London-based event caterer Dinner Ladies wins first exclusive venue contract

London-based event caterer Dinner Ladies has secured its first exclusive venue contract with the Apothecaries’ Hall in the City of London.

The Camden-based caterer’s first solo contract is valued at £5m over the term, and will see Dinner ladies provide catering for all events at the historic venue.

The venue has five event spaces ranging in size from the Great Hall, which hosts receptions for 200 and dinners for 120, to ‘the shop’ where receptions are hosted for 50.

Dinner Ladies was founded by Lily Cai and Emily Plunket 10 years ago, and evolved from a successful supper club concept, that saw the pair serve "playfully punchy Asian-inspired menus".

Managing director Cai said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded such a prestigious venue as our first sole site.

“We are very proud to be working with the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries and bringing our fresh approach to Livery dining in the City.

“We can’t wait to introduce fresh, unique flavours into formal dining and celebrate with dishes and ingredients that fit today’s ever evolving events market.”

Nick Royle, clerk to the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries, added: “We are very pleased to be working with Dinner Ladies – City catering can be seen as staid and traditional, and the energy and excitement that Lily, Emily and the team bring to their food and service marks a major change both for us, and for the wider City dining experience.”

As well as its first solo contract, Dinner Ladies is a listed caterer at London landmarks including the Saatchi Gallery, Battersea Arts Centre and Young V&A.