What started as a passion project has now become one of The Epping Club’s most popular and fastest-growing events. When the marketing team first introduced the concept of a Literary Lunch, the idea was simple – combine good food with a love of books. The inaugural event, held just 18 months ago, drew a crowd of 40 people – a success at the time.
Today, the bi-monthly series regularly welcomes more than 80 book lovers, filling the event space to capacity. The popularity has grown so rapidly that literary agents are now approaching The Epping Club, eager to secure spots for their authors on the program.
The Literary Lunches have already featured some of Australia’s most exciting literary voices. Petronella McGovern, acclaimed for her gripping psychological thrillers including The Liars and Six Minutes, has shared stories that unravel suburban secrets and keep readers hooked until the very last page. Candice Fox, a bestselling crime writer and co-author with James Patterson, brought her international success to the program, her books regularly hitting bestseller lists around the globe. Mark Smith, known for The Road to Winter trilogy, has captured audiences with young adult fiction exploring resilience, survival and identity. Jane Caro, a Walkley Award-winning writer, broadcaster and social commentator, has brought both fiction and non-fiction insights to the stage, tackling social and political issues with candour. Michael Brissenden, an award-winning journalist turned novelist, has also been featured, drawing on decades at the ABC to craft compelling political thrillers such as The List.
CEO Peter Saez commented “The format has been a resounding success and continues to grow, with regulars bringing their book-loving friends along. People are looking for opportunities to celebrate their passions with like-minded others, and the growth of this concept affirms exactly that.”
Marketing Manager Victoria Louis added “It’s been a great success for us as a business, not only attracting a new audience to the Club but showcasing our outstanding food to new guests and keeping the event spaces full in off-peak periods. My exceptional team have grown this into something special – people are asking about the next event before we’ve even announced the author.”
Dan Pilkington, literary agent and head of The Pilkington Agency representing some of the nation’s best writers, affirmed the success online. “The Epping Club team sure know how to do an excellent event,” he documented.
The next Literary Lunch features Matthew Spencer, who brings over two decades of journalistic experience at The Australian, where he served as Foreign News Editor and Opinion Editor. His reporting has taken him from Uganda to Kenya, and his work has also appeared in The Australian Financial Review and The Sydney Morning Herald. Now an acclaimed crime author, Spencer’s debut novel Black River showcases his sharp insight, real-world experience and storytelling prowess.
Tickets for the Matthew Spencer Literary Lunch are now available via The Epping Club’s website: More Information.