Our Community Lunches
Pull Up a Chair: Our Community Lunches
We believe that good food has the power to break down barriers, start conversations, and bring people together.
In a crazy world where social isolation is getting worse every day, Foodie Book Club CIC is creating a warm, welcoming space right here in County Durham where absolutely everyone has a seat at the table.
Our community lunches are so much more than just a hot meal. They’re a lively, friendly space designed to lift your spirits, connect you with your neighbours, and make sure nobody in our community has to feel alone. Whether you are a lifelong local, new to the area, coming with friends, or stepping out on your own—there is a place saved just for you.
Why These Lunches Matter: Tackling Isolation Head-On
Isolation is a quiet problem, but it has a massive impact on our emotional well-being. It’s easy to feel disconnected in a crazy world, but our community lunches are designed to change that, one conversation at a time.
Here is how pulling up a chair with us makes a real difference:
A Reason to Get Out: When you're feeling isolated, the hardest part is often just taking that first step out of the house. Our lunches give you a welcoming, pressure-free destination to look forward to.
Real, Human Connection: Scrolling on a phone isn't the same as sitting across from someone sharing a laugh. We create a space for genuine face-to-face chats that lift your spirits and remind you that you belong.
A Built-In Support Network: You aren't just coming for a meal; you're joining a community. The familiar faces you meet at our tables often become the friends you bump into at the local shops or wave to down the street.
Laughter is the Best Medicine: Between the shared stories, the fun games of bingo, and the excitement of the raffle, our afternoons are full of joy. It’s amazing how a few hours of fun and laughter can completely reset your week and ease the heavy feeling of loneliness.
How It Works
If you’ve never been to one of our lunches before, stepping through the door can feel a bit daunting. We get it! Here is exactly what to expect from start to finish:
Step 1: Save your seat. Because we like to keep things cosy and conversational, spaces are limited. You just let us know you’re coming so we can accommodate your dietary requirements and know how many seats to get out. Contact fbc.enquiries@outlook.com for more info’ on how to do this.
Step 2: Arrive to a warm welcome. You don't need to worry about walking into a room full of strangers. Our friendly volunteer hosts will meet you at the door, show you where to hang your coat, and introduce you to some lovely people right away.
Step 3: Pull up a chair. We don't do assigned seating, but we make sure everyone finds a comfortable spot. We chat, we laugh, and we talk about everything from our favourite recipes and books to what's happening in the local area.
Step 4: Feast and chat. We serve up a delicious, hearty main course followed by a sweet treat, alongside plenty of tea and coffee. Everything is prepared fresh, with all dietary needs looked after (as far as we’re able).
Step 5: Fun, games, and prizes! Once the plates are cleared, the real fun starts with a few fun games of bingo and running a raffle before we head home.
Meeting new people
Upcoming Lunches
We hold our lunches regularly in Wolsingham County Durham. Come along to our next gathering:
When: Saturday 26th September 2026. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Saturday 24th October 2026. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Saturday 19th December 2026. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Where: Wolsingham Town Hall (Above the library)
How: All places must be booked in advance by email: fbc.enquiries@outlook.com
Cost: Completely Free (cost to purchase bingo tickets and raffle tickets) on the day)
Book your seat
Book your seat, so we can accommodate your dietary requirements and know how many seats to get out.
Because we cook everything fresh and want to make sure the room is set up perfectly for everyone, we just need a heads-up that you're coming.
Let us know you're joining us by f dropping us an email at fbc.enquiries@outlook.com, . Don't forget to let us know if you have any allergies or dietary needs!
Want to Get Involved?
Volunteer With Us
Love cooking, baking, or just chatting with people? We are always looking for friendly volunteers to help us chop veggies, set tables, or welcome our guests.
Donate to the Pot
We are a not-for-profit doing our best to look after our community’s emotional well-being.
While our lunches are completely free for anyone who needs them, if you are able to buy a raffle ticket or chip in a few pounds, your donations directly fund a meal for someone facing isolation.
Enjoying a game of bingo
