Foodservice Cateys 2025: Front of House Team of the Year – Lexington Reception Services at Lloyd’s of London

The judges were thoroughly impressed by Lexington Reception Services at Lloyd’s of London for its exceptional understanding of customer experience and a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation.

The 16-strong team delivered an outstanding performance under the guidance of front of house manager Ashley Pereira and head liveried waiter Paul Warden. The team submitted close to 20 client testimonials demonstrating their steadfast commitment to guest experience, with one client stating that their event “really couldn’t have gone any better”, and another praising the “professionalism, warmth and kindness” of the staff.

A special feature of this particular front of house team is its liveried waiters, who function in a way similar to hotel concierges. The liveried waiters have a 330-year history at Lloyd’s. The business dates back to 1688, when it was Edward Lloyd’s coffee house, a place where people came to drink coffee and also conduct maritime business, selling insurance to ship owners should their ships not return from a voyage. Lexington Reception Services has kept that tradition alive, ensuring the waiters not only continue to wear their navy blue livery with a red flash, but also treat their clients with the same level of attention and care.

The liveried waiters do everything for the guest, including conducting historical tours of the building, polishing silver and even signing certificates with a feather quill. The team recently increased its head-count of liveried waiters from three to four in response to rising demand for the tours, which cover highlights such as the Nelson Collection of artefacts and memorabilia associated with Lord Nelson, the expansive Underwriting Room, the Lutine Bell, salvaged from the wreck of Lloyd’s-insured ship the HMS Lutine, and 18th-century dining room the Adam Room in a 75-minute tour.

Moreover, they have hosted multiple high-profile events at Lloyd’s over the past year, including a Remembrance Service in partnership with the Royal British Legion and events with astronaut Tim Peake and actor Idris Elba.

The liveried waiters are so integral to the culture of the front of house team at Lloyd’s of London that when a retiring individual leaves their desk, fellow liveried waiters signal the Clap Out, an occasion where everyone in the room stands and applauds to express their thanks to long-serving employees. This ritual has generated enquiries from clients, who often want to participate, and boosted business opportunities across the group as people look to book farewell events at Lloyd’s Coffee House or the One Under Lime bar.

Earlier this year, the team also launched a bespoke award to celebrate the liveried waiters, who continue to inspire the entire front of house operation. For example, Janice Stewart was recognised for completing more than 200 building tours, while John Eatough was honoured for ringing the Lutine Bell during ceremonies.

The team are always learning, too. Pereira went out of his way this year to organise staff visits to prestigious London hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Hyatt Regency in an effort to understand luxury hospitality in hotels. The judges agreed that Lexington Reception Services has achieved something remarkable at Lloyd’s of London.

Judges’ comments

“This was a strong team with an exceptional understanding of the customer experience and the innovative value-add of historical tours.” Tracey Smith

Shortlist

• Bennett Hay at GPE
• Lexington Reception Services at Lloyd’s of London
• Rapport Front of House Team at Broadgate

See previous winners of the award