Formal Hall (sometimes known as Guest Night at other Colleges) occurs in weeks 2, 4,6 and 8, and offers a chance to get together with friends and colleagues to enjoy a beautifully prepared meal. Members are encouraged to invite guests, especially from other colleges, though this is not obligatory. Formal Hall refers to the structure of the evening rather than the atmosphere; there is no formal dress code.
Please note that you need to book onto Formal Hall by 9am on the proceeding Friday (bookings open 2 weeks beforehand). Unfortunately, Formal Hall will be cancelled if fewer than 20 people sign-up in any week.
Terms and Conditions
Arrival: 18:45
Dinner Served: 19:00
Location: Reuben College Dining Hall
Drinks: Please bring your own drinks to this event, as only water will be provided at the tables.
Dress code: Smart casual
Cost: £25.00
The Reuben Grace
The Reuben Grace is read at the beginning of every Formal Hall meal and is delivered in the home language of the speaker. Anyone wishing to say the Grace on a particular evening is asked to contact events@reuben.ox.ac.uk, and the participation of Fellows and students in this distinctively Reuben tradition, is a cherished part of our Formal Hall experience.
In English, the Reuben Grace reads:
For the meal we are about to eat,
for those that made it possible,
and for those with whom we are about to share it,
we are thankful.
Photo courtesy of Danny Gold