It’s that time of year again… that time where we are bombarded with┬ásocieties┬áand teams trying to win┬áus over. Here is what Cardiff uni can offer in the way of translating your food and drink passions into a social scene.
Joining a society is one of the best ways to make friends and meet new people at university, so what more could you ask for than a society that actively encourages you to eat, bake and drink with like-minded people? With this in mind, hereÔÇÖs a rundown of the various food and drink related societies available to join this year.
Baking Society 
In the wake of the huge success of ÔÇÿThe Great British Bake OffÔÇÖ, baking has become socially acceptable for the under 70s again ÔÇô something I could not be happier about! If you love knocking up (and eating) a Victoria sponge as much as I do, the baking society is a great option for you. The society meets every two weeks in the Student Union between 7pm and 9pm with a previously announced theme of the week, for example chocolate or citrus. You present your bake, try other peopleÔÇÖs delicious creations and eventually vote for the baker of the week. Not only do you get the opportunity to indulge in as much cake as you can eat, but itÔÇÖs a great way to pick up new techniques and recipes from people who love baking as much as you do. A cherry on top of the cake for this yearÔÇÖs members is 10% discount in Emma JaneÔÇÖs Cupcakes on Crwys Road as well as lots of other cake related events and socials.
Tea Society 
The Tea Society is a fantastic society if you love everything tea related; from herbal and fruit tea to white with four sugars, thereÔÇÖs something for everyone to try. Tea tastings are the most popular event and these are usually held on Wednesday afternoons or Saturdays in the Student Union, alongside which there are homemade cakes and board games to enjoy whilst meeting new friends. They often hold fancy dress events including the Halloween party which is held in collaboration with the Anim├® and Gaming society. In the spring semester, a trip to Bath to the various tea rooms takes place and also an Alice in Wonderland themed tea party (fancy dress optional!). ┬áAlso, there are tea crawls around Cardiff and ceramic painting events where you can create personalised tea cups, mugs and plates. On top of all this members also receive discounts at Mad HatterÔÇÖs and WhittardÔÇÖs, a huge incentive for any tea-loving student!
Cooking Society 
The Cooking society aims, in its own words, ÔÇ£to bring all you foodies out there togetherÔÇØ.┬á Similar to the Baking Society if you love cooking this is a brilliant way to pick up new recipes, try new combinations of flavours whilst meeting new people with related interests. You donÔÇÖt have to be Jamie Oliver to sign up ÔÇô they also give the opportunity to join cooking lessons to expand your cooking abilities, so great for the amateurs amongst us. They run an annual trip to Cowbridge food festival in October as well as ÔÇÿCome Dine with MeÔÇÖ competitions, a ÔÇÿGreat British Bake OffÔÇÖ competition, food quizzes and a progression supper.┬á As if all of this wasnÔÇÖt enough, dependant on numbers, a two day trip to London and Paris is available to explore the culinary delights of two of the worldÔÇÖs food capitals. This society is a fun way to meet friends, gain knowledge of cooking and most importantly eat tasty food!
Real Ale and Cider Society 
The Real Ale and Cider society won the Best Big Event of the year last year at the Societies Ball for the annual festival that takes place in the Great Hall. The event is a great chance to enjoy a pint of your favourite ale or cider or equally to try new varieties. This society isnÔÇÖt just for confirmed lovers of ale and cider but wine, mead, and other traditional drinks alike. Socials are often held at local pubs where you can try different ales and ciders and – again -meet new people. Local brewery tours are organised so you can learn about how such drinks are made, and then enjoy drinking them. Beer festivals and trips to further afield pubs are also frequent, not to mention pub lunches and live music nights due to close ties with local businesses. The perfect society for people who love their ale and cider and enjoying a pint with friends.
So, whether youÔÇÖre an avid baker, a tea addict, a master chef, a lover of the local tipple (or simply want to try something different with new people) the food and drink societies at Cardiff University have something for everyone to enjoy. Go along and meet friends, gain new experiences and most importantly eat or drink something scrumptious!