Stag night 'is a right of passage'

A rowdy stag weekend away may not be everyone's idea of fun, but any groom about to enter into married life should be treated to a get-together of some kind, it has been claimed.

Writing for the Independent, journalist Rachel Shields said no best man worth his salt should let his friend tie the knot without first celebrating his final night of freedom.

"Don't believe the groom if he insists that he doesn't want a stag night: it's a rite of passage and you will have failed your friend if you don't organise at least a token send-off," she stated.

While a pub full of strippers or a messy weekend in Prague may not be to everyone's tastes, she said "a nod to tradition" is fine in the run-up to the big day.

If the groom would rather avoid the sticky-floored nightclubs and enjoy a good whisky, then a classy get-together with a small group of friends could be the ideal solution, she added.

Alternatively, those with a taste for all things luxurious may head to Oxford's Lambert Arms pub, which offers punters spa treatment and Michelin-starred quality food as well as booze on tap.