Dads are struggling to find their place — there’s a new supper club to help
Dads are struggling to find their place — there’s a new supper club to help
A Gathering for Fatherhood
Dads are struggling to find their - At Lopemede Farm in Oxfordshire, a group of 16 fathers gathered around a trestle table, ready to share a meal and exchange stories about their journeys as parents. The event, part of a novel initiative, offered a space for men to connect beyond the usual confines of work or home, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding.
The Birth of a Vision
Mark Briant, a self-taught chef and father of a six-month-old, organized this unique supper club. His motivation stemmed from a personal experience in 2024 when his daughter, Lucía, was born. Initially, he had imagined fatherhood as a romantic blend of cuddles, bonding, and playful moments, but reality quickly proved otherwise. “It was huge sleep deprivation,” Mark shared, highlighting the challenges of early parenthood.
“I had this very romantic view of what being a father was going to be like, all cuddles and giving my daughter the bottle and laughing, and actually, it was huge sleep deprivation.”
Lucía, who remains a “Mummy’s girl,” was reluctant to take a bottle and preferred breastfeeding. This left Mark feeling sidelined, as he struggled to contribute meaningfully to her care. The situation became even more isolating after he and his wife, Mar, relocated from London to Long Crendon during their first year as parents. The move, driven by rising living costs and a desire to be near family, meant they had to build a new social network from scratch.
Finding Balance and Connection
As the months passed, Mark began to notice the struggles of other fathers. He realized many lacked the confidence or skills to support their partners during the demanding early stages of parenting. This insight inspired the creation of Dads at the Table, a dual-purpose project designed to address both emotional and practical challenges.
The initiative includes a monthly supper club, where fathers can discuss their experiences in a relaxed setting, and cooking classes tailored to their needs. The classes cover freezer-friendly meal prep, nutrient-rich recipes, and strategies for supporting a partner during the fourth trimester. “For me, a home-cooked meal is one of the greatest acts of love you can show,” Mark explained. “It’s one of the most useful, generous things a man can do at home.”
“Even on shared parental leave, I found local parenting groups very focused on mums. That’s understandable, of course, but dads who are trying to step up and be equal parents need somewhere as well.”
Mark’s vision for the supper club extends beyond casual conversation. He emphasizes creating an environment where fathers can engage in meaningful dialogue, free from the superficiality of everyday topics. “All I ask is you talk a little bit deeper than just how bad the traffic is, or what the weather’s like at the moment,” he said. “Just get yourself a little bit out of your comfort zone, but apart from that, I want you to feel relaxed and enjoy a nice evening, speaking with dads.”
A Night of Connection
The first supper club featured a menu crafted by Mark and Mar, including a whipped feta starter, lamb shoulder main course, and pistachio tiramisu. As the fathers arrived, they were greeted with welcome drinks and a warm, informal atmosphere. Mark’s goal was to ensure participants felt comfortable, whether they were alone or with others.
One attendee, Roberts, a husband and parent of a two-year-old, attended solo. He described the event as a much-needed break from parenting responsibilities. “I just wanted to meet some like-minded men and have a well-deserved night off from parenting,” Roberts said. “It was cathartic to vent about the trials of looking after a toddler, the sleepless nights and tantrums, but also nice to have moments where we could just connect.”
“When I heard about it, honestly my main thought was: ‘Why wouldn’t I want to support it?’”
Mark’s fears about the event’s success were quickly dispelled. Despite initial worries about a stiff or awkward atmosphere, the gathering was lively and engaging. “What I was happiest about was how quickly everybody just got stuck into it,” he said, adding that he was still energized two weeks later. “Lots of guys came by themselves, which is daunting, and hats off to them for doing that.”
Addressing Isolation and Modern Fatherhood
The supper club highlights a broader trend: the increasing isolation many fathers face in today’s society. With modern parenting often centered around mothers, fathers are left navigating a complex role that requires both emotional and physical support. Mark’s initiative aims to bridge this gap, offering a space where men can share their unique challenges and celebrate their contributions.
By combining practical skills with emotional connection, Dads at the Table seeks to empower fathers. The cooking classes, for instance, not only provide a way to ease the burden on mothers but also help fathers gain confidence in their caregiving abilities. This dual approach reflects Mark’s belief in the importance of collaboration and mutual support within families.
As the supper club gains traction, it serves as a reminder that fatherhood in 2026 is as much about adaptability as it is about love. Mark’s journey from a self-taught chef to a community builder underscores the evolving role of men in parenting, challenging traditional norms and creating new opportunities for connection. His story is a testament to the idea that when fathers find their place, they can not only support their families but also thrive in their own right.
Building a New Community
Mark’s efforts have already sparked positive change, with participants expressing gratitude for the chance to share experiences and learn from one another. The success of the first event highlights the potential for such initiatives to become a vital part of the parenting landscape. As more fathers join, the hope is that Dads at the Table will grow into a nationwide movement, offering a sanctuary for men seeking to redefine their role in a rapidly changing world.
Through a blend of food, conversation, and shared purpose, the supper club provides a rare opportunity for fathers to feel seen and valued. It’s a space where the complexities of modern fatherhood—ranging from sleep deprivation to the pressure of balancing work and family—can be explored with empathy and understanding. As the community expands, Mark’s vision of fostering connection and support among fathers continues to take shape, one meal at a time.