If you’re a food lover with a taste for exquisite, fresh ingredients and unique locations, Keble College guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for conferences, corporate events or special occasions, Keble boasts an iconic setting and promises to leave a lasting impression with your guests.
What is private dining?
Private dining provides the opportunity to have exclusive use of a room or hall for you and your guests to enjoy the setting without any other parties present. It’s suitable for special occasions, celebrations and corporate functions, and surpasses restaurant standards in terms of service, setting, quality of ingredients, ambience and atmosphere. There are many aspects to consider when choosing a private dining venue including;
Convenient and Established Location
The environment in which your experience takes place has a huge impact on your overall experience in terms of enjoyment and lasting memories. Keble College boasts an enviable location within the heart of Oxford, providing easy access for your guests via bus, train or car, although it’s recommended that drivers utilise one of Oxford multiple Park & Ride hubs. Its central location makes it an appealing venue for guests travelling from any area of England.
Charming Historical Ambience
Choosing a venue with a beautiful setting will captivate and thrill your guests. Dating back to 1870, Keble College is one of Oxford’s most interesting, historical and architectural landmarks, featuring a Neo-Gothic Dining Hall, imposing Chapel, tranquil quads and the magnificent red brick buildings of Architect, William Butterfield.
Great Atmosphere
Keble’s experienced Events team have carefully cultivated the perfect private dining experience to ensure that their exquisite cuisine, elegant décor and attentive service is truly unforgettable. If you are looking for an exclusive space for a private dinner or lunch, Keble offers a range of intimate spaces for any occasion. The College can accommodate smaller, family celebrations of up to 16 people as well as larger, corporate functions for several hundred guests.
Smaller groups will be treated to a sophisticated and stylish dining experience in one of Keble’s private rooms in the heart of its Grade 1 listed building. Providing a charming aesthetic, Keble’s Quickswood Room offers an elegant and unique setting with beautifully patterned wallpaper, draped windows, historical oil paintings and warm lighting, creating an intimate setting and pleasing ambience for your guests.
Larger groups can expect a magical banquet experience in the breath-taking, Victorian Dining Hall – the longest in Oxford. Steeped in history, the Hall is nothing short of magnificent, boasting authentic stained-glass windows, oak panelled walls adorned with ancient oil portraits, long tables, a traditional stone fireplace and high ceilings that reflect the venue’s historical charm. Providing an enchanting atmosphere for your guests, the picturesque setting also includes an eye-catching stained-glass window over the high table which depicts Caravaggio’s ‘Supper at Emmaus’. It’s no surprise that the Hall has become a destination for fine dining, with Keble’s dedicated team hosting a variety of reputable events each year.
Exquisite Cuisine
One of the most important features of a private dining experience is of course, the calibre of its cuisine. Keble’s Catering team have over 50 years of event experience, priding themselves on their high standards and the quality of their food. A guaranteed conversation starter, their carefully crafted menus will tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Keble’s dedicated Chefs are attentive to guest’s requirements, offering a range of services from private business lunches, intimate dinners and tasting menus to Gala Dinners, banquets and wedding catering.
All menus are tailor-made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients inspired by the season to ensure that each course exceeds your expectations. The team meticulously plan each menu, ensuring that the flavours of each dish complement each other and that all preferences are accommodated. Keble’s experienced Chefs delight in demonstrating their creativity, so whether you’re enjoying mouth-watering canapes or an exquisite dessert, you can expect an array of Instagram worthy dishes to captivate your guests.
Superior Dining Service
Premium service is crucial in creating the right ambience and a truly memorable dining experience for guests. Keble College continues to receive high ratings on TripAdvisor due to its exceptional staff and high levels of service. Keble’s dedicated and attentive staff are on hand to deliver each course and fulfil your every request, creating a fine dining experience like no other. Your event will be further enhanced by the expertise and knowledge of Keble’s Stewards who will offer suggestions on a wide variety of wines, including Keble’s own brand of Champagne! The team’s collective experience and passion for superior service will ensure that guests can expect nothing less than perfection.
If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in a truly picturesque setting, few venues can compete with Keble College’s unique offering. Bookings are accepted throughout the year, although availability can be limited during term-time. Plus, this year, for the first time ever, you can experience Christmas at Keble College with menus starting from £62 + VAT per head for three courses. For more details on private dining experiences at Keble, click here to enquire and a team member will come back to you as soon as they can.
