panini, sandwiches, wraps, jacket potatoes, and gluten-free salads, ensuring variety for all tastes. Freshly blended milkshakes, smoothies, and iced coffees provide refreshing alternatives. For a sweet indulgence, the home-baked traybakes, muffins, scones, and cookies deliver the perfect sugar boost to power through the afternoon. A vibrant, satisfying spot!
Bob Champion Café
Located in the main entrance foyer of the Bob Champion Research & Education Building.