Societies and clubs at Darwin College, Cambridge

The Formal Hall page (opens in a new tab) says Upay booking is available to current Darwin members only. The member who made the booking must accompany their guests; unaccompanied guests are not allowed to dine, and members may not ask other members to book guests for them. A formal dinner is served on most Wednesdays and Fridays, with check-in from 19:00 and dinner at 19:30, for up to 140 diners. Members can book up to three guests, but only one on especially busy evenings such as Burns Night or the Christmas Formal Halls; more need the Catering Manager’s permission. Guests must be 16 or over. Every guest’s full name and any dietary requirements must be entered in Upay; the menu is vegetarian by default, with higher-carbon meals an opt-in extra. Bookings can be cancelled or amended until 14:00 the day before; after that payment is not normally refunded. No price is published; check Upay.

The dress code is a lounge suit or jacket and tie, or an equivalent; members, and guests who are members of the University, are encouraged to wear gowns. A shirt without jacket and tie, jeans, trainers, beach footwear or hats mean refusal of entry. You cannot bring your own wine; buy it through the café after check-in. Student ticket status is checked before admission, and a booking is complete only once the confirmation email arrives. Phones must be off in Hall.

Practical assessment: you need a Darwin member who will book you by name and come with you; on the busiest nights each member can bring only one guest.