My Unparalleled Experience of a Formal Dinner at a World Heritage Site 'Durham Castle'

Through decades of traveling , language study and adavanced study in the UK, the most stressful period was my MBA studies at Durham University Business School. In 2025, I returned for a three-day celebration of 60th anniversary of Ustinov College . The first event was a dinner at the World Heritage 'Durham Castle'. Although I had entered the castle for my graduation ceremony, this was my first time attending a dinner held there. While I love visiting famous castles around Europe, this was the only time I had the opportunity to attend a formal dinner inside one.

An Unparalleled Experience of a Dinner

at a World Heritage Site

Durham Castle, located in Durham, England, is completed in 1072. It is a Norman castle, formerly the residence of the Bishop of Durham, and has been used by Durham University College since 1837. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

British Etiquette Before the Dinner

     Before dinner began, there was a social time where everyone ordered drinks and chatted. British universities value interpersonal interaction and encourage students to socialise. Those who have received a British education should remember the afternoon tea arranged after class to foster social skills. Upon arriving at the castle, some of attendees already gathered in the courtyard, chatting and socialising. Many of them are current students who stayed at the university to write their dissertations. At this time, you could see the students who usually dress simply appearing in formal attire; men wore suits and bow ties, and women wore evening gowns. However, some of attendees disregarded the dress code and dressed casually. I suggest that if you could attend such events, try to comply with the organiser's dress code to avoid embarrassment.

Standing before the magnificent castle, I suddenly realised the profound connection I had with this 193-year-old university. Memories of my days buried in books, supporting each other with international students, flooded back, overwhelming me with emotion. After countless hardships, I graduated with my degree. This time, I traveled thousands of miles to return to my alma mater, finally able to stand before this World Heritage Site for a photo, creating an eternal memory of this return journey.

The Flow and Content of a Formal Dinner

The formal dinner held in the castle hall, Westerners typically use long tables, and the entire venue was decorated in red and white, with white candles in the candlesticks. The Europeans are accustomed to use white candles, there are no similar taboos as in Taiwan.

Formal dinners always have assigned seating, with name tags on the tables for attendees to take their seats. Therefore, after registering, you should confirm your reservation with the organiser to ensure there are no oversights. The meals are prepared according to each participant's pre-selected menu. On the day of the dinner, Ustinov College provided everyone with a blue bag having a mascot bear plush toy, a water bottle, badges, and other college souvenirs.

Before the dinner began, the college principal, Glenn McGregor, gave a speech.

Although my tablemates were all alumni from different years, we quickly bonded over our student experiences. This was the only time I felt so relaxed at Durham University; the time of hard work and study had shaped me into the strong person I am today.

The first course was fried meatballs.

My main course was steak; the meat was tender and juicy, and the sauce was delicious.

The dessert was simple and sweet, a perfect ending to the meal.

Time cannot be turned back;

cherish the connections and leave no regrets.

After the dinner, everyone was free to socialize. I wished my roommates and friends could be with me, so we could chat excitedly about our post-graduation developments and current situations without any pressure. But coming from different countries and going our separate ways, it seems unlikely we'll ever reunite.

I recalled my Russian flatmate had invited me to the formal dinner ten years ago, I had turned her down due to my heavy workload. That night, she invited an American student to join her. While I was concentrating on my homework in my room, I inadvertently saw a photo she posted of herself and the American student on a bridge with the castle in the background. My Russian flatmate was wearing a black gown, and the American student was in a white one. Sitting in front of my computer, I sadly asked myself why I had to study so hard, without even a moment to relax. This time I wore a red dress to attend formal dinner. Red paired with black and white, will surely make for a great photo. I hope that one day the three of us can reunite and make up for the lost time together.

So Grateful to Return to My Alma Mater

to Add a Precious Memory to My Life

After the banquet, as dusk fell, I took a photo in front of the Green Palace. I remembered taking a photo with other MBA classmates here when I just started my studies 11 years ago . Now we are all scattered in different countries. I thought to myself, how many times in life can one have the opportunity to return to alma mater, so far away overseas, to take part in an anniversary? I therefore wrote this article to share my experience and look forward to reuniting with my friends soon.

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