The largest number of Liverymen, in living memory, nearly 200 in a single sitting, enjoyed the celebration of the re-opening of Butchers’ Hall at the September Court Lunch held on Friday 6th.
Such was the feeling of fellowship and camaraderie amongst Liverymen in the Hall it felt as if we’d never been away.
The versatility of the City of London’s newest event venue was tested to the limit - and came through with flying colours.
Liverymen experienced the facilities of the Roof Garden and the ground floor Reception area while enjoying the Dumenil Champagne kindly sponsored by Past Master Mark Adams.
No sooner was lunch called than Liverymen excitedly took their places in the Great Hall and Court Suite, back in the familiar surroundings of the Vestry Tapestry and the Queen Mother’s portrait, looking forward to sumptuous fare prepared and expertly served by venue management partners Life’s Kitchen.
The main course of Sirloins of Aged Herefordshire Beef, arranged by Liveryman Paul Shipp on behalf of Dunbia was complemented perfectly by the Austin Bailey Malbec Reserve 2015 donated by Liveryman James Austin from the family vineyard in Argentina.
The AV facilities came to the fore as speeches made in the Great Hall were simultaneously broadcast in the Court Suite with the competition for loudest applause and longest laughs carrying on throughout the proceedings.
Liveryman Peter Allen proposed the toast to Colonel Hugo Grant, Deacon of the Fleshers of Glasgow, and our first guest at the “new” Butchers’ Hall, who responded appropriately.
The lunch time draws, now traditional at Court Lunch were met with tremendous enthusiasm with a record sum being raised for the refurbished Hall.
Comments aplenty were forthcoming about the comfort and versatility of the specially designed furniture with Liverymen making the most of their opportunity on the day, to “get their name on a chair”…. proof, if any was needed … of their comfort!
There are still opportunities for Liverymen to get in on the action and sponsor their own ‘Smithfield’ chairs. For information please contact the Office or click here.
This was indeed a special day in the history of the Worshipful Company of Butchers on a very special day at Butchers’ Hall.
Court Lunches and exciting Livery events
Butchers' Hall is now re-open, so come and enjoy our famous Court Lunch in wonderful surroundings and see what other events are listed on our calendar for you to book.
Sponsor a 'Smithfield' chair
Liverymen have the chance to add their name to Butchers' Hall by sponsoring a new 'Smithfield' chair and supporting the refurbishment fund.
Hire Butchers' Hall
Not only are the “Butchers home”, but a sensational new venue has now been added in the heart of the exciting Barts Square development.