Platform Bar

The Platform Bar operates as a non-profit entity, meaning its primary purpose is to serve the community rather than generate private profit.

Community Focus:

Our mission is to enhance university life for students and staff by offering an affordable and inclusive venue for socialising, networking and fostering creative expression.

Reinvestment of Surplus:

All profits are reinvested into student-focused projects and initiatives, such as our popular Beer Can Design Competition, which provides students with opportunities to showcase their creativity and engage with practical, real-world challenges.

Sustainability and Ethics:

We are committed to being as eco-friendly as possible, sourcing ethically sound products and using sustainable practices in everything we do.

Transparency and Accountability:

We operate with integrity, ensuring our resources are used responsibly and in alignment with the needs of the university community.

Community Culture:

From live music and staff DJ nights to art showcases, we actively contribute to a lively and diverse campus atmosphere that celebrates creativity and fosters connections.

By supporting our bar, you are helping to sustain student-driven projects, promote sustainability and create a thriving campus culture within our community.

The process

For events in the bar (team socials, exhibitions, zine launches etc.) please send a proposal to csmevents@csm.arts.ac.uk The proposal should be a brief description of what you have in mind as well as start/finish times, space requirements and expected attendees.

We do not do private or exclusive hire during term time and your event must work alongside the normal operations of the bar. The bar will always remain open to all.

It is possible to move bar furniture if this has been previously agreed with the Event Operations Manager.

Depending on the scale/details of the event we may need to refer you to CSM Events to discuss any additional costs such as security/cleaning.

Your booking

You can book an area in the bar for up to 50 guests. This will either be in ‘Library Corner’ on the right, or in the ‘Windows’ on the right.

If you have booked an area in the bar we require 1 weeks' notice and can only accept bookings up until 18:00 Monday-Thursday and 17:00 on a Friday. We cannot accept bookings for later time slots. Your booking will be confirmed subject to availability.

Bookings can be held for a max of 15 minutes after the allotted time. Then the table may be given away.

Drinks orders

If you would like to order drinks in advance for your booking/event at the bar you have the following options:

• Drinks tokens – max value of £5 and can be redeemed at the bar for any drink of that value or less. Orders must be placed at least 1 week in advance. You will only be charged for what is used during the event and excess tokens should be returned.
• Drinks pre order – orders should be made at least 2 weeks in advance. You may be charged an ancillaries fee depending on the size of the order.

To secure your order please send your token request or completed hospitality form to hospitality@csm.arts.ac.uk along with a valid budget code.

If you would like to collaborate with the Platform Bar on your next project, please do not hesitate to reach out. Here are some ideas to get you started!

Society social

Get your society together in the bar to celebrate your latest project or simply make new connections.

Pop-up exhibition

We are open to the public during term time form 4pm, so it’s the perfect location to showcase your latest idea, publication or design.

Long term installation

We are always on the hunt for designers looking to permanently activate the space. Whether it’s a textile hanging, a projection, or a print, we would love to see an injection of CSM personality.

This list is by no means exhaustive, if you’ve got an idea, please email hospitality@csm.arts.ac.uk and csmevents@csm.arts.ac.uk

What can we offer you?

• Your own area in the Platform bar, whether it’s in library corner, or over by the windows.
• The option to order drinks or drinks tokens from our fully stocked, sustainably minded bar.
• Promotion on our Instagram @platformbar_csm
• Depending on your proposal, we may even throw in a couple of our brand new CSM x Mondo Beer Cans!

Sustainability at the Platform Bar: Serving community and the planet

At the Platform Bar, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As a non-profit university bar, we are committed to making a positive impact on both our community and the environment. Our goal is to create a space where our community can thrive, whilst doing our bit for the planet.

Ethical and sustainable sourcing

We take pride in the products we serve and are constantly working to ensure that everything we source aligns with our sustainability values. To reduce our environmental footprint and minimise landfill impact, we have implemented a range of eco-conscious practices. Additionally, we strive to make our events as sustainable as possible by reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly decorations and practices.

Our sustainable partners

One of our standout products is our house spirits from Sapling. For every bottle sold, Sapling plants a tree, supporting reforestation efforts across the UK. Each bottle includes a unique code that allows our customers to trace exactly which tree was planted, its location, and details about the planting project. From fruit trees in London to hazelnut trees in Suffolk, these projects benefit local communities while contributing to a greener future.

Mondo Brewing Company

We proudly collaborate with Mondo Brewing Company, a London-based brewery that champions diversity and inclusion. Mondo works with Black and Minority Ethnic, LGBTQ+, female and disabled creatives on the art direction for their Progress Beer Series. This series celebrates the importance of inclusion in the beer industry and beyond, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.

Stonewall Gin

In support of the LGBTQ+ community, we stock Stonewall Gin. A portion of proceeds from each bottle goes toward supporting LGBTQ+ rights and initiatives. By choosing Stonewall Gin, we take an active stand in promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality within our community.

Reducing Waste

Our commitment to sustainability includes minimising waste. Key initiatives include:

• Eco-friendly packaging: We use compostable cups whenever glassware isn’t an option.
• Reusable alternatives: We provide reusable cups for daily use, reducing the need for disposable products.

Plants and Decor, Bringing Nature Indoors

At the Platform Bar, creating an inviting and sustainable environment goes beyond just the drinks we serve. We have integrated plants and eco-conscious decor to bring nature indoors, contributing to a greener, more vibrant atmosphere.

Even in our low-light environment, we have chosen a variety of plants that help purify the air, create a relaxing ambiance, and add natural beauty to our industrial architecture. Many of our plants are sustainably sourced, grown from staff donations, cuttings, and selected purchases.

Our decor also reflects our commitment to sustainability. By incorporating repurposed and upcycled materials, we have given new life to old items while reducing waste. For example, 2 of our shelving structures were originally ramps used in the Lethaby Gallery. These and other creatively repurposed objects enhance our unique space and even help improve its acoustics.

Always Improving

The Platform Bar is always seeking new ways to enhance our sustainability efforts. If you have ideas or suggestions, we would love to hear from you!