Caterers offer more than just food. They develop a lively atmosphere at the event. Conference News explores London’s most historic event caterers, who have delivered delicious, visually amazing products for over 100 years.
Payne & Gunter: Serves royals, nobles and London elites
With legacy spanning over two centuries, Payne & Gunter is one of London’s most historic catering companies. Since its founding in 1786, the company has typically provided British hospitality to royals, aristocrats and cultural institutions.
Originally founded to cater to London’s elite, Payne & Gunter’s position solidified during the Victorian era when he was appointed Prince of Wales caterer. This royal connection helped promote the company into a higher society, and became a fixture for banquets, exhibitions and grand celebrations throughout the 19th century.
Now operating under Levy UK + Ireland, part of the Compass Group, the brand continues to evolve in honor of its heritage, serving the UK’s most famous events, from the Royal Ascott and Britt Awards to dedicated private features at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Museum of Natural History.
Searcys: London’s hospitality center
Searcys was founded in 1847 by John Searcy, who began as an apprentice to his uncle in Northumberland. His skills attracted the attention of the Duchess of Northumberland. The Duchess of Northumberland appointed him at Alnwick Castle in 1837, Queen Victoria took the throne.
In 1847, Sarcy moved to London and the following year he founded a business in Tyvernia (now Paddington).
By the 1860s, Sarcy’s name was synonymous with social events. With the help of “Ball Furnishers”, Searcys became one of the first full-service event caterers, known at the time as “Defeated Furniture.”
After his death in 1898, the business merged with George Tansley to form Sheasis, Tansley and the company, becoming the largest catering business in the UK. During World War II, Ciasis adapted once more. Amidst the distribution and power outage, he catered to a morale-boosting concert at the National Gallery, using cider and gin to create a “champagne alternative” for wartime celebrations.
Today, Shea Seas is located in the heart of British hospitality and operates at iconic venues such as Gherkin, Blenheim Palace and St. Pancras International.
J. Lyons & Co. : The story of the original British catering empire
Founded in 1884, J. Lyons & Co. was founded by Joseph Lyon along with his brothers in law, Isidore and Montague Gluckstein. The company’s roots lie in extensive catering for events such as the 1887 Newcastle exhibition.
Their reputation for organization and quality quickly led to further contracts, and by 1894 they opened their first tea shop in Piccadilly, igniting a nationwide expansion. At that height, the company operates over 200 tea shops across the UK, offering affordable elegance to the growing middle class in the UK.
The Lions also featured the Rabish Multistore restaurant, with the ability to provide live orchestras, silver services and thousands of services every day. These venues quickly became social landmarks in cities like London, attracting customers from all over the country.
The company has responded to major national events such as the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, the Chelsea Flower Show, Guildhall Banquet and Wimbledon, showing off its expertise in high-end, massive event catering.
In 1978, the company was acquired by Allied Breweries and formed Allied Lyons. Over the next decades, various divisions of the business were sold or closed, and the former famous J. Lyons & Co. The name gradually disappeared from the catering landscape.
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