Caterers provide more than just food; they foster a vibrant atmosphere at events. Conference News explores some of London’s most historic event caterers, those who have delivered bespoke, delicious, and visually stunning offerings for over a hundred years, if not more.
Payne & Gunter: Serving royalty, aristocracy and London’s elite
With a legacy spanning more than two centuries, Payne & Gunter is one of London’s most historic catering companies. Since its founding in 1786, the company has served royalty, aristocracy, and cultural institutions with quintessentially British hospitality.
Originally established to cater to London’s elite, Payne & Gunter’s status was firmly cemented during the Victorian era when it was appointed caterer to the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. This royal connection helped propel the company into high society, making it a fixture at banquets, exhibitions, and grand celebrations throughout the 19th century.
Now operating under Levy UK + Ireland, part of Compass Group, the brand continues to evolve while honouring its heritage, catering to some of the UK’s most high-profile events, from Royal Ascot and the BRIT Awards to exclusive private functions at iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall and Natural History Museum.
Searcys: The heart of London hospitality
Searcys was founded in 1847 by John Searcy who started as an apprentice to his uncle in Northumberland. His skill caught the attention of the Duchess of Northumberland, who appointed him private confectioner at Alnwick Castle in 1837, the same year Queen Victoria ascended the throne.
In 1847 Searcy relocated to London and established his business in Tyburnia (now Paddington) the following year.
By the 1860s, Searcy’s name was synonymous with society events. With the help of “ball furnishers,” Searcys became one of the first full-service event caterers, known then as a “rout furnisher”, offering not just cuisine but marquees, cutlery, glassware and event logistics.
Following his death in 1898, the business merged with George Tansley to form Searcys, Tansley and Company, becoming the largest catering operation of its kind in Britain. During World War II, Searcys adapted once more. Amid rationing and blackouts, it catered morale-boosting concerts at the National Gallery and even created ‘champagne substitutes’ for wartime celebrations using cider and gin.
Today, Searcys remains at the heart of British hospitality, operating in iconic venues such as The Gherkin, Blenheim Palace, and St Pancras International.
J. Lyons & Co.: The story of Britain’s original catering empire
Founded in 1884, J. Lyons & Co. was established by Joseph Lyons alongside brothers-in-law Isidore and Montague Gluckstein. The company’s roots were in large-scale catering for events such as the Newcastle Exhibition of 1887.
Their reputation for organisation and quality soon led to further contracts, and by 1894, they had opened their first teashop on Piccadilly, igniting a nationwide expansion. At its height, the company operated more than 200 teashops across the UK, offering affordable elegance to Britain’s growing middle class.
Lyons also introduced Corner Houses—lavish multi-storey restaurants complete with live orchestras, silver service, and the capacity to serve thousands daily. These venues quickly became social landmarks in cities like London, drawing customers from across the country.
The company catered to major national events, including royal garden parties at Buckingham Palace, the Chelsea Flower Show, Guildhall banquets, and Wimbledon, showcasing their expertise in high-end, large-scale event catering.
In 1978, the company was acquired by Allied Breweries, forming Allied Lyons. Over subsequent decades, various divisions of the business were sold off or closed, and the once-prominent J. Lyons & Co. name gradually disappeared from the catering landscape.
