The monthly get-togethers which start on Monday February 9th will offer good company and good food – everything from small bites such as soup and homemade bread to main courses such as the Ox’s famous fish and chips, and a special two course menu – in an effort to help combat loneliness in rural areas.
Owner Michael Ibbotson’s good Yorkshire welcome and his family’s communal attitude to mealtimes mean he has always placed a convivial ‘pull-up another chair approach’ at the heart of his pub. With an increasing number of village shops and community facilities closing, he feels rural communities are increasingly relying on their pubs for community cohesion.
“Eating is such a social practice and has a crucial impact upon physical, social and mental health,” says Michael. “We hope our lunches will be a doorstep to friendship for people who might not otherwise have the chance to get out and meet one another.
I am sure everyone knows of a friend or a neighbour who might not have had a great Christmas, or spends a lot of time on their own without many visitors, or may struggle to get out. If you know of anyone in such a situation, perhaps you might like to invite them to the first, of what we hope, will be a monthly event held at The Durham Ox.”
The Durham Ox’s Friendship Lunch will be proudly supported by the Yorkshire Post. The regional paper launched its own awareness campaign to end loneliness last year and The Durham Ox is delighted to have its endorsement.
The ‘Keep in Touch’ menu for the Friendship Lunches will range from small bites at £4.50 to main courses at £7.95 or treat yourself to a two course special menu for £10.00.
The Durham Ox is based at Crayke, York, YO61 4TE, Tel: 01347 821506, Email: [email protected]