Book Club Oxfordshire | Sex in the Country: Rivals Supper Club
We are delighted to announce our Book Club Supper on the 25th September at The Lion in Wendlebury!
Have you loved watching Rivals? With the second series back on our screens, our first Sex in the Country book club event simply had to take us to Rutshire. Join us at The Lion in Oxfordshire for an intimate supper inspired by Jilly Cooper’s gloriously glamorous world of sex, scandal, rivalry and Eighties excess.
Expect good food, Prosecco, brilliant company and a few properly indiscreet conversations, and don’t forget your jodhpurs—or your shoulder pads.
JOIN US FOR A VERY DIFFERENT KIND OF BOOK CLUB
Forget the polite literary circle. This is a glamorous girls’ night out in the heart of the shires, with dinner, drinks and a lively conversation about the characters, clothes, relationships and outrageous behaviour that make Rivals so irresistible.
Whether you’ve devoured the novel, watched the series, or discovered both for the first time, you’ll be very welcome. All you need is enthusiasm, a sense of humour and a willingness to embrace your inner Rutshire resident.
A PRIVATE RIVALS SUPPER
Settle in for an evening meal at The Lion, with Prosecco on arrival and plenty to debate over dinner. Including the question that really matters: Are you a Rupert or a Declan girl? Choose your side before supper. Defending your choice over dessert is strongly encouraged.
YOU SIMPLY MUST DRESS UP
We’re going full Rutshire. Commitment is part of the fun. So will you go for horsey attire: Jodhpurs, riding boots, silk scarves, fitted jackets, tweed and immaculate country attire. or Eighties Excess: Shoulder pads, sequins, big hair, statement jewels, power dressing and—if you dare—unapologetic leopard print.
Whether you’re heading for the polo field or the Corinium boardroom, make an entrance!
WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT?
Rupert or Declan?
Heart-throb, hero, heartache—or a dangerous combination of all three?
Love, lust or loyalty?
The relationships we rooted for, the betrayals we never recovered from and the characters who deserved better.
Power and rivalry
Ambition, influence and what happens when status becomes a competitive sport.
The Eighties
The glamour, music, clothes, houses, parties and television world—and just how much has changed.
The enduring joy of Jilly Cooper
Why her stories remain so funny, sharp, sexy and impossible to resist.
MAKE A NIGHT OF IT
Why go home when you can stay in Rutshire? Overnight accommodation is available at The Lion, so you can extend the evening without worrying about the journey home. Rooms are limited and subject to availability, so get in touch with us if you’d like us to reserve you a room.
YOUR EVENING INCLUDES
A private table at The Lion
A set evening meal
Prosecco on arrival
Our Rivals-inspired book club discussion
Special themed details
Compulsory dressing up
A proper girls’ night out
Overnight accommodation is available separately.
Our first Sex in the Country book club is a private, limited-capacity launch evening exclusively for The School Mum Edit community and their friends.
Venue: The Lion, Wendlebury, Oxfordshire
Date: 25th September 2026
Time: 7:30-9
Ticket price: £45
If you’d like to join us book now or get in touch for more information; spaces are limited.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to have read the book?
Not at all. You can come having read the novel, watched the television series, or enjoyed both. Long-standing Jilly Cooper fans and new Rivals converts are equally welcome.
Do I need to dress up?
Absolutely. Dressing up is part of the evening. Choose equestrian or polo chic, full Eighties glamour, or a fabulous combination of both.
Can I come on my own?
Of course. The evening is designed to be friendly and sociable, so you can come alone, with a friend or as part of a group..
What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes the set evening meal, Prosecco on arrival, private dining, the Rivals discussion and special themed details.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements when booking, and we will liaise with The Lion.
Is overnight accommodation included?
No. Rooms at The Lion can be booked separately, subject to availability. Let us know if you’d like to book a room and we can organise this for you.
Where is the event being held?
The evening will take place at The Lion in Wendlebury, Oxfordshire. Full address, timings and arrival information will be included with your booking confirmation.
Will places be limited?
Yes. This is an intimate supper with a max of 10 people, so numbers will be strictly limited. Overnight accommodation is limited too and should be reserved early.
What should I bring?
Strong opinions, a sense of humour and your best Rutshire look. Jodhpurs, shoulder pads and unapologetic glamour are all encouraged!
BOOK NOW or get in touch for more information,
Laura & Carly x