A “stag” fundraising luncheon promoted as such by The Lords’ Taverners disappointed some diners who noted the presence of women at the men-only events having told their own partners and girl friends they would be unable to take them.

According to Lords’ Taverners chief executive Matthew Pattern the women present at the event included the female head of fundraising and communications who had invited a number of important donors, as well as other female staff who would always be in attendance at men-only functions.