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Timetable

Before

Wine is bought from about 6.20pm onwards either from the Undercroft bar, or from the M.C.R. itself, which now has an exclusive range of quality wines available at much better-value prices than the college bar. (Select the documents option from the menu on the left if you would like the view the list.) All alcohol consumed in College must be purchased from College, however, so please do not bring in bottles from outside. Non-alcoholic beverages of some kind will be provided on the tables during the meal, however a selection is also available in the Undercroft.

For Low Table we proceed to the Great Hall and join the J.C.R. at 6:45pm; but when dining at High Table we proceed to the Senior Common Room (reached via the Black Staircase) at around 6:50pm. Following the meal (ending at approximately 8:00pm) members either join the S.C.R. for coffee or retire to the M.C.R.

During - The Good Formal Guide

James Gate, ex-M.C.R. President and serial formal go-er has provided the following top-tips for attending formal dinner:

• Dress smart, but not too smart, especially if you’re planning on going out after dinner!
• Don’t be late, go over to the Great Hall when you’re ready. It’s not necessary to wait for the rest of the M.C.R. as we have a reserved table.
• Remain seated during dinner: if you stand up the M.C.R. President or J.C.R. Senior Man may fine (sconce) you. It’s also a good idea to go to the toilet before dinner.
• Turn your mobile phone off: if it rings you’ll be fined (sconced).
• No flash photography: you may take photos as long as the flash is turned off, although please do so discreetly, especially at High Table, as it may be seen as impolite to use your camera during the meal. If possible only take photos on Low Table.
• At the end of dinner take your wine bottles with you. All empty bottles must be put in the recycling bin at the bottom of the steps outside the Great Hall; unfinished bottles can be drunk in the Undercroft or the M.C.R.

After

Following a High Table formal M.C.R. members retire for a short time to the S.C.R., before continuing downstairs to either the Undercroft or the M.C.R. On these evenings there will be port and a selection of cheeses available for those who were present at the dinner. The S.C.R. members who attended will also be invited to join us downstairs, as well as a limited number of the J.C.R.

Following a Low Table formal members will also retire to the M.C.R. or the Undercroft.

After either evening many M.C.R. members choose to go out to a club or bar: popular choices include Klute, Studio, and Fabio’s.