Canteen on the Concourse arrives at 20 Bedford Way

The Canteen on the Concourse will provide a dynamic and changing food outlet with a range of options, for the 9,000 UCL students and staff using the facilities. Menus are designed for a range of dietary requirements including vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten free options.

The Canteen on the Concourse opens Thursday 13 February, opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am–5pm.

The first food stalls will include a wide range of cuisines and great value meals from £7, ensuring there is something for everyone:

• Buns and Bowls – filled buns, rice bowls and chicken wings  
• Pasta and Ciabatta – fresh, handmade pasta and filled ciabatta sandwiches 
• The Kitchen – All day breakfast, burgers, jacket potatoes, loaded fries, topped flatbread, tea and coffee 

The Canteen on the Concourse has been over a year in the making and is the result of feedback from focus groups made up of staff and students, student forums, the Student Union, and key stakeholders. Through consultation, it was identified that there was a significant gap in hot food provision to serve the 20 Bedford Way community. In response, a panel of UCL staff and students have introduced an innovative concept: a street food market on the IOE concourse.

This initiative aims to bring together the experiences that we share as a community at UCL through food, spark conversations, and promote cultural exchange. The broader vision is to create community events that showcase the best of UCL, offering a diverse selection of options catering to various dietary needs. By actively engaging with customer feedback, the team will ensure that the changing menu aligns with current trends.

Catering is provided by 1st Base Catering. The initial plans include serving ‘Buns and Bowls’, featuring rice bowls and buns with pulled meat and vegetables, and ‘Pasta and Ciabatta’, offering handmade pasta and filled ciabattas. Additionally, two units will rotate their offerings monthly to provide a wide variety of choices, with ‘The Kitchen’ serving coffee, grab-and-go options, and freshly made smoothies.

All staff and students are invited to the Canteen on the Concourse. Join us for free samples on February 12 or to access the full menu from February 13!

Find Us

The Concourse can be accessed from the IOE entrance on Woburn Square/ Thornhaugh Street – see Visiting IOE for more information or use MyThreeWords: ///chefs.ships.sticks

The ultimate goal of the Canteen on the Concourse is to provide a vibrant, inclusive space for gathering to eat, chat and socialise.

We can’t wait for you to experience this new culinary experience and to gather your feedback so that we can continue to provide you with inspiring food that connects you with the UCL community.