Lunchbox café is our monthly community lunchtime café. It’s held on the 2nd Wednesday each month (except August) at Alphington Village Hall (next to the pharmacy and an ‘A’ bus stop).

It is well known that having a meal with friends and opportunity for company and conversation is beneficial to all, particularly those who live alone. Many come with a friend but others come and soon make friends. All ages are welcome. We open at 11.50, serve from noon until 1.15pm. We also offer a Tombola.

We offer a freshly cooked, seasonal meal with up to 3 courses. Lunch is planned, prepared and served by a team of friendly volunteers. We have recently had our 5* status for Food and Hygiene inspection renewed. 3 leaders have also renewed their Level 2 expertise at the Training Day run by Exeter City Council.

Our varied menu includes a vegetarian soup served with a roll and butter, followed by Cottage pie, Sausages and Mash or a casserole or pie all served with seasonal vegetables. Smoked mackerel or salmon and prawn and egg salads or quiche are served in the warmer months. Jacket potatoes served with cheese, beans or tuna and a side salad are available too. Desserts generally include fruit crumbles and custard or individual fruit sponges, lemon meringue pie, chocolate crunch or fresh fruit salad.

The menu is always published in ‘Alphington Life’ – our Church magazine available in Church, Alphington’s Spar and Alphington Post Office and on the notice boards of both the Village Hall and Community Centre. One course is £3, any 2 courses are £4.50 and all 3 costs £6. All are accompanied by a complimentary tea or coffee. We will try and accommodate any dietary requirement if prior notice is given.

So please do consider joining us for a meal soon. Prior booking is not required except for our popular Christmas meal that is always sold out. Lunchbox has a Loyalty Scheme where a stamp per month is put on a card and anyone with 7 stamps by November has priority booking for this meal. If you have any questions, please do contact Gail Hayes on 254344 or via email on gailhayes@gmail.com

The pictures with this article are of some of the volunteer team and customers enjoying their Christmas meal.

Do come along  – meet old friends and make new friends as we munch our lunch!