Cafe Bridge Bridport – our 2025 plans

WE’RE BACK!

This will be our third year running Cafe Bridge in Bridport, and we can’t wait to welcome you again. The event will take place on Sunday 16th November 2025.

Last year we hosted an incredible 160 players, making it the largest EBU club pairs event outside London — a record breaker!

August 7th Update: This year we’ve had bookings rolling in – if you want to play, please get in touch swiftly).

If you’re not sure what Cafe Bridge is, click here to visit Victor Lesk’s Brianbridge site. He explains it all beautifully and lists other events happening around the country. It’s really taking off — because it’s such fun.

🌳 Make a Weekend of It

We’ve chosen a Sunday again, so players can travel from further afield and enjoy the weekend in beautiful West Dorset. You might explore West Bay, Burton Bradstock, or Eype, take in the views from Golden Cap, or climb Colmer’s Hill, Eggardon, or Lewesdon. There’s always time for a good walk or a cosy café.

🪑 What to Expect

We’re aiming for similar numbers this year. Once again, the day will be run by bridge supremo Victor Lesk, who not only directed last year but also stepped in as a last-minute reserve!

We’re currently confirming venues with local cafés and restaurants, and we’ll be offering three entry levels based on lunch locations (see payment box below). All options include a full day of bridge and a proper lunch break with food and fun.

If you’re happy to be on standby as a reserve (called in if someone drops out), we’ll be offering a few free places. You’ll need to be flexible about your partner, but we’ll do our best to match skill levels.

💳 Prices and How to Pay

🎟️ Prices – Choose Your Tier

All options include a full day of bridge and a two-course sit-down lunch. Please select your preferred tier:

Tier	Description	Cost per person
♠️ Spades – SOLD OUT (7aug25) Send email before paying, just in case we can squeeze you in – or if we have you down to play but you haven’t yet paid.)	Top-tier venue – premium menu	£50
♥️ Hearts	Mid-range lunch venue	£45

Venues

Spades – 2 restaurants and 4 venues – £50 per head

The Bull Hotel will host the registration and prize-giving for Cafe Bridge. It is one of Bridport’s best-known venues, with a stylish setting and a focus on quality, locally sourced food. This year, they’re going the extra mile for Cafe Bridge by dedicating a separate kitchen just for our participants – so we’re expecting great things!

The Olive Tree is a much-loved Bridport restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal food and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. They serve a modern British menu with Mediterranean influences, using local ingredients wherever possible. Their crème brûlée last year was truly superb – we’re hoping that this signature dish makes a return to the menu this year!

Hearts – 3 venues – £45 per head

Beach & Barnicott has recently reopened under new management and we’re excited to include them in Cafe Bridge for the first time. Housed in one of Bridport’s most characterful buildings, they offer a warm welcome and a delicious-looking menu of freshly prepared pub classics.

The George is a friendly town-centre pub under new management, serving generous portions of good-quality pub food. They’re planning to include a roast lunch on the menu for this year’s Cafe Bridge event.

Aleksandria Chocolate Café is a charming spot known for its artisan chocolates and irresistible hot drinks. While they don’t usually serve lunch, this year they’re creating a special menu just for Cafe Bridge – and we’re working closely with them to make sure it hits the mark. And of course, there’ll be their incredible hot chocolate and handmade truffles available to buy, for those who fancy an indulgent treat!

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Once you’ve chosen your tier, please pay using one of the following methods and then confirm by email – see below. If you want to choose the Spades menu you might like to email first to check availability – it’s filling up fast.

🧾 How to Pay

✅ Option 1: Online Payment Link

Click here:
👉 settleup.starlingbank.com/juliahailes

Enter the correct amount (£40, £45 or £50)
Add your name and tier in the message box (e.g. Anne Taylor – Spades)
Follow the instructions to pay using your banking app

✅ Option 2: Bank Transfer (BACS)

Account Name: Julia Hailes
Sort Code: 60-83-71
Account Number: 75389695
Reference: Your name and tier (e.g. John Smith-Hearts – or just surname if it’s not a common one.

📩 Confirming Registration

Please email cafebridgebridport@gmail.com confirming:

Your full name
Your email address
Your phone number
Your tier
Your EBU number – if you have one.
Any dietary requirements (or say “None”)
Any walking difficulties you may have
Whether you are able & willing to score using Brian Bridge app – or not.
And the same details for anyone else you’ve paid for
Confirmation of payment method

🔁 If you’ve played before, you only need to update us with any changes to contact details.

💚 Charities We’re Supporting

As before, proceeds from the event will support two fantastic causes:

🧠 The Prout Bridge Project – Beaminster

A vital local charity supporting young people and families in rural Dorset. They provide mental health support, creative activities, counselling, mentoring, youth clubs, and help for those struggling with school, anxiety, or isolation. Their impact on the lives of local young people is both real and ongoing.

🐞 Buglife – Saving the Small Things that Run the Planet

Insect numbers have crashed by over 70% since the 1970s, with serious consequences for biodiversity, pollination, and food production. Buglife is the only UK charity devoted to protecting all invertebrates. They work nationally — including in Dorset — to restore habitats, campaign against harmful pesticides, and engage children in the natural world. We’ll be posting more about them soon.