A British Summer Garden Party

Reminiscent of the great Oxford days with Summer VIIIs, JCR garden parties and commemoration balls, the Oxford Society Munich decided that a proper British Garden Party was needed to cure our own nostalgia. After the Brexit hangover, we realized that we missed the unique flair of colourful ties, blazers and dresses as much as the staple ingredients like strawberries and PIMMs; the tastes and the merriment that make garden parties in England so special. Luckily Café Tambosi provided a most suitable venue in Munich’s largest quad – the Hofgarten with its cloisters and chestnut trees. It managed to recreate that feeling of tranquillity and well-kept greenery of an Oxford college in Trinity term.

The weather played its part in being very British: changing from rain showers to sunshine back to rainshowers. Marquees do not seem to be a thing here but will surely have to go on the planning list for next year’s party: supplier recommendations in Germany are very welcome. Also the Italian waiters seemed to have taken an expert course in “how to serve PIMMs and lemonade in a perfectly British manner” – and provided more than 60 guests with great service and entertainment.  Other than that the Oxford Summer Garden Party was a great success, with record sign-up numbers, fantastic food and active mingling between all age groups (and even a number of courageous Cantabrigans) – again showing the continued strength of the Oxford bond, holding strong even after many years of leaving.

The Munich Oxford Society will definitely continue to bring this flair to Bavaria, and thanks all members for their active participation in our little English bubble.