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!
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 | Top-tier venue – premium menu | £50 |
| ♥️ Hearts | Mid-range lunch venue | £45 |
| ♦️ Diamonds | Great value & good food | £40 |
🧾 How to Pay
Once you’ve chosen your tier, please pay using one of the following methods and then confirm by email – see below.
✅ 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.
THE ORGANISERS
“Bridge is the most entertaining and intelligent card game the wit of man has so far devised.”
– W. Somerset Maugham
