LUNCH GROUP

The aim of this Group is to provide an opportunity for members to meet and socialise in an informal, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, to get to know each other – and to have a good lunch. The Group will try out different restaurants and cuisines, based on members’ suggestions.

Number of Members – ca 15. There are no fixed rules on membership and attendance tends to fluctuate, but there is always a good turnout.

Meeting Dates: Usually, the first Monday of each month, though this may vary.

Contact Person – Beverley Birmingham – beverleyu3a@gmail.com     

or 07799413110

The Group continued its programme with an outing to The Bell Inn at Ducklington, where we had held our Christmas lunch a few months earlier. This was, of course, a much smaller group and the fare was simpler, but we received a warm welcome from the staff and we all enjoyed the opportunity for a proper chat.
 

The Group had its first outing of 2025 on 3rd February when eight members met at Sturdy’s Castle, on the Banbury Road from Kidlington. Some of us had never been there before, others remembered it as “the Spud Pub”, many years ago, when people came from far and wide to sample huge jacket potatoes with a range of fillings, which were then quite a novelty.  Some asked where the castle, after which the pub was named, had been situated.

An explanation can be found on a Website called “Dark Oxfordshire”, which states:    

“The name of the Sturdy's Castle public house may seem strange given the lack of a castle nearby, but it makes more sense once you learn the rather macabre local legend that inspired it. There has been an inn on this site since at least the 18th century. Originally it had the rather uninspiring name of 'the Hut', but was renamed in 1790, inspired by a local conflict.
The legend states that two men named Sturdy and Castle fought to the death close to this location. The reason for their conflict is lost to history, but it seems that a dispute over land was a likely cause for their disagreement.”

It goes on to say that whilst Mr Sturdy was the ultimate victor, killing Mr Castle outright, his celebrations were short-lived, as he was soon arrested for murder. It is said that he was hanged on the very spot where the pub now stands.

Source: ‘Curious Oxfordshire' by Roger Long (Sutton Publishing, 2008, ISBN: 9780750949576)

The pub is a modern, bright and comfortable place

On 10th October, the Group visited the Windrush Inn in Witney, which is a great place, with friendly and attentive staff and delicious food. We all enjoyed our lunch and most of us found the dessert menu irresistible.

The Group stated the 2024-25 season with lunch at The Fishes, North Hinksey on a lovely day in early September.
 

On 1^st July eleven members had lunch at the Café at Bampton Garden Plants, which we all agreed was a great choice. The food was plentiful and tasty, the staff were friendly and attentive, and – for anyone with gaps in their garden borders -  there was the opportunity for some serious shopping.
 

The Group started 2024 with a visit to The Maybush, which is situated in a beautiful spot by the river at Newbridge. The venue had been threatened with flooding during recent heavy downpours but, fortunately, the water had subsided in time for the visit. It is hoped to return during more clement weather, to see the place at its best.
 

 

Beverley is always on the look-out for interesting venues for meetings. The place chosen for our get-together on 2nd October certainly came within that category. The Old Flight House, Weston on the Green, is described as “an antiques, vintage and interior centre”. Behind a deceptively simple entrance there is room after room where unit owners display their wares. We found the café light and comfortable, the staff helpful and friendly, and the food delicious.

Lunch Meeting at the Greyhound, Besselsleigh