A Chelmsford lunch club is providing freshly cooked meals, friendship and a welcoming place to meet others five days a week – with everything from pork chops to fish and chips on the menu this week.
Age Concern Chelmsford runs its weekday Lunch Club from its centre at 17 Cottage Place in central Chelmsford, providing older people with the opportunity to enjoy a freshly prepared hot meal while spending time with others.
The club isn't simply about lunch.
Age Concern Chelmsford says tackling loneliness and social isolation is an important part of its work, with the Lunch Club providing a safe and welcoming environment where friendships can develop.
Guests can attend regularly or simply come along occasionally.
What's on the menu this week?
The menu for the week commencing Monday 26 October2026 is:
Monday – Sausage & Mash
Tuesday – Spanish Chicken
Wednesday – Pork Chops
Thursday – Steak & Kidney Pudding
Friday – Fish Pie
Meals are freshly prepared on site and served as part of a two-course lunch including a main meal and dessert.
How much does the Age Concern Chelmsford Lunch Club cost?
The current price is £8 for a two-course hot meal.
Age Concern Chelmsford says meals are prepared fresh on site in its five-star hygiene-rated kitchen.
Guests can pay on the day using cash or card, while there is also an option to pre-pay for a period by bank transfer.
Special celebration meals, such as those held at Christmas or Easter, may cost more where additional food, drinks or other extras are provided.
What time is the Lunch Club?
Lunch is served at 12 noon from Monday to Friday.
However, many guests arrive from around 10.30am, giving them time to enjoy a hot drink and conversation before sitting down for lunch.
There's no requirement to attend five days a week.
Guests can choose to come every weekday, once a week or simply from time to time depending on what suits them.
More than just lunch
The social side of the Lunch Club is particularly important.
Age Concern Chelmsford says many of the people it supports value the opportunity for company and conversation as much as the freshly cooked meal itself.
Activities are also occasionally arranged after lunch, including quizzes, talks and other entertainment, with no additional charge for these activities.
The charity also runs a wider programme from Cottage Place including seated exercise, chair yoga and other social activities, as well as occasional outings.
Can Age Concern Chelmsford cater for dietary requirements?
Some dietary preferences can be accommodated when Age Concern Chelmsford is advised in advance, including meat-free, fish and gluten-free requirements.
However, the charity operates from a single kitchen and cannot guarantee that food will be completely free from nuts or other specific allergens.
Anyone with a serious allergy should therefore discuss their requirements with Age Concern Chelmsford before dining.
Is the Lunch Club wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
The Cottage Place centre has been designed to support wheelchair users, with level surfaces, wide access, a lift and an accessible toilet on the same floor as the Lunch Club.
For people who may find getting into Chelmsford difficult, Age Concern Chelmsford also points guests towards Community360, which may be able to provide transport subject to availability.
There are nearby bus stops and public car parks, while limited off-street parking is available at the centre.
Who can attend?
The Lunch Club is intended to support older members of the Chelmsford community.
People attend for a variety of reasons. Some come with friends or relatives, while others attend specifically because they'd like to meet new people.
There's no pressure to take part in activities and no requirement to commit to regular attendance.
Age Concern Chelmsford says the aim is to provide a relaxed environment where people can enjoy a meal, conversation and company while helping them remain active and independent.
How to book Age Concern Chelmsford Lunch Club
The Lunch Club is held at:
Age Concern Chelmsford
17 Cottage Place
Chelmsford
CM1 1NL
Lunch: 12 noon, Monday to Friday
Guests can arrive from: 10.30am
Two-course meal: £8
Places can be booked by contacting Age Concern Chelmsford.
Telephone: 01245 262589
Email: info@ageconcernchelmsford.org.uk
Age Concern Chelmsford Lunch Club – official website
Supporting older people in Chelmsford
Age Concern Chelmsford has operated from its own premises since the 1960s and provides a range of services designed to help older people remain active and connected with their community.
Alongside its weekday lunches, the charity runs activities and special events throughout the year.
For someone living alone, the value of the Lunch Club can therefore extend well beyond having a hot meal.
It provides somewhere to go, people to talk to and an opportunity to make new friendships – with a freshly cooked lunch thrown in too.
And this week's choice isn't bad either: pork chops, Shepherd's pie, fish and chips, roast beef and sausage casserole.
Last updated: 26 October 2026