Three years, sometimes five, sometimes more. Short nights, sacrificed weekends, moments of doubt and moments of euphoria. A defense that lasts for hours and goes by in a few minutes.
And then it's time for the snacks.
Too often, this moment is reduced to a cold buffet on a formica table in a university hallway, between two slamming doors. It's a shame. You deserve better. And above all, your loved ones who have supported you all these years deserve better.
Salt & Pepper welcomes your thesis defense reception in an unusual and warm setting, right in the center of Dijon, a stone's throw from Place de la République. Our historic building, a former 17th-century workshop entirely renovated, offers a radical change from the university atmosphere. Your guests will have a memorable time, and you'll be free for thank-yous and photos.
Our chef cooks on-site with fresh ingredients. Lunch buffet, cocktail reception, gourmet platters, savory and sweet bites: we adapt the format to your schedule and budget. To add a personal touch, we can even include a cooking or pastry workshop as an activity.
The advantage: you entrust us with the organization, we take care of everything. You enjoy time with your family, friends, thesis advisor, and lab, without running around for bottles of water and paper towels.
You've just become a doctor. Enjoy the moment.
The space is very welcoming. You can arrange the space as you see fit, everything is done so that you feel very comfortable. Ideal place, perfect location and we ate very well. I will return without hesitation!
From 15 to 100 people, standing or seated, intimate or festive.
A stone's throw from Place de la République, accessible by tram for all your guests.
Bites, platters, cocktail dinner: nothing industrial, everything prepared on-site.
Modular space for 20 to 100 guests in a standing cocktail format, right in the city center
The thesis pot on the university hallway is the most practical version, but clearly the least impressive.
Impersonal room, formica table, plastic cups, a corridor neighbor passing by during the thank yous, and the constant worry about the quantity of appetizers. You've worked for three years or more, your loved ones really want to celebrate with you, and it all feels like a buffet is being tolerated rather than organized.
Leaving college changes everything. Your guests are happy to come to a real venue. The atmosphere shifts from formal to cozy. The photos are better. And most importantly, you have a clear memory of the moment, not just a vague feeling of relief.
Salt & Pepper is a 15-minute tram ride from campus, so there are no complicated logistics for your university guests.
From 20 to 100 guests in a standing cocktail format in the Event Room.
The classic thesis defense reception typically involves 50 to 70 people: close family, friends, lab colleagues, supervisors, jury members, and sometimes a few students.
For more intimate gatherings (under 30 guests), we adapt with another cozier space like the Creative Lounge.
For larger events with over 100 guests, we consider each case individually, with full privatization of the venue and the use of multiple spaces to manage guest flow.
Our chef cooks on-site with fresh produce. Several set menus are available depending on the time of day and the desired atmosphere.
Appetizer cocktail (most common in the late afternoon): savory and sweet finger foods passed around, Burgundy charcuterie and cheese boards, gourmet appetizers. Light format, ideal for a 1 to 2-hour reception.
Buffet lunch (if the defense is in the morning and the reception replaces lunch): more substantial items, a formula that is filling while maintaining a convivial atmosphere.
For drinks: Crémant de Bourgogne, regional wines selected by our sommelier, fruit juices, sodas, house-infused flavored waters. Champagne as an option.
Our coordinator will finalize quantities and the menu during the briefing, based on your number of guests and your budget.
Yes, and that's what transforms a classic pot into a truly memorable moment.
Cooking or pastry workshop: we can include a live demonstration by our chef in front of your guests, with immediate tasting. A fun format that livens up the reception and gives guests something to talk about.
Burgundy wine tasting: a sommelier comments on a selection of local wines, a format perfectly suited to the spirit of "pot" (informal gathering) and regional tradition.
Live griddling or ham carving: an animation that works very well for lunch buffets.
For theses on specific scientific topics, we can also imagine a custom thematic animation (molecular gastronomy, culinary science challenge). Our coordinator will discuss this with you during the brief.
Let's create your event together!
To better understand your needs and the stakes of your event, we would like to know a little more.
This information will allow us to contact you again and send you a tailored proposal.
Would you prefer to call us?
No problem, our team is available Monday through Friday.
gold 03 73 27 54 62
SPECIAL OFFER MONDAYS – Welcome coffee is offered on Mondays for any event bookings, room rentals, etc.
