by Maddy Frost
Hi, I’m Maddy and I’m a digital content ambassador for Lancaster University.
I’m about to go into my third year studying English Language and Creative writing, and I’m part of County College.
I wanted to show everyone some of the best spots to grab food while they’re studying or visiting Lancaster. These are some of my favourite places to fuel up, meet friends and post to Instagram.
Koko is a fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine, which in theory may sound like an odd combination but is perfect if you’re looking for something healthy and filling.
Here, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu and create your own Pokè bowl - one of the latest food trends. This is a big bowl of food that you can customise, choosing from rice, various vegetables, fish and sauces to create your perfect combination. You can eat upstairs or take away so it’s ideal for a quick lunch break treat. It’s also located a few steps from Common Garden Street bus stop so is super easy to grab something whether you live in or out of town.
I recommend the Pokè bowls or fried chicken with Koko’s original sauce- yum!
Go Burrito is my home from home.
I’d be ashamed to say how much money I have spent here in my two years. With a restaurant in the city centre and on campus, this is one place you NEED to visit as a rite-of-passage as a Lancaster student. Even if burritos aren’t your thing, there are nachos, tacos and the famous Go Burrito bandito fries to keep you going through those long library hours.
They offer ‘beats n’ eats’ including many DJ takeover events to keep you bopping while you wolf a burrito down. Not sure what to go for on your first visit? My perfected combo is the meal deal: regular burrito, chips and a drink for just over a fiver. But, be warned. Once you Go Burrito, you never go back.
If you like Yo Sushi, then you’ll love Nami.
It even has its own sushi conveyor belt! It’s also great for anyone wanting to try something new. I took a friend who wasn’t really into sushi, but the staff were helpful in finding her something she loved.
Located in the centre of town, I like to visit as a nice break from the ‘luxury’ of a beans-on-anything diet or for a quick catch up with friends. They have a wide-ranging menu for a reasonable price.
I like to keep it simple, so my personal favourites are the salmon nigiri and avocado maki.
The study room is well-known by many Lancaster students, not only for its food, but the notorious Thursday night pub quiz.
Having myself and friends been to many of these quizzes over my 2 years at Lancaster, the closest we have come to glory is 3rd place, winning 4 free Jager bombs. But with the top prize being a £20 bar tab you’ve got nothing to lose!
The stacked burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries and nachos are the perfect combo of feel-good food for an affordable price. My go-to is the Lancashire Lad burger- perfect for a cheat day (or two).
When the sun shines in Lancaster, this is the place to be.
The Water Witch is close to many student housing areas in Lancaster’s town, and across the river from the University’s Chancellors Wharf accommodation. Having lived just down the river in my second year, it made for a picturesque stop on a riverside walk (and the prices aren’t too shabby either!).
With a mostly traditional pub menu, it’s a great place for when you’re wanting some good ol’ pub grub but are sick of going to Wetherspoons. They offer small plate versions of all the main courses which are super affordable and are still relatively large!
I recommend the steak & ale pie or the Water Witch burger.
The ultimate Thai experience. Blue Moon is great for a nice meal out for lunch or dinner.
The water features, décor and music give it an authentic feel before you even sit down to eat. It’s also good for when you’re looking for something a little more formal. For example, it was ideal for when my dad came to visit recently, and we went out for dinner.
I recommend the Pad Thai - the best I’ve ever had!
A well-known place by various societies across the University. Kashish is one of the best curry houses in Lancaster, located just outside of the city centre.
Whether you’re brave enough for a vindaloo (I’ve heard it’ll make you cry) or you’re more into your korma, you can’t go wrong.
Kashish is great for group society meals as you’re allowed to bring your own alcohol. This, done responsibly, can result in a great pre-Sugarhouse meal where you don’t spend half your student loan on drinks.
I’m a bit of a wuss so I stick with the korma, vegetable biryani and saag aloo. The Naan breads are also amazing- bigger than the size of your head!
Tucked away above the oriental supermarket on Common Garden Street, Full House is a true hidden gem.
The staff are lovely and even once told me which animal year I was born in - the year of the Ox (one month off being Tiger - so close).
I love all the small decorations around the restaurant symbolising different parts of Chinese culture. The menu has nearly 200 options for lunch and dinner spanning Malaysian and Chinese cuisine.
My usual is the spring rolls, Full House Special Chow Mein and Passion fruit red tea with coconut jelly (sounds/looks unusual but is delicious!).
Calling all sweet-tooths! Wallings is (unofficially) the no.1 ice cream provider in Lancaster, selling the good stuff in Alexandra Square on campus in summer and their HQ near Garstang all year round.
At their parlour, they serve waffles, pancakes, puddings, sundaes, cakes and over 40 flavours of ice cream! I love the butter toffee and strawberries and cream flavours, but if you’re looking for something more adventurous and seasonal, then give the Christmas Pudding or Bonfire Toffee flavours a try!
There’s also an alpaca farm next door which is always fun to visit. Note, do not attempt to sit on the model cow at the entrance, it’s not as stable as it looks- I learned the hard way.
There are lots of places to find food on campus too!
Find out where to Eat on Campus
