Members are more than welcome to stay at Oak House for lunch whilst using our space – we offer a fully fitted kitchen complete with microwave and fridges. There are those occasions when a short break and a bit of fresh air is just what you need to break up your day. Here are some of our favourite places to pop out to when we need to grab some lunch, let off some steam or simply relax.
Relax on the farm
Bennetts Willow Barn is a brand new farm cafe and rustic events venue on a working dairy farm on the edge of St John’s. Bennetts is well-known for its range of ice-creams which are available from the farm cafe alongside milkshakes, light lunches, hot drinks and cakes.
Prefer a cosy cafe?
There’s a wide choice of cafes within walking distance of Oak House, including the Brunch Box. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Dolce Desserts where you can enjoy the latest desserts or go back in time with an ‘old skool special’, such as concrete cake and custard.
Blow off steam
Take a very short walk across the Everoak Industrial Estate to the newly-refurbished Worcester Bowl. Enjoy ten pin bowling, mini golf or a range of arcade games while indulging in food and drinks, including alcoholic options.
Take it away
Dominos in St John’s often has lunchtime specials. If you fancy a ‘fish & chip Friday’, you can walk to St John’s Fish Bar in ten minutes or pop into the centre of St John’s to visit the Bull Ring Chippy. Also in central St John’s is Narraways Butchers which sells hot meat rolls and pies (ideal for consumption at Cripplegate Park, a five-minute walk away).
Park your worries
There are three parks on this side of the river. Sanctuary Park is the closest. It will soon be turned into Meco Memorial Park (not many bombs were dropped on Worcester in the war, but Meco, next door to Oak House, endured a raid). Closer to the river is Cripplegate Park, which has tennis courts and bowling. Alongside the river is Riverside Park which includes the swan sanctuary and Diglis Island.
Swing or swim
If you’re having a stressful day, you can always take it out on a golf ball. There are two golf driving ranges within a short drive. Worcester Golf Range is at Lower Wick. A little further away is Bransford Golf Club, which offers a golf range as well as an 18-hole Florida-style course. On the same estate as Worcester Golf Range is Lower Wick Swimming Pool where you can take a refreshing dip. Once you’ve burned some calories, why not pop into Guilt Trip on Weir Lane for donuts, toasties and coffee?
Give yourself a treat
Looking to pamper yourself? St John’s has a wide range of hairdressers, barbers and beauty salons. We’ve heard great things about Beauty by Tabitha in the centre of St John’s and Tanned Up.
Get back to nature
A five-minute drive from Oak House is The Fold, a cafe, community farm, therapy centre, studio space and farm shop. On sunnier days, you can take a nature trail and watch brave visitors swimming in the river. Just off the same road is Roots Farm Shop. Closer to home is Laugherne Brook Nature Reserve. Alternatively, you can head into Hallow to Bonnie’s Tea Room at Wildgoose Rural Training Visitor Centre and Wildlife Reserve.
Pubs in St John’s
Central St John’s has a number of pubs. Closer to the river, next to Cripplegate Park, is Hickory’s Smokehouse which offers authentic Southern hospitality and a range of outdoor dining huts. Further up towards Hallow is the Wheatsheaf Inn whose outdoor terrace overlooks the River Severn.
On the Malvern side of St John’s is Ego at Manor Farm, where you can find freshly cooked Mediterranean food, cocktails and real ale. Our Director, Jen, comments, “My preferred lunchtime break destination in St John’s would have to be Ego – I’ve taken many suppliers and guests here over the years and the food never fails to disappoint! The happy hour cocktails after work can be recommended too.”
If you fancy winding down after work, there’s no better place than the Bull Baiters, a small bar housed in a medieval building. Full of ambiance and with an ever changing selection of beers, the Bull Baiters offers both internal seating and a large beer garden complete with garden games.
If all else fails there’s always the Sainsbury’s in St John’s! Not only can you grab your essentials, but it’s also your closest Amazon locker and cash point.
We hope you find these recommendations helpful for your lunchtime adventures!