St Edmund's Dining Club
A taste of what’s to come
Join us for a unique dining experience
St Edmund’s Dining Club offers you exciting, one-off dining experiences in Suffolk; these may vary between intimate dinner parties of a dozen or so to bigger soirées for up to 50 guests. Events are hosted by local residents with a flair for entertaining and a passion for really good food.
The dining club is run by the Fundraising Team at St Nicholas Hospice Care. The price of each event is determined by the host, with all proceeds going to the Hospice. The Hospice’s Fundraising Team currently has to raise more than £6m a year to ensure that all clinical and bereavement services are delivered free. Last year, we cared for more than 2,000 people living with a long-term or life-threatening illness in West Suffolk and Thetford.
Would you like to host an event?
Anything from an intimate dinner party for eight people to a picnic for 50 in the garden, we are looking for hosts that share a passion for the work of the Hospice and really good food.
We can offer you support with organising and delivering your event if necessary. If you are a chef, local venue or supplier we will happily promote you and your business to discerning St Edmund’s Dining Club members in exchange for your time and resource.
Please get in touch by emailing stedmundsdiningclub@stnh.org.uk.
Your exclusive St Edmund's Dining Club events
Picnic in the Clouds at St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Dine atop the 160ft tower that has changed the skyline of Bury St Edmunds forever. Enjoy a 30 minute whistle stop tour of the Cathedral before ascending the 202 steps to the top, where you will be greeted by breathtaking views of the town and beyond. By this time, you will have worked up an appetite for Pilgrim’s Kitchen’s glorious summer picnic; think sparkling wine, dressed salmon, salads and lashings of strawberries and cream.
Date: Thursday 22 June
Cost: £65pp
A Taste of China: Lunch with Patrick Chung
Ex-mayor and former Bury St Edmunds restauranteur Patrick Chung will cook you some of his best dishes from his much missed Canton Restaurant which closed in 2012. The banquet will include Patrick’s classic mixed hors d’oeuvre, crispy peking duck, a variety of tasty main courses and banana fritters. This one-off lunch will be held in a stunning, Nordic-inspired modern home off the main street in Long Melford.
Date: Thursday 6 July
Cost: £65pp
Lunch by the Lake at Lavenham Hall
An alfresco summer lunch by outstanding local chef Nicky Swinburn in the delightful gardens of this stunning 16th century Hall, accompanied by soulful jazz. Owned by acclaimed sculptress Kate Denton and her husband Anthony, the five-acre garden is built around the ruins of the original ecclesiastical buildings adjacent to Lavenham church. There are nearly 40 works of art on show that Kate has lovingly sculpted in her on-site studio. You are welcome to take a peek after lunch.
Date: Wednesday 13 September
Cost: £65pp
Celebrating Autumn in Hawkedon
A four-course dinner in a 16th Century Farmhouse to celebrate the end of Summer and start of Autumn. You will be welcomed with champagne and canapés followed by a four course seasonally-led dinner. Fabulous fine wines will be served to complement the menu with coffee and petit fours to finish.
This event has now sold out.
Best of Suffolk Lunch
A very special lunch hosted by former High Sheriff of Suffolk and food champion, William Kendall and catered by renowned local chef Peter Harrison. This celebration of Suffolk produce will take place at the new and ultra exclusive Retreat East, a private members spa and country club in the east of the county. Expect seasonal cooking from a chef that draws his inspiration from the Suffolk countryside.
Date: Thursday 5 October
Cost: £65pp