The 'Trough of Bowland', the first (and finest) bar on campus, run by our licensee, Ian Thomson, offers a wide range of beers, spirits and wine. Together with the adjacent Junior Common Room, the bar is the social centre of the College, well used by Junior and Senior members. Ian works closely with the JCR and SCR in planning and providing the many social events which have made the Trough so famous throughout the university.

However... that's the old Trough, which closed on 2 April for refurbishment and a grand re-opening in September.

The new bar will be in the same area but with greatly improved features: longer bar, more seating, bigger and better toilet facilities (relocated to the former games area). But we will still retain the old pub theme and atmosphere and made the Trough so special. We'll have wooden flooring, comfortable booths, varied and relaxing seating and, of course, real ale.

The JCR will be refurbished at the same time and themed to harmonise with the feel of the bar. The biggest change will be the incorporation of the pool and darts area into the main JCR area and easier access to toilets. The architect's plan of the new-look bar and JCR can be found here.

Our Alcohol Licence requires that the bar, the JCR, Pool Room and the quad are the only areas of Bowland College licensed for the sale of alcohol. The Licence is an ordinary open licence with the restriction that "Members of the University, their guests, and those attending conferences and meetings only may be served". Your guests are welcome, but should be introduced to the Licensee by you.
Drinks bought in the bar may be taken only to the JCR or the SCR. Drinks purchased elsewhere (e.g. a supermarket) must not be brought onto our licensed premises.

Needless to say, all members of the University are expected to conduct themselves in a civil and courteous manner on licensed premises.