Established in 2010

Good Cuisine,
Good Wine,
Good Company

Welcome to Gourmet Gatherings — a long-standing men's luncheon club in Poole and Bournemouth, bringing together gentlemen who appreciate excellent food, fine wine and, above all, good company.

Discover The Gatherings

Gourmet Gatherings

Good Cuisine, Good Wine, Good Company.

Founded by Geoff James in 2010 to highlight his passion for culinary delights and wines to match, Gourmet Gatherings now flourishes under the care of Clare James who proudly carries on her late Husband’s tradition of bringing together friends and like minded gentlemen for relaxed and enjoyable lunches in some of Poole and Bournemouth's finest restaurants.

St Tropez Lounge, Poole
The Guildhall Tavern, Poole
Outlaw House, Canford Cliffs

THE GATHERINGS

A Lunch Worth Looking Forward To

Gourmet Gatherings men's lunch and social club in Poole meets approximately eight times a year, usually on a Friday lunchtime. Guests arrive from midday, with lunch served at around 12.30pm. Each gathering is an opportunity for gentlemen to socialise while enjoying an excellent three-course meal, carefully accompanied by a selection of wines chosen to complement the occasion.

There is no membership fee and no formal guest-speaker programme.

Good Cuisine, Good Wine & Good Company

View the next gathering

Men’s social club Poole, for fine dining and excellent company

Men’s luncheon club Poole, with delicious food

FOOD & WINE

Carefully Chosen. Generously Served.

Food is at the heart of every Gourmet Gathering.

A menu is selected and circulated approximately one month before each event and gentlemen are required to book and make their menu choices a week in advance of the lunches. Guests then look forward to the dishes that await them.

Clare takes particular pleasure in sourcing the wines for each gathering, selecting bottles that complement the menu and enhance the dining experience.

Wine tasting notes are provided, and there is always a generous amount available to enjoy.

Because at Gourmet Gatherings, the wine is every bit as important as the food.

OUR VENUES

Gourmet Gatherings currently enjoys lunches at a selection of established venues in Poole, Bournemouth and local areas

Outlaw House, Canford Cliffs

A coastal brasserie, bar and rooms in Canford Cliffs, honest food, proper hospitality, and a team that genuinely wants you here.

Gentleman's lunch club at Poole's Guildhall Tavern

The Guildhall Tavern — Poole

A well-established destination offering an enjoyable setting for a Gourmet Gathering.

Men’s social club in Poole, dining at Tropez Lounge, near Poole Quay

St Tropez Lounge — Poole

Another favourite venue for the group's Friday lunches.

OUR STORY

From One Man's Passion to a Lasting Tradition

Gourmet Gatherings began in 2010 when Geoff James brought together his love of food, wine and good company.

What started with a simple idea has developed into a continuing tradition.

Following Geoff's passing, Clare has taken great pleasure in keeping Gourmet Gatherings alive — preserving the spirit of the original gatherings while continuing to introduce wonderful food, interesting wines and enjoyable venues.

The emphasis remains exactly where Geoff intended it to be:

Good company and cuisine to match.

Geoff James (Founder)

About Gourmet Gatherings Poole and Bournemouth

THE NEXT GATHERING

Interested in Joining a Gentleman’s Lunch Club in Poole and Bournemouth?

Our lunch and social gatherings take place approximately eight times a year, generally on a Friday lunchtime. For information about upcoming dates, venues and menus, please get in touch.

04 DEC 2026

Friday 04 December 2026 St Tropez Lounge View PDF

29 JAN 2027

Friday 29 January 2027 Outlaw House Canford Cliffs

ENQUIRE ABOUT THE NEXT GATHERING