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The classic Sunday roast is usually served with gravy – but graves are on the menu at one new lunch venue.

Gloucester Crematorium has started offering Sunday lunches due to popular demand.

Diners will be relieved to know that chefs at the Arbor restaurant at the crematorium have no access to the 1,000C cremators.

The innovative roast club idea was trialled last week and members of the public tucked into a menu of roast turkey and beef.

A member of staff came up with the novel idea because many of those who visit the centre are alone.

Until now, the Arbor was only open for mourners to have somewhere to get refreshments – or to hold a wake.

The idea is being trialled after staff asked customers if they would be interested in having a Sunday lunch at the restaurant.

The crematorium's first Sunday roast club, earlier this month, was enjoyed by 15 members of the public who booked two and three-course dinners.

One local resident said: "It seems a bit odd – and perhaps even slightly macabre – for them to be offering roast meat to people, given that their main business is to cremate bodies.

"I'm not sure I'd like to eat my Sunday roast in that environment really.

"It could be awkward complaining that meat is too well cooked or even burnt in such a restaurant."

A Gloucester city council spokesman said: "One member of the public who just came into The Willows tea room on Sunday, chose instead to have the roast dinner with his wife, and they are now coming back on a later date with their daughter with the possibility of a private booking for his family and friends for up to 40 people."

The Sunday Roast club started at The Arbor last weekend. It was open to the public from noon – 2pm . Prior to the day a £5 deposit is needed, along with the confirmation of the booking.

The Arbor incorporates the Mulberry Room, which has a licensed bar, and can accommodate 80 people.

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